Montrose Chemical Corp. of California v. Admiral Insurance Co.

10 Cal. 4th 645, 42 Cal. Rptr. 2d 324, 913 P.2d 878 (1995)

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Montrose Chemical Corp. of California v. Admiral Insurance Co.

California Supreme Court
10 Cal. 4th 645, 42 Cal. Rptr. 2d 324, 913 P.2d 878 (1995)

  • Written by Nicole Gray , JD

Facts

Admiral Insurance Company (defendant) issued four comprehensive-general-liability (CGL) policies to Montrose Chemical Corporation of California (plaintiff). Montrose sought defense and indemnification from Admiral for third-party claims for injuries and property damage that manifested during Montrose’s coverage periods but had resulted from its pre-coverage hazardous-waste disposal. Admiral disputed whether the third-party claims were covered under Montrose’s policies and refused to defend Montrose against any third-party lawsuits or indemnify Montrose for any of its losses. Montrose sued Admiral for breach of the insurance contracts, and a state trial court granted summary judgment in favor of Admiral. Montrose appealed, and the appellate court reversed. The California Supreme Court granted review and considered several issues, including whether ambiguities in the insurance contracts should be resolved against Admiral.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Lucas, C.J.)

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