Facing an issue of first impression in Hawaii, the Supreme Court held that insurers have no right to reimbursement of defense costs unless the policy specifically provides for reimbursement. St. Paul Fire and Marine Ins. Co., et al. v. Bodell Construction Co., et al., 2023 Haw. LEXIS 194 (Haw. Nov. 14, 2023).
Traditional Pollution Exclusion Does Not Bar COVID-19 Claim
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The trial court's dismissal of the insured's loss of business income claim due to COVID-19 based upon a traditional pollution exclusions was reversed and remanded as to most of the insurers. JRK Prop. Holdings v. Colony Ins. Co., 2023 Cal. App. LEXIS 760 (Cal. Ct. App. Oct. 2, 2023).
JRK…
No Subrogation, Contribution Rights for Carrier Defending Construction Defect Claim
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The Court held that the insurer defending the additional insured general contractor had no right to equitable subrogation or equitable contribution from a separate carrier who also insured the general contractor as an additional insured. Old Republic Gen. Ins. Co. v. Amerisure Ins. Co., 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 170293 (N.D. Ill. Sept.
Insured Cannot Sue to Challenge Binding Appraisal Decision
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The court dismissed the insured condominium association's challenge to an appraisal award. The Courtyards at Prairie Fields Condominium Association v. West Band Mut. Ins. Co., 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 169458 (N. D. Ill. Sept. 22, 2023).
In July 2020, the insured filed a claim with West Bend for damage to…
Appraisal Goes Forward Even Though Insurer Has Yet to Determine Coverage on Additional Claims
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The trial court's order granting the insured's motion to stay litigation and compel an appraisal was affirmed even though the insurer had not determined coverage on the insured's additional claims.Heritage Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co. v. Wellington Place HOA, 2023 Fla. App. LEXIS 6405 (Fla. Ct. App. Sept. 13, 2023).
…
Appraisal Award for Damaged Roof Tiles Challenged
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The district court denied Travelers' motion for summary judgment and granted the insureds' motion in part regarding replacement of roof tiles damaged in a hail storm. Bertisen v. Travelers Home & Marine Ins. Co., 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 159649 (D. Colo. Sept. 8,2023).
On May 8, 2017, the insureds' home…
Ninth Circuit Certifies Pollution Exclusion Issue to Alaska Supreme Court
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The Ninth Circuit certified a question on the interpretation of the pollution exclusion to the Alaska Supreme Court. Estate of Joshua Wheeler v. Garrison Prop. and Cas. Ins. Co., 2023 U.S. App. LEXIS 23648 (9th Circuit Sept. 6, 2023).
Josiah Wheeler moved into a cabin owned by Deborah Overly and…
Insured’s COVID-19 Claim Survives Motion to Dismiss under Accidental Contamination Coverage
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The insured's COVID-19 claim was dismissed under one policy, but survived a motion to dismiss under a second Restaurant Recovery Policy. Menchies Group, inc. v. Mass Bay Ins Co., 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 153933 (S.D. N.Y. Aug. 31, 2023).
Menchies owned and operated frozen yogurt shops throughout the United States.
Governmental Action Exclusion Bars Claim for Damage to Insured’s Building
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The lower court's decision finding no coverage based upon the governmental action exclusion was affirmed by the Appellate Court of Illinois. McCann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling v. Pekin Ins. Co., 2023 Ill.App. LEXIS 300 (Ill. App. Ct. Aug. 23, 2023).
McCann purchased a building to use for its heating, ventilation…
Motion for Reconsideration Challenging Appraisal Determining Cause of Loss Denied
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The court rejected the insurer's motion for reconsideration attempting to set aside the appraisal award that determined the cause of loss. Mesco Mfg., LLC v. Motorists Mut. Ins. Co., 2023 WL 5334659 (S.D. Ind. Aug. 18, 2023).
Mesco suffered a loss to the roofs of its facilities due to hail…