COMINO v MERCANTILE MUTUAL INSURANCE (AUST) LTD [1997] NSWCA 73

COMINO v MERCANTILE MUTUAL INSURANCE (AUST) LTD [1997] NSWCA 73

An arguable case existed that the appellants' claims for damage to their trucks were covered by the policy and not wholly excluded; therefore, the appeal should be allowed and leave to proceed against the insurer granted.

Parties
Appellant: Comino; Respondent: Mercantile Mutual Insurance (Aust) Ltd
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
27 February 1997
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Court of Appeal Decision on Application for Leave to Proceed Against Insurer
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Liability Insurance, Third Party Claims, Leave to Proceed Against Insurer, Statutory Charge

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Comino

Appellant

Mercantile Mutual Insurance (Aust) Ltd

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Court of Appeal Decision on Application for Leave to Proceed Against Insurer

  1. 1 Whether leave should be granted to the appellant to proceed against the insurer under s6 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1946 (NSW)
  2. 2 Whether the policy exclusions prevented the appellants' claims
  3. 3 Construction of 'accident' and 'damage to property' under the insurance policy

Ratio Decidendi

An arguable case existed that the appellants' claims for damage to their trucks were covered by the policy and not wholly excluded; therefore, the appeal should be allowed and leave to proceed against the insurer granted.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • Leave granted for appellants to commence action against respondent to enforce statutory charge under insurance policy.
  • Respondent to pay appellants' costs of appeal and proceedings before the Master.