Why Might a Business use a Waiver of Subrogation

The term Subrogation refers to the right of an insurer (insurance carrier) to pursue an insurance loss to the insured (the person or entity being insured) in an attempt to recover funds paid in a claim. Conventional Subrogation refers to a relationship between the insured and insurer as defined in an insurance contract. A Waiver of Subrogation is a provision in a contract where an insured waives the right of their insurance carrier to seek reimbursement or seek compensation for losses from a negligent third party. A Waiver of Subrogation is between two parties where one party agrees to waive subrogation rights against another in the event of a loss. A Waiver of Subrogation can be used on a General Liability, Auto Liability, Umbrella Liability and Workers Compensation.

What does it mean to waive your rights?

A waiver of subrogation is issued when one party within an insurance claim wants to relinquish the right of subrogation for damages paid out in a claim. Most of the time a waiver of subrogation is entered into between two businesses or a business and a contractor. When it comes to the workers compensation system the claim goes entirely on the insureds insurance history and will increase the experience modification rating of that business. The waiver is most frequently entered in to in order for one entity to force the other entity to not allow the insurance company of the insured to come after the other party within the insurance claim for damages that were the fault of that business or its employees. It is usually a requirement for a contract and the waiver gives a business the peace of mind they will not be held liable for damages if they are somehow partially responsible for a loss.

How do I obtain a waiver of subrogation?

Most insurance carriers accommodate a waiver of subrogation on most insurance policies. They are most commonly agreed upon with in General Liability, Auto Liability, Umbrella Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance. When engaged in to, the waiver increases the exposure of the insurer which may lead to a higher insurance premium. Before entering into a waiver, it is important to evaluate the probability that employees being injured while on the job. Additionally, it is important to consider whether your employees may be placed in situations where they could be injured themselves offsite due to the negligence of another third party.

Examples of Waiver of Subrogation

Construction Project

When a construction project requires adding on to an existing property. The engineers, architects, and construction company may want a waiver of subrogation for damages caused by the design and construction of the existing property.

Commercial Cleaning Company

A commercial cleaning company may be required to sign a waiver of subrogation in order to enter into a contract with a corporation to clean their property after hours. An example of where this might be necessary is if a cleaning company employee is injured on the property of the corporation they are cleaning, the insurance company of the cleaning company cannot sue the corporation for damages that caused the injury to the employee.

Landlord Tenant Agreements

When a Landlord is renting out a property to a tenant, it may require a two way agreement where both parties give up subrogation rights. The waiver subrogates rights against each other in the event of some kind of loss like damage to the building or fire.