Document: 377 U.S. 179 84 S.Ct. 1197 12 L.Ed.2d 229 John CLAY, Petitioner,v.SUN INSURANCE OFFICE, LTD. No. 470. Argued April 28, 1964. Decided May 18, Paschal C. Reese, West Palm Beach, Fla., for petitioner. James T. Carlisle, Tallahassee, the State of Florida, as amicus curiae, pro hac vice, by special leave Court. Bert Cotton, New York City, respondent. Mr. Justice DOUGLAS delivered opinion 1 This case, which invoked diversity jurisdiction Federal District Court in a suit to recover damages under an insurance policy, was here before. 363 207, 80 1222, 4 1170. The initial question then now is whether 12-month-suit clause policy governs, event claim i barred, or Florida's statutes1 nullifying such clauses if they require be filed less than five years are applicable and valid, timely. purchased petitioner Illinois while he citizen resident that State. Respondent, British company, licensed do business Illinois, several other States. 2 A few months after purchasing moved Florida became State; it loss occurred two later. When case reached here, majority view underlying constitutional question—whether consistently with due process, could apply its five-year statute this contract—should not until Supreme Court, through certificate procedure,2 had construed resolved another local law question.3 On remand Appeals certified questions answered both petitioner's favor. 133 So.2d 735. Thereafter held compatible process contract judgment should entered 5 Cir., 319 F.2d 505. We again granted certiorari. 375 929, 333, 11 262. 3 While there cases indicating parties may contract—as here—for shorter period limitations provided statute,4 we referred no decision extending rule into States whenever claims on contracts sought enforced there. see difficulty whatever either Full Faith Credit Clause Due Process Clause. deal ambulatory might brought any one Normally, Pacific Employers Ins. Co. v. Industrial Accident Comm'n, 306 493, 502, 59 629, 83 L.Ed. 940, having over deriving from out-of-state employment need substitute conflicting (workmen's compensation) own compensation)—where employee injured course his temporarily latter followed same route Watson Liability Assurance Corp., 348 66, 75 166, 99 74, where upheld state allowing direct actions against liability companies forum, even though contract, binding made, prohibited action insurer final determination obligation insured. relied main Hartford & Indemnity Delta Pine Land Co., 292 143, 54 634, 78 1178, Home Dick, 281 397, 50 338, 74 926. Those were activities forum thought too slight casual, (292 at 150, 636), make application consistent wholly lacking, Dick case.5 No deficiency order present here. As MR. JUSTICE BLACK, dissenting, said when before: 6 'Insurance companies, like contractors, confine their contractual obligations within boundaries. They sell customers who promised protection far away place made. In very sold Clay knowledge take property anywhere world saw fit without losing insurance. fact, described face 'Personal Property Floater Policy (World Wide).' did attempt provide would govern suits else country. Shortly lived years. His insured all time. company knew fact. Particularly since must have known sued * *.' 221, 1230. 7 Order United Commercial Travelers America Wolfe, 331 586, 67 1355, 91 1687, involved six-month-suit clause; but highly specialized dealing unique facts—a issued Ohio fraternal society, incorporating constitution by-laws, involving what called 'indivisible unity' society. Id., 606, 1364. additional time afforded South Dakota, tried, allowed applied contract. extend nor has ample contacts transaction satisfy conceivable requirement full faith credit process. Reversed.6 Fla.Stat.Ann. (1960) §§ 95.03, 95.11(3). (1957) § 25.031; Fla.App. Rule 4.61, 31 F.S.A. See Sun Office, Ltd., Clay, For instances our use procedure Dresner 136, 235, 208, Aldrich Aldrich, 75, 249, 184, 141. meaning 'all risks' clause. cited 217, 1228, note 12. '* (N)othing way relating on, reinsurance, ever done required Texas. All acts relatin making Mexico. relation reinsurance York. And, likewise, things regard performance outside Neither Texas laws courts purpose, except bringing suit. fact Dick's permanent residence significance. At times material physically acting Mexico.' 408, 341. motion strike brief denied.

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