SDV Insights

SDV's Will Bennett joined the latest episode of Insuring Cyber Podcast. Will and host Elizabeth Blosfield, Deputy Editor at Carrier Management, took a dive deep into the captivating world of generative AI chatbots in the insurance industry and explored the benefits and risks associated with their use and the use of AI in the insurance industry in general.

The New Jersey Appellate Division in Handy & Harman v. Beazley USA Services, Inc., provided clarity regarding the interpretation of the Prior or Pending Litigation Exclusion in a site-specific environmental liability insurance policy.

On March 24, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law House Bill 837 which significantly impacts several critical aspects of modern Florida civil litigation, particularly insurance disputes. SDV has actively monitored the evolution of this legislation, including substantial commentary from the legal and insurance communities that followed its enactment. In this multi-part series, we will explore the critical developments impacting policyholders and what to expect moving forward.

A recent decision by the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut further confirms that Connecticut courts follow the majority rule that contractual anti-assignment clauses do not bar assignment of an insured's claim after the loss occurred.

Cannabis businesses have now entered the economy of numerous states across the country. Based on the recent regulatory changes which have allowed these businesses to operate, business owners should evaluate several insurance considerations which are unique for cannabis-related companies.

The Rhode Island case of Regan Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. v. Arbella Protection Insurance Company, Inc., et. al., No. 2020-170-Appeal (PC 15-4811) (R.I. January 27, 2023) provides much-needed guidance regarding ambiguity and the term "pollution."

Although collateral agreements provide security for insurers on policies with large deductibles, they can create hardships for insureds that are out of proportion with the insurers' security concerns.

Since the advent of the modern Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), standard additional insured (AI) endorsement in the early 2000s, many insurance companies have advocated for an exceedingly narrow application, arguing that coverage is available only for the AI's vicarious liability for the named insured's acts or omissions.

The California federal district court case of KB Home v. Illinois Union Insurance Co., No. 8:20-cv-00278-JLS-JDE, (C.D. Cal. August 23, 2022), provides much needed guidance for cases involving builder's risk insurance claims for soft cost coverage.

Workers' compensation insurance is one of the most important coverages for construction companies and contractors. A workers' compensation policy typically provides insurance for accidents on-site or in the workplace, and other injuries sustained while working. This coverage includes medical expenses, lost wages, worker death, and related costs.