A commentary on insurance coverage issues in Hawaii and beyond
The federal district court denied cross motions seeking to establish whether the policy covered damage due to smells in the insureds’ newly purchased home. Akina v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Ins. Co., 2026 U.S Dist. LEXIS 162817 (W. D. Wash. July 22, 2026).
Plaintiffs bought a home in May 2024 but never conducted…
Reversing the trial court’s grant of summary judgment to the insurer, the Wisconsin Supreme Court determined that genuine issues of material fact existed on whether ensuing losses as defined in the policy were covered. Cincinnati Ins. Co. v. Ropicky, 2026 Wisc. LEXIS 302 (Wis. July 7, 2026).
The insured suffered damage during a storm on…
The Sixth Circuit affirmed the district court’s finding that numerous lawsuits against the insured for distribution of peanut butter with salmonella contamination triggered one occurrence that meant one retained limit was applicable. J.M. Smucker Co. v. Ace Am ins. Co., 2026 U.S. App. LEXIS 19304 (6th Cir. July 1, 2026).
Smucker made food products…
The Sixth Circuit found that the insured’s loss of property due to fire was covered despite noncompliance with an endorsement requiring encompassing the property. 3371 Reading, LLC v. Liberty Mut Group, Inc., et al., 2026 U.S. App. LEXIS 19156 (6th Cir. June 29, 2026).
The insured, 3371 Reading, owned a building undergoing renovation. After…
In a dispute among insurers for various defendants in the underlying case regarding the providing of a defense, the Second Circuit vacated, in part, the district court’s judgment and remanded the case. New Your Marine and Gen. Ins. Co. v. Fed. Ins. Co., 2026 U.S. App. LEXIS 18087 (2nd Cir. June 23, 2026).
Mary…
The federal district court granted the insured’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed the insurer’s claims of misrepresentation against the insured. Colony Ins. Co. v. Oz Solutions, et al., 2026 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 138034 (S.D. N.Y. June 22, 2026).
Oz Solutions contracted with Danya Cebus Construction LLC to “supply skilled temporary workers to give…
The Washington Court of Appeals found the insurer was exposed to extracontractual damages after paying Under Insured Motorist (UIM) benefits. Labeaume v. First Nat’l Ins. Co. of Am., 2026 Wash. App. LEXIS 1336 (Wash. Ct. App. June 16, 2026).
Jane Labeaume was injured in a car crash with another vehicle. The driver of the…
In a dispute between two insurers, the Second Circuit affirmed the district court’s determination that the landlord was not an additional insured under the tenant’s policy. Peleus Ins. Co. v. Am. European Ins. Co., 2026 U.S. App. LEXIS 17981 June 22, 2026).
Blossom Miller sued 57th Avenue and 21st Century in state court…
The Seventh Circuit affirmed the district court’s decision that coverage for cyber coverage was precluded by an exclusion. Office of the Special Deputy Receiver v. Hartford Fire Ins. Co., 2026 U.S. App. LEXIS 17778 (7th Cir. June 18, 2026).
The Office of Special Deputy Receiver (OSD) was an Illinois corporation that administered estates for…
The Michigan Court of Appeals found the insured was not covered for water damage because the commercial space was left vacant. Cherry Hill Recreation Center, Inc. v. Conifer Ins Co., 2026 Mich, App. LEXIS 5099 (Mich Ct. App. June 18, 2026).
Alan Abbas purchased a bowling alley. Due to the onset of the COVID-19…
