Opinion ID: 3046253
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Duty to Defend and Pay Defense Costs

Text: Under the American Excess Policy In response to Asten’s request for a declaratory judgment regarding American’s duty to defend or pay defense costs under its 1982 excess policy, the District Court pointed to the following provisions of that policy: The Company shall not . . . be called upon to assume charge of the settlement or defense of any claims made or suits brought, or proceedings instituted against the Insured, but shall have the right and opportunity to be associated with the Insured in the defense and trial of any such claims, suits or proceedings relative to any occurrence which, in the opinion of the Company may create liability on the part of the Company under the terms of the policy. If the Company avails itself of such right and opportunity, the Insured and the Company shall cooperate in all respects so as to effect a final determination of the claim or claims.