Is the Bang Cookies franchisee's insurance policy required to be primary over the Franchisor's?
Bang_Cookies Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Franchisee must procure and maintain in full force at all times during the Term of this Agreement, at Franchisee's sole expense, on a primary rather than a participatory basis with Franchisor, an insurance policy or policies protecting Franchisee as named insured and naming, as additional insureds, Franchisor, Franchisor's affiliates, Franchisor's successors and assigns, and the officers, directors, shareholders, partners, agents, representatives, independent contractors and employees of Franchisor against any demand or claim with respect to personal injury, death or property damage, or any loss, liability or expense whatsoever arising or occurring upon or in connection with the Franchised Business. The policy or policies must be written by a responsible carrier or carriers with an AM Best Rating of at least A-, VII and reasonably acceptable to Franchisor.
The currently required insurance policies, insurance coverage requirements, and insurance coverage amounts are designated and set forth in the operations manual. Franchisor may, in Franchisor's Reasonable Business Judgment, periodically change the amounts of coverage required under such insurance policies and require different or additional kinds of insurance at any time, including excess liability insurance, to reflect inflation, identification of new risks, changes in law or standards of liability, higher damage awards or other relevant changes in circumstances. Notwithstanding the immediately foregoing sentence, Franchisor shall not increase such minimum coverage more than once every two years. All public liability and property damages policies must contain a provision that Franchisor is entitled to recover under these policies on any loss occasioned to Franchisor, Franchisor's affiliates, Franchisor's successors and assigns, and the officers, directors, shareholders, members, owners, partners, agents, representatives, independent contractors, and employees of Franchisor by reason of the negligence of Franchisee and/or Franchisee's officers, directors, shareholders, members, owners, partners, agents, representatives, independent contractors, and employees.
By the earlier of 90 days after the Effective Date or prior to the commencement of the Training Program, Franchisee must deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Franchisor a copy of the certificates of insurance demonstrating Franchisee's compliance with this Article 8. All insurance policies required must expressly provide that no less than 30 days' prior written notice shall be given to Franchisor in the event of a material alteration to, or cancellation of, any insurance policy Franchisee is required to maintain in accordance with this Agreement.
In the event Franchisee fails, for any reason, to procure or maintain the insurance required by this Agreement, then Franchisor has the right and authority (but not the obligation) to immediately procure insurance and charge all costs, fees, and expenses associated with same to Franchisee, which such charges, together with a reasonable administrative fee for Franchisor's expenses in so acting, shall be immediately payable by Franchisee to Franchisor upon demand. The foregoing remedies are in addition to any other remedies Franchisor may have under this Agreement, at law, or in equity.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 56–245)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Bang Cookies's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is required to maintain an insurance policy that is primary to any insurance held by Bang Cookies. This means that in the event of a claim, the franchisee's insurance policy will be the first one used to cover any costs or liabilities.
Specifically, the franchisee must obtain and maintain this insurance at their own expense throughout the term of the franchise agreement. The policy must protect the franchisee as the named insured and also name Bang Cookies, its affiliates, successors, assigns, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, agents, representatives, independent contractors, and employees as additional insureds. This coverage is intended to protect against any claims related to personal injury, death, property damage, or any loss, liability, or expense arising from the operation of the Bang Cookies franchised business.
The insurance policy must be written by a carrier with an AM Best Rating of at least A-, VII and be reasonably acceptable to Bang Cookies. The specific types of insurance policies, coverage requirements, and coverage amounts are detailed in the Bang Cookies operations manual, which Bang Cookies may update periodically to reflect changes in risks, laws, or liability standards. However, Bang Cookies cannot increase the minimum coverage more than once every two years. Franchisees must provide Bang Cookies with certificates of insurance within 90 days of the Effective Date or before starting the Training Program, and policies must provide at least 30 days' notice to Bang Cookies before any material alteration or cancellation.
If a franchisee fails to maintain the required insurance, Bang Cookies has the right, but not the obligation, to procure insurance on the franchisee's behalf and charge the franchisee for all associated costs and fees, including an administrative fee. This is in addition to any other remedies Bang Cookies may have under the franchise agreement or at law. This requirement ensures that both the franchisee and Bang Cookies are adequately protected against potential liabilities and financial losses related to the operation of the franchise.