Duke's K9 Dash N' Splash, LLC v. Zizka

**Duke's K9 Dash N' Splash v. Vermont Mutual Insurance: Court Rules on Auto Insurance Coverage** This case involved a dispute between Duke's K9 Dash N' Splash (a dog daycare business) and Vermont Mutual Insurance Company over car insurance coverage. The business claimed their insurance should cover something called "diminution in value" damages - essentially when a vehicle loses value even after being repaired following an accident. The business sued the insurance company for breach of contract and violations of Massachusetts consumer protection laws. The court sided with Vermont Mutual Insurance Company, granting summary judgment in their favor. The judge ruled that the standard Massachusetts auto insurance policy does not cover diminution in value damages. All of the business's claims against the insurance company were dismissed. This ruling matters for workers because it clarifies what standard auto insurance policies will and won't cover. If you're in an accident with a company vehicle or your own car used for work, don't expect your insurance to pay for the reduced resale value of your vehicle after repairs. This type of damage isn't covered under typical auto policies, so workers should understand these limitations when dealing with vehicle accidents and consider whether additional coverage might be needed.