1. Forms
2. DL
3. DL-24-82

What the Form Is

The DL 24 82 Personal Injury Coverage endorsement is designed to broaden the scope of liability protection offered under a dwelling policy or other personal liability forms. It achieves this by expanding the definition of "bodily injury" to encompass "personal injury." This means the policy will provide coverage for liability arising from a range of offenses committed by an insured, including: false arrest, detention, or imprisonment; malicious prosecution; libel, slander, or defamation of character; invasion of privacy; wrongful eviction; and wrongful entry.

Classes of Business It Applies To

This endorsement is typically used in personal lines insurance, most commonly with Dwelling Policy (DP) programs when a personal liability supplement (like the DL 24 01) is attached. It is particularly relevant for:

• Landlords: Owners of 1-4 family rental dwellings who carry a dwelling policy can add this endorsement to protect against claims like wrongful eviction or invasion of a tenant's privacy. For example, a landlord might face a lawsuit if they are accused of unlawfully entering a tenant's apartment or making defamatory statements about a former tenant.
• Individual Insureds: While often associated with rental exposures, individuals may also benefit from this coverage for non-business-related personal injury claims.

Special Considerations

• Optional Coverage: This is not a standard coverage and must be specifically added to the policy by endorsement, likely involving an additional premium.
• Distinction from Bodily Injury: It's crucial to understand that "personal injury" as defined in this endorsement is different from the standard "bodily injury" (physical harm, sickness, or disease). This endorsement covers a specific list of intentional torts that are not typically covered under basic liability.
• Comparison to DL 34 12: There is a similar endorsement, DL 34 12 Personal Injury Coverage (Aggregate Limit of Liability). The key difference is that DL 34 12 includes an aggregate limit for personal injury claims, whereas DL 24 82 typically subjects claims to the per occurrence limit of the policy's Coverage L (Personal Liability), though policy terms should always be verified.
• Exclusions: As with any coverage, specific exclusions will apply. For instance, personal injury arising out of business pursuits or criminal acts committed by or at the direction of the insured are common exclusions.

Key Information for Agents and Underwriters

• Agents: Agents should discuss this coverage option with clients who have dwelling policies, especially landlords, to ensure they understand their potential personal injury exposures and how this endorsement can provide valuable protection. Clearly explaining the types of offenses covered (e.g., libel, slander, wrongful eviction) can help clients see the value.
• Underwriters: When evaluating the addition of this endorsement, underwriters should consider the insured's activities and potential for personal injury claims. For landlords, factors like tenant screening practices, eviction procedures, and the number of rental units could be relevant. Pricing should reflect the broadened coverage. While it expands coverage, it's for specific named perils, which helps define the scope of the additional risk.
• Coverage Gaps: Without this endorsement, insureds with a standard dwelling liability policy would likely have a significant gap in coverage for claims arising from personal injury offenses.