Opinion ID: 2509803
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Harleysville's CGL Policies

Text: We begin with the basic principle that insurance policies are contracts to be interpreted in accord with contract law. Accordingly, our discussion begins with the language of the policies themselves. Harleysville's CGL policies provided, in relevant part, that they would cover those sums that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of `bodily injury' or `property damage' to which this insurance applies. The insurance applied only if: (1) The `bodily injury' or `property damage' [was] caused by an `occurrence'. . .; and (2) The `bodily injury' or `property damage' occur[red] during the policy period. [9] This policy language, or language that is substantially the same, is typical of a standard CGL policy. Accordingly, the interpretation of Harleysville's policies would be controlled by Joe Harden and Century Indemnity. See Century Indemnity Co., 348 S.C. at 561, 561 S.E.2d at 356 (We accepted the following question[] certified by the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals: 1. Does a standard commercial general liability insurance policy . . . provide coverage for continuing damage that begins during the policy period?); Joe Harden Builders, Inc., 326 S.C. at 232, 486 S.E.2d at 89 (This case is before us on certification from the United States District Court to interpret the language of a standard occurrence insurance policy.). We turn now to an analysis of those cases.