Opinion ID: 1162401
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: insurance company's grounds and contentions in denying liability

Text: The insurance company's principal ground for denying liability is that the insured dwelling was unoccupied when the damages were sustained and by virtue of specific provisions in the insurance policies and statutory provisions, it would not be liable. Each policy specified that the insurance company would not be liable for loss:    resulting from freezing while a described building(s) is vacant or unoccupied, unless the Insured shall have exercised due diligence with respect to maintaining heat in the building(s) or unless the plumbing and heating systems and domestic appliances had been drained and the water supply shut off during such vacancy or unoccupancy. The insurance company contends that since the insured dwelling was unoccupied, the above provision of each policy precludes the Rippys from recovering for the reason they did not use due diligence in protecting the property against freezing. The statutory provision relied upon is Title 36 O.S. 1951 § 244.1, which was in force when the policies were issued and is the same as Title 36 O.S. 1959 Supp. § 4803, which was in effect at the time the damages were sustained. These statutory provisions set forth a printed form of policy designated as The Standard Fire Insurance Policy to be used in Oklahoma. The standard form as set forth prescribes: Unless otherwise provided in writing added hereto this Company shall not be liable for loss occurring (a) while the hazard is increased by any means within the control or knowledge of the insured; or, (b) while a described building, whether intended for occupancy by owner or tenant, is vacant or unoccupied beyond a period of sixty consecutive days;   . By virtue of this statutory provision, the insurance company contends that since the dwelling was unoccupied for more than 60 days, the insured's intention to return is immaterial and that after 60 days had expired the insurance company's liability was suspended.