Tenant’s Insurer Not Liable For Subrogated Home Fire Claim Arising From Vehicle Repair

A subrogated fire claim — arising from a tenant repairing his vehicle at home — is excluded from the tenant’s home policy because the fire arose from “use” of a motor vehicle, an Ontario court recently ruled. In June, 2007, Ian Horsefield was repairing the brake line on his vehicle in the garage attached to the Prescott, Ont. home that he was renting from his parents. The gas tank fell from the car and a fire broke out, causing major damage. Horsefield’s parents insured their home with North Waterloo Mutual Farmers Insurance Company. Horsefield had tenant’s insurance from Economical Mutual.