We have previously featured New Jersey District Court decisions addressing “unequivocal” denials in the context of policies’ suit limitation provisions. In the latest, Ryan v. Liberty Mut. Fire Ins. Co., No. 14-6308 (WHW)(CLW), 2017 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6716, at *3 (D.N.J. Jan. 17, 2017), the Court found Liberty Mutual’s letter explaining both covered and excluded damages to constitute a “clear and unequivocal” denial.

In Ryan, the day after their home was damaged by Hurricane Sandy, the Ryans notified Liberty Mutual of a claim for the damage.  Liberty Mutual sent an independent adjuster to the property and determined that it owed the Ryans $4,784.14 for covered damages. Liberty Mutual explained the payment of policy benefits in a November 30, 2012 letter, which the Ryans received on December 10, 2012. The letter explained that Liberty Mutual would not be issuing payment for damage to a living room wall because the Ryans had been paid for damage to the wall after a previous storm, and the inspection showed that they had not repaired the damage. The letter also stated that no coverage was available for flood-related damages. 
Continue Reading Unequivocal Denial: District of New Jersey Court Outlines What is Not Necessary