What section of the City Publications Franchise Agreement specifies the franchisee's obligations for insurance?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
e to the claim, exclusive of any postage or other distribution costs. Franchisor shall not be liable to Franchisee for loss or damage to Franchisee's property for any reason while same is in the possession of the Franchisor. Franchisee shall keep a copy of all materials submitted to Franchisor.
SECTION 16. INSURANCE
A. Types & Amounts of Coverage
Franchisee shall procure, at its sole expense and maintain in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement, the following insurance naming Franchisor as additional insured and/or loss payee, in addition to any other insurance that may be required by applicable law, any lender or landlord. In addition, each insurance policy shall contain a waiver of all subrogation rights against Franchisor and its successors and assigns.
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- Comprehensive general public liability insurance against claims for bodily and personal injury, death and property damage caused by or occurring in conjunction with the operation of the Franchised Business, or Franchisee's conduct of business pursuant to this Agreement providing minimum liability coverage for claims, as specified by Franchisor from time to time; currently the minimum is One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00).
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- "All Risk" coverage insurance on all contents including inventory, furniture, fixtures, equipment, supplies and other property used in the operation of the Franchised Business for full "replacement cost" coverage.
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- Workers' Compensation that complies with the statutory requirements of the state in which the Franchised Business is located and employer liability coverage with a One Hundred Thousand Dollar ($100,000.00) minimum limit or, if greater, the statutory minimum limit if required by state law.
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- Automobile Liability Insurance for owned, hired and non-owned vehicles with a combined single limit of at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00).
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- General property damage insurance, including fire and extended coverage, vandalism and malicious mischief insurance.
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- Such insurance as necessary to provide coverage under the indemnity provisions set forth in Section 22.B. of this Agreement.
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- Such trucking, shipping, freight or F.O.B. insurance coverage as is necessary to provide coverage for any loss or damage to direct mail advertisement pieces in transit. Franchisor and its Affiliates are not liable for losses resulting from the damage to or loss of materials or services provided in excess of the replacement costs of the materials or services.
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- Business interruption insurance in amounts and with terms acceptable to Franchisor.
B. Carrier Standards
Such policy or policies shall be written by an insurance company licensed in the state in which Franchisee operates and having at least an "A" Rating Classification as indicated in A.M. Best's Key Rating Guide in accordance with standards and specifications set forth in the Manual.
C. Evidence of Coverage
Franchisee's obligation to obtain and maintain the foregoing policy or policies shall not be limited in any way by reason of any insurance which may be maintained by Franchisor, nor shall Franchisee's performance of that obligation relieve it of liability under the indemnity provisions set forth in Section 22.B of this Agreement. Franchisee agrees to provide annually a certificate of insurance showing compliance with the foregoing requirements. Such certificate shall state that said policy or policies shall not be canceled or altered without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to Franchisor and shall reflect
proof of payment of premiums.
D. Failure to Maintain Coverage
Should Franchisee, for any reason,
Source: Item 9 — FRANCHISEE'S OBLIGATIONS (FDD pages 18–19)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Section 16 of the Franchise Agreement outlines the franchisee's insurance obligations. This section mandates that the franchisee, at their own expense, must maintain specific insurance coverages throughout the term of the agreement. These policies must name City Publications as an additional insured and/or loss payee and include a waiver of subrogation rights against City Publications and its successors.
The required insurance includes comprehensive general public liability insurance with minimum liability coverage as specified by City Publications, currently at least $1,000,000.00. Additionally, franchisees must secure "All Risk" coverage for the full replacement cost of all contents used in the business operation, workers' compensation insurance meeting state statutory requirements with a minimum employer liability coverage of $100,000.00 (or the statutory minimum if greater), automobile liability insurance with a combined single limit of at least $1,000,000.00, general property damage insurance, coverage for indemnity provisions outlined in Section 22.B, trucking/shipping insurance for direct mail advertisement pieces in transit, and business interruption insurance acceptable to City Publications.
The FDD also specifies that insurance policies must be written by a company licensed in the franchisee's state of operation with at least an "A" Rating Classification as per A.M. Best's Key Rating Guide, following standards in the Manual. Franchisees must provide annual certificates of insurance to City Publications, ensuring at least thirty days' written notice before any policy cancellation or alteration, and proof of premium payments.
Failure to maintain the required insurance gives City Publications the right, but not the obligation, to procure the necessary coverage and charge the costs, along with a reasonable fee, to the franchisee. This section ensures that both the franchisee and City Publications are protected against potential liabilities and losses during the franchise term.