Ri$k Happens: Rock you

May. 15, 2022 - By Angela Cady, AIC - Loss Analyst, ARA Insurance

The rental store owner noted the grass in the lot around his rental store was growing quickly. They had experienced frequent rain showers that week. He liked to do the maintenance himself, so he got out the mower and started to work.

A woman pulled up to a stop light in front of the rental store. She was listening to music on her way to work, looking ahead at the red light when she heard a large thud. She had no idea what caused the sound. She quickly pulled over and got out to investigate. She found a large dent in the side of her car and a small chunk of concrete near where the sound had happened.

As soon as she pulled over, the rental store owner came over. Too late to do anything about it, he had seen the mower shoot out the small chunk which must have been displaced from the parking area. They exchanged information and there wer3 no injuries. The rental store owner submitted a claim through his insurance company. The claim will be adjusted according to the policy language once the investigation is complete.

Accidents happen. Mitigate the chances by always inspecting for stones, branches and other projectiles prior to any mowing and avoid mowing over gravel.

This item, provided by ARA Insurance, Overland Park, Kan., contains safety tips and is intended to help readers better understand and manage risk. For more safety and risk management information, customers of ARA Insurance can log on to ReSource. Access is free, so if you haven’t signed up yet, contact your agent or call 800-821-6580.