Opinion ID: 159796
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: cigna

Text: As we read its Deductible Endorsement, the CIGNA policy expressly disclaims any duty to defend. The relevant provision reads: You have entered into an agreement with the claim service organization shown in the Schedule (the “Claim Service Organization”), whereunder the Claim Service Organization shall provide investigation, administration, adjustment, and settlement services, and shall provide for the defense of all claims or “suits” arising under this policy. Accordingly, you agree with us that we 9 In light of our conclusion the Continental policy is excess, we need not address Appellants’ arguments that the “MCS-90 endorsement attached to the CIGNA policy automatically renders it primary. We do note, however, that the attachment of the MCS-90 endorsement supports our characterization of the CIGNA policy as “other collectible insurance,” in that, vis-à-vis the public, the endorsement renders the policy more like a standard risk-shifting insurance policy. - 17 - shall not have any duty to defend any such “suit,” or to pay with respect to any claim or “suit” any ALAE [Allocated Loss Adjustment Expense]. The “Claim Service Organization” is identified as “Ward THG,” 10 which appears to be an entity separate from CIGNA. Thus, the endorsement indicates that Air Liquide has arranged with a third party to provide adjustment and defense services and that CIGNA is relieved of any duty to defend. Accordingly, CIGNA has no duty to defend any insured, including Staffing Resources, under the policy. 11