A duty to defend an insured is generally not broader than a duty to indemnify. An insured may choose their own counsel to defend a claim if there is a coverage dispute.

25. March 2008 0
An insurer was sued by a person who suffered injuries as a result of mold and bacteria.  The insured was denied coverage under his CGL policy, which stated that coverage was not provided for damages arising from mold.  The insured was obligated to defend the insured because all of the damages could have been attributed to ...

A propane tank explosion in a parked car caused by cigarette smoking is covered by automobile insurance as the damage arose from the use or operation of an automobile.

19. March 2008 0
In Manitoba, the law with respect to “use or operation” of an automobile in the context of no-fault insurance has not been changed by the recent Supreme Court of Canada decisions of Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Co. v. Herbison, 2007 SCC 47, and Citadel General Assurance Co. v. Vytlingham, 2007 SCC 46.  The test to be ...

A builder’s risk policy provides coverage to an entire structure, even if the builder is only providing an extension to a large existing structure

29. January 2008 0
When a contractor expands an existing structure, the contractor’s insurance extends to the entire existing structure, such that an explosion caused by a contractor working on the expansion, that damages the existing the structure, is covered by the contractor’s insurance. Medicine Hat College v. Starks Plumbing & Heating Ltd., [2007] A.J. No. 1337, Alberta Court ...

Ontario automobile insurers have a right to ask a wide range of questions from an insured pursuant to their contract of insurance. These rights continue even when litigation has been commenced against them by their insured.

27. January 2008 0
Mr. Baig insured his car.  It was damaged and he made a claim of insurance.  The insurer refused to pay the claim so Mr. Baig commenced an action against his insurer to compel payment.  The insurer attempted to examine Mr. Baig pursuant to Statutory Condition 6(4) of the policy of insurance.  Mr. Baig refused to ...