As society evolves over the years, so must insurance policies. These changes are led primarily by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), an organization that constructs, alters, and files new or changed policies and endorsements with the states. Many insurance companies use ISOs suggestions, although some others alter policies and endorsements as they see fit. This article applies to Personal Auto policies (PAPs) in many, but not all states. Check with us to see whether it applies to you.

In June last year, a revised PAP became effective in most states. The old policy was a trap for married couples who decided to separate, since insurance tends to be the last thing theyre thinking about.

Now if a spouse who is unnamed on the PAP moves out of the family residence, he or she is covered for 90 days, or until a new PAP is purchased or the original policy expires. Separation or divorce always requires a review of the couples insurance.

And in light of the increased use of vans, leased vehicles, and pickups in place of private cars, insurers are giving them new attention. Vans and pickups now clearly fit under a PAP, as do autos that are leased for six months or longer. If you rent a non-owned pickup or a van while on a business trip, your Liability insurance probably covers it now.

Here’s another change: The PAP has modified the exclusion of vehicles with fewer than four wheels. Now in some states, it covers non-owned golf carts for liability even if people are using it only to ramble around at a county fair.

Although the PAP provides some coverage (maybe $500) for damage to a non-owned trailer, damage to owned trailers, camper bodies, motor homes, and their facilities and equipment is still unprotected. To insure them, you must notify our agency or the insurance company within 14 days of acquisition. Motor homes require immediate notice.

Coverage for sound reproducing equipment such as radios, tape decks, CD players, and their accessories has changed considerably. Coverage for damage or theft of this equipment is limited to $1,000 unless its permanently installed in the place intended by the manufacturer for such equipment.

Thus the CD player set in the spot the manufacturer designed for radios is covered for any amount, but huge speakers installed where the back seat used to be are limited to $1,000 coverage. This limit can be raised by endorsement.

TVs, videotape recorders, and the other electronic equipment that people are bolting into their SUVs and vans will require an endorsement to be covered for damage. Tapes, records, discs, and other media are covered for damage and theft only by endorsement and then only for $200, since theyre too susceptible to loss to receive much coverage.

If any of these changes affect you, call our experts on Personal Auto protection.