租车发生交通事故，保险公司 能否因“车辆性质改变”拒赔？

Core Viewpoint - The case highlights the complexities of insurance liability in the context of car rentals, emphasizing the need for insurance companies to conduct thorough due diligence and adapt to the evolving landscape of shared economy services [1][2][4]. Group 1: Case Details - On January 6, 2024, an accident occurred involving a rented vehicle, resulting in injuries and damages, with the driver found primarily at fault [1]. - The injured party incurred medical expenses totaling 47,311.40 yuan and was assessed with a 9th-degree disability, leading to a total claim of over 250,000 yuan [1][3]. - The insurance company argued that the vehicle's use had changed from non-commercial to commercial, thus denying liability under the commercial insurance policy [1]. Group 2: Court Ruling - The court rejected the insurance company's defense, stating that the insurer should have been aware of the vehicle's potential rental use when underwriting the policy [2]. - The court ruled that the insurance company could not deny coverage based on the change in vehicle usage, as it had not clearly defined the operational nature of the vehicle at the time of underwriting [2]. - The final judgment mandated the insurance company to compensate the injured party a total of 254,024.78 yuan, with the driver responsible for an additional 4,240.72 yuan [3][4]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The case serves as a warning for insurance companies to enhance their due diligence processes, especially when dealing with bulk insurance applications from rental companies [4]. - There is a growing need for innovative insurance products tailored to the car rental industry, moving beyond traditional definitions of commercial and non-commercial use [4]. - The case underscores the importance of compliance and transparency from rental companies regarding insurance coverage and the necessity for renters to verify insurance details before renting a vehicle [4].