Stephen knocked Margaret down twice over a three-day time period. Margaret was injured and eventually died from the injuries. Margaret's family sued Stephen for the injuries.

Stephen had coverage under a farmowners policy. However, the insurance company refused to defend or provide coverage because the policy excluded Stephen's intentional actions.

However, this wasn't the end of the case. Before Stephen entered the residential facility where the injury occurred, a court ordered guardian had been appointed for him because of his dementia. The question for the court was whether or not a dementia patient's actions could be considered intentional.

Click here to see how the courts addressed this important question.

The definition of insured in the farmowners policy includes only those relatives who live in the residence and students temporarily living away from the residence while attending school. What happens if an elderly family member must be permanently moved to a care facility? Insurance Services Office (ISO) endorsement FP 05 24–Assisted Living Care Coverage covers both property and the liability exposures for that family member.

Click here to review a description of the numerous endorsements available in the ISO Farm Program.

Family farms may appear very stable but, like a slow moving river, there can be considerable activity just below the surface. The homestead location may not change but family members who reside in the homestead and other dwellings on the premises may change. Older members of the family may move into town or into a nursing facility. Younger members may be away at school, in the service, or be renting a location away from the homestead.

It is important to check in with the family periodically to determine who is where. You might discover the need for a new policy or an additional coverage.

Click here to review the Producer's Personal Lines Risk Evaluation System Farmowners/Homeowners General Client Information Questionnaire.

There are farms and there are farms! Some homeowners may not even realize that they own and operate a farm and could benefit from a farmowners policy. They may consider their gardening and livestock operations as mere hobbies but their exposure is very real. The farmowners policy might provide much needed coverage at a modest cost.

Click here to review an emarketing article you might want to post on your website or send in your newsletter to have your clients consider possible exposure gaps.