General Insurance PrinciplesQuestion 184 of 474

An agent whose appointment has ended keeps the insurer's sign in his window and writes a policy for a customer who knows nothing of it. Coverage may still exist under:

a.apparent authority, created by how the insurer let things look
b.express authority, as spelled out in the written agency contract
c.implied authority, needed to carry out that express authority fully
d.assumed authority, taken on by the agent without any basis

Explanation

Apparent authority arises from the principal's own conduct: leaving signage, forms and supplies in place lets a reasonable customer believe the agent still speaks for the insurer. Express authority is what the agency contract states in writing, and implied authority covers the incidental acts needed to exercise it, such as maintaining an office. Neither describes authority the insurer allowed to appear after ending the appointment.

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