Opinion ID: 1312493
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Limitations Defense.

Text: Stahl also contends that Preston Mutual cannot rely on the policy's limitations clause to bar his action because it had previously declared the policy void as to his interests. Yet, Stahl's entire action for policy benefits rests on the premise that the policy was not void, notwithstanding Preston Mutual's prior declaration to the contrary. Though certain conduct by an insurer may preclude the insurer from asserting a limitations period as a defense, mere denial of liability is clearly not the sort of act which estops an insurer from asserting the limitations defense. See, e.g., Wendt v. White Pigeon Mut. Ins. Ass'n, 418 N.W.2d 374, 376 (Iowa App.1987). Preston Mutual did nothing to mislead Stahl about its rejection of Stahl's claim or the one-year limitations provision. The insured had ample time to commence suit within the limitations period. We find nothing in the record indicating that Preston Mutual made any representations to lull Stahl into delaying the filing of his action until after the limitations period had expired. Stahl's argument is without merit.