Case ID: misc_79/html/0295-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Sawyer, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Fire Department of the Village of East Rochester, N. Y., Plaintiff, v. John Kavanagh et al., Defendants.
    (Supreme Court, Monroe Trial Term,
    February, 1913.)
    Insurance Law, §§ 133-135—1 foreign insurance companies — penalties.
    Sections 133-135 of the Insurance Law, in their applications to agents of foreign insurance companies, make no distinction between residents and nonresidents of any locality, and failure of such an agent to execute and deliver the bond prescribed by the statute before effecting an insurance subjects him to an action for the penalty provided by section 134.
    Action to recover a penalty.
    Charles P. Williams, for plaintiff.
    Hiram Wood, for defendants.
   Sawyer, J.

That the insurance in question was effected by defendants within the meaning of the statute I entertain no doubt (Century Dictionary, “Effect,” subd. 2), and that in so doing they acted as “agent,” seems likewise clear. Insurance Law, § 4-9.

My review of sections 133, 134 and 135 of the Insurance Law, had in the light of the argument and explanations advanced by counsel, confirms my belief heretofore expressed as to the legislative intention of their enactment and the construction which is to be placed upon them. The sections, in their application to agents of foreign insurance companies, make no distinction between residents and nonresidents of any locality. The phraseology is mandatory. Every person effecting such insurance as agent shall, before so doing, file the required bond with the proper officer in the city or village where the insured property is situated. Fire Department of East Rochester v. Barley, 73 Misc. Rep. 628.

That by their misapprehension of this statute defendants have unwittingly subjected themselves to the penalty therein provided, is to be regretted, but the court can do nothing to relieve them.

In accordance with the foregoing, judgment is directed for plaintiff, with costs.

Judgment for plaintiff, with costs.