A commentary on insurance coverage issues in Hawaii and beyond
The federal district court granted preliminary approval of the class action settlement reached on behalf of insureds who suffered property damage due to the 2018 Kilauea eruption on the Big Island. Aquilina v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's London, 2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 152614 (D. Haw. Aug. 13, 2021).
After destruction…
Although there were concurrent state and federal proceedings regarding the insureds' claims for damage caused by Kilauea Volcano, the federal district court refused to dismiss or stay the federal action. Aqulina v Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's Syndicate #2003, 465 F. Supp. 3d 1066 (D. Haw. 2020).
Plaintiffs held homeowner's policies from…
Accepting the insured's amended complaint, the federal district court of Hawaii remanded the coverage action to state court. Hale v. Lloyd's, London, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9061 (D. Haw. Jan. 17, 2020).
Hale purchased a policy for his home in Hilo, Hawaii, from Defendant Pyramid Insurance Centre. The policy was…
The federal district court, District of Hawaii, denied the insurers' motion to dismiss a claim asserted by the insured under Nevada's unfair practices statute. Puna Geothermal Venture v. Allianz Global Risks US Ins. Co., 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 211661 (D. Haw. Dec. 5, 2019).
Puna Geothermal's power plant was damaged…
The Federal District Court for Hawaii granted Moa Insurance Services Hawaii's (Moa) motion to dismiss the insureds' complaint alleging that they had been forced to purchase worthless surplus lines policies for volcano damage. Aquilina v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's Syndicate #2003, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 165866 (D. Haw. Sept. 26, 2019).
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As homeowners on the Big Island contemplate pursuing claims due to loss caused by volcanic eruption or lava flow, SuperLawyers has a post addressing some of my thoughts on the issue. The post is here.
Spring brought to the Puna District of the Big Island numerous volcanic eruptions causing extensive loss of property. As of late May, the lava was moving at a speed to cover six football fields an hour according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Two dozen recent fissures have created lava fountains and explosions during the…
The 2016 Hawaii legislative session passed five insurance-related bills. Bills that have been enacted are the following:
HB 260 - The bill establishes motor vehicle insurance requirements for transportation network companies and drivers that will take effect on September 1, 2016. The Insurance Commissioner is directed to examine the effects of this measure on…
The Hawaii legislature passed a bill in its recently concluded session to protect homeowners and businesses affected by lava flows from losing coverage.
The Puna district on the Big Island was severely impacted by the Pu`u O`o lava flow as it crept closer to homes, businesses, schools and populated areas. Problems were created…
Our firm has had many questions on insurance related issues since Friday's Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan. The following outline is quick primer on insurance coverage related to natural catastrophes.
INSURING PROPERTY FOR CATASTROPHES
● Cost of Natural Disasters:
∙ Hurricane Katrina in 2005 cost insurers and reinsurers $62.2 billion.
∙ Hurricane Ike in 2008 cost the insurance
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