Franklin Fire Insurance v. Taylor

Chalmers, J., delivered the opinion of the court. The bill Avas filed by appellees to compel the appellant to-deliver an insurance policy against loss by fire, and for payment of the amount due thereon, the building alleged to have been protected by it having been burned. The claim of appellees Avas that everything necessary to complete the contract transpired before the loss, and that appellant actually had in its keeping a valid policy belonging to appellees. Appel [443] lant denied that there was in existence any such policy, or-that any valid contract for one had been made. It insisted that all that passed between its agent and appellees-amounted only to an application for insurance, which could not ripen into a contract, because not approved by the general: agents of the company,, who were located in Kentucky, nor by the parent office in Philadelphia. “The case turned upon whether appellees were informed, at the time the application was made, that it must be forwarded for approval, or whether, as deposed by appellee Taylor, he was informed and led to-believe, by the local agent of appellant, that the insurance-was then complete, and nothing more remained to be done.. The chancellor determined this question in behalf of the assured. We have carefully reviewed the testimony, and think that this finding was correct. It is conceded, in fact, by the insurance agent that he so-stated to Klein, who was the real party in interest, and for whose benefit the insurance was sought. Upon the faith of this statement Klein advanced his money. It is well settled that a court of equity will compel the issuance and delivery of an insurance policy after a loss, where-there has been a valid agreement for one before the loss, and will enforce payment of it, as if made in advance. This will be done where the contract was by parol, and even where the charter of the insurance company requires all. policies to be in writing. It was so held by the Supreme Court of the United States in case of Franklin Ins. Co. v. Colt. Cent. Law Jour., March 26, 1875, p. 207. See, also, 42 Mo., 38 ; 2 Dutch., 268; 42 Me., 259 ; Phœnix Ins. Co. v.. Hoffheimer, 46 Miss., 657. Decree affirmed.