Fire Ins. Exchange v. Weitzel

In the underlying litigation, the Estate of Ronny Groff filed suit against Jake Weitzel alleging that Weitzel wrongful absconded with Ronny’s property and assets, causing economic loss to the Estate. Weitzel tendered this litigation to Fire Insurance Exchange (FIE) under a homeowner’s insurance policy covering claims for personal and bodily injury and property damage. FIE accepted responsibility for the litigation under a reservation of rights. FIE then filed suit in district court seeking declaratory relief, claiming that it owed no duty to defend Weitzel against the Estate under the terms of the policy. The district court granted summary judgment in favor of Weitzel. The Supreme Court reversed, holding that the district court erred by concluding that FIE had a duty to defend Weitzel under the terms of the insurance policy. View "Fire Ins. Exchange v. Weitzel" on Justia Law