Opinion ID: 2120473
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Other Insurance Provision

Text: ¶ 62 However, a separate provision in the Travelers policies, the other insurance provision, sheds light on the inquiry. This provision explains that if another insurer denies primary liability, Travelers will respond as though the other insurance were not available. [13] It provides: [I]f the insurer affording other insurance to the named insured denies primary liability under its policy, [Travelers] will respond under this policy as though such other insurance were not available. (Emphasis added.) A reasonable person in the position of the insured would interpret this provision as promising that, where the excess insurer has a contractual duty to defend, it will step in and provide a defense in the event that the primary insurer refuses to do so. [14] ¶ 63 Under the follow form provision, the language of the other insurance provision is incorporated into the London Market policy unless otherwise provided herein. Thus, London Market would be required to respond under [its] policy as though such other insurance were not available in the event that the underlying insurer denies primary liability under its policyunless the London Market policy otherwise provides. ¶ 64 We examine next whether the London Market policy does indeed otherwise provide. Our focus is directed to the meaning of the word liability.