A commentary on insurance coverage issues in Hawaii and beyond
The Colorado Supreme Court encountered issues regarding the insured’s duty to cooperate and the exhaustion requirements in auto policies. USAA v. Wenzell, 2026 Colo. LEXIS 283 (Colo. April 27, 2026).
In 2017, Anthony Wenzell was rear-ended while driving. He had also been involved in a more serious crash in 2014 and required back surgery.
The First Circuit reversed the district court's granting of summary judgment to the insurer based upon a dispute over compliance with attending Examinations Under Oath. Philadelphia Indem. Ins. Co. v. BAS Holding Corp., 2023 U.S. App. LEXIS 21573 (1st Cir. Aug. 17, 2023).
An arsonist destroyed the State Building, a landmark…
The insured's claim that the insurer improperly refused to provide a supersedeas bond was rejected by the federal district court. James River Ins. Co. v. Interlachen Property Owners Ass'n v. Kuepers Constr., 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 71825 (D. Minn. June 1, 2016).
Kuepers Construction, Inc. constructed a townhome project on property owned by the Association.
The trial court's issuance of summary judgment to the insurer for mold and water damage was upheld on appeal. Schwartz v. Encompass Indem. Co., 2016 Mich. App. LEXIS 551 (Mich. Ct. App. March 15, 2016).
The contractor was demolishing a portion of the insured's home when he discovered water damage and…
The Fourth Circuit affirmed the district court's determination that there was no duty to indemnify after the insured settled without consent of the insurer. Perini/Tompkins Joint Venture v. ACE American Ins. Co., 2013 U.S. App. LEXIS 24865 (4th Cir. Dec. 16, 2013).
The insured, a joint venture, was hired as manager for…
Judge Kay of the Hawaii federal district court found coverage under an all-risk policy for damage caused by arsenic. Ass'n of Apt. Owners of Imperial Plaza v. Fireman's Fund Ins. Co., 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 50904 (D. Haw. April 9, 2013).
Plaintiff had a fourth floor constructed on top of its existing…
The Washington Supreme Court reversed a summary judgment ruling for the insurer based upon the insured's failure to cooperate due to genuine factual issues. Staples v. Allstate Ins. Co., 2013 Wash. LEXIS 69 (Wash. Jan. 24, 2013).
The insured's van was stolen. Inside the van was a large collection of work tools.
The Texas Supreme Court considered whether communications between the insurer's lawyer and the employer of the injured employee were privileged. See In Re XL Spec. Ins. Co., 2012 Tex. LEXIS 568 (Tex. June 20, 2011).
XL was Cintas Corporation's workers' compensation carrier. XL's policy required Cintas to cooperate in the investigation, settlement and…
Southgate Gardens Condominium had buildings damaged by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. See Mid-Continent Cas. Co. v. Basedeo, 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 11864 (11th Cir. June 12, 2012). First State Development Corporation was hired by Southgate to do repairs.
On November 1, 2005, First State completed tarping on the buildings. Thereafter, on November…
The insured's duty to cooperate after the insurer initially denies the claim but later agrees to defend under reservations was the issue in Travelers Prop. Cas. Co. of Am. v. Fid. & Guar. Ins. Co., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 65834 (N.D. Cal. May 10, 2012).
Centex Homes developed several residential communities, subcontracting…
