Fulleylove v. Constitution Indemnity Insurance Co.

The following opinion was filed June 12, 1931: Rosenberry, C. J. The plaintiff here relies upon Elliott v. Indemnity Ins. Co. 201 Wis. 445, 230 N. W. 87, where it was held that the plaintiff might proceed directly against the insurer and that under the contract of insurance the insured was not a necessary party to the maintenance of the action. In Elliott v. Indemnity Ins. Co. the policy did not contain a “no action” clause. What was held in that case was that, it appearing that the estate was insolvent, the filing of a claim against it would be a useless formality and that the plaintiff would not be compelled, under the circumstances of that case, to make the estate a party. No such circumstances appear in this ckse. The court took evidence from which it appears as the court found that neither the insured L. IT. ITombs nor his wife can be found within the jurisdiction of the court or their whereabouts discovered elsewhere. The policy provides that the insured shall, “at the request of the insurer,” assist in the defense, in the manner prescribed in the policy. It does not appear that the insurance company ever requested the defendant to assist it. The defendant did give notice of the injury and then disappeared. Whether or not there has been such a breach of the policy as discharged the insurer is a question that ought to be determined only when the insured is in court. It satisfactorily appearing that the policy contained a “no action” clause, the court should have treated the answer as [466] a plea in abatement and dismissed the 'action for that reason. The evidence does not sustain the finding that there is a breach of contract because the evidence fails to disclose any request by the insurer to aid in the defense. The judgment should be reversed and cause remanded with directions to enter judgment dismissing the action for the reason that under the terms of the policy no action lies against the insurer until judgment has been had against the insured. Bachhuber v. Boosalis, 200 Wis. 574, 229 N. W. 117. By the Court. — Judgment reversed, and cause remanded with directions as stated in this opinion. No costs to be taxed by either party, appellant to pay the clerk’s fees.