The Eight Corners Rule: Uncertainty On Duty To Defend

Importance of whether a state looks beyond policy and underlying complaint to determine CGL insurer’s duty to defend property damage claim.

Law360, New York (April 04, 2014, 5:44 PM ET) ‐‐ When determining whether there is a duty to defend allegations of property damage under a commercial general liability policy, it can matter a good deal whether a court looks only to the policy and underlying complaint or to other documents as well. Two recent federal cases from adjoining southern states demonstrate this effect.