Opinion ID: 1180281
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: costs of defense of bowles

Text: The district court determined that each of these insurance companies should bear one-third of the costs of the defense. In that American Casualty is now relieved of liability, this part of the judgment must be modified. We believe it is just for Allstate and Aetna to pay one-half of the defense costs regardless of the applicable limits of their respective policies. The defense costs are not related to policy limits but are essentially the same regardless of the size of the claim brought against the insured. Eicher v. Universal Underwriters, 250 Minn. 7, 83 N.W.2d 895 (1957); 7A Appleman, Ins. Law and Practice, § 4691, p. 511. The judgment of the district court as to American Casualty is reversed. The cause is remanded to the district court to modify its judgment against Aetna and Allstate in accordance with the views expressed herein. Respondent Viani is awarded his costs. Costs are also awarded to American Casualty. Costs on this appeal shall be divided equally between Aetna and Allstate. McQUADE, C.J., and SCOGGIN and LODGE, District Judges, concur.