Insurance 101 - Broadform Named Operator Coverage
Many people have never heard about Broadform Named Operator policies. One reason is that Washington is one of the few states that allow this kind of policy. So, what’s different about Broadform Named Operator Coverage?
Unlike most auto insurance, where you buy insurance on your specific car(s), Broadform Named Operator Coverage provides insurance on a specific driver.
You pay the same amount whether you own one car, four cars, or even more cars. You don’t even have to call your agent when you buy, sell, or trade cars, because no cars are listed on your policy.
Broadform Named Operator Coverage satisfies the state insurance requirement by covering bodily injury or property damage you cause to others while YOU are driving a car, whether you own the car or not.
Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury and Personal Injury Protection may also be purchased.
You cannot buy coverage for physical damage to your own vehicles.
An SR-22 filing (for those who need to prove they have insurance to the state) can also be added to the Broadform Named Operator policy.
Some important things to understand before purchasing:
- You, and only you, are covered while driving a car you own or have permission to use.
- You are not covered if you let someone else drive a car you own. (But you will be held legally responsible)
- You are not covered while driving a motorcycle, motor home, or while driving for business use.
- You are not covered for any physical damage that happens to a car you own or drive.
- If another policy provides coverage on the car you are driving, Broadform Named Operator Coverage will be excess (secondary) of that coverage.
This information is a summary only. Please refer to the actual policy for complete detail of all policy terms, conditions, coverages, and exclusions.
Boy this broadform definition sounded familiar!! No wonder, it was my direct verbage from the BF brochures I wrote for Viking & Unitrin. Glad to see I left my mark in the industry. Tom
Comment by Tom Stock — November 15, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
Yes, I am sure much of the wording is based on the Viking and Unitrin forms we have used in the office. I should update this post to include some of the new wording we use on the disclaimer we currently use in the office. It gives more examples of situations that would not be covered.
Hope all is going well!
Comment by YeOleImposter — November 17, 2008 @ 10:42 pm
What is the legal authority for Broad Form Named Operator Policies? My agent said I have to list all vehicles on the policy. Thanks. T
Comment by Tom McCowan — February 9, 2009 @ 2:36 pm
The legal authority is that a broadform is a type of policy that the state of Washington allows. Your agent probably is a ‘captive’ agent that only knows what his company has taught him. Most of the captive companies don’t write broadform policies so their agents don’t think they exist.
Comment by YeOleImposter — February 10, 2009 @ 9:26 am