Hartford Fire Insurance v. Rowland

McMurray, Presiding Judge.

Jim H. Rowland, d/b/a Rowland and Mercer Garage (plaintiff), instituted an action against The Hartford Fire Insurance Company (Hartford) for loss under a policy of automobile insurance. In addition to damages for breach of the insurance contract, plaintiff sought statutory damages under OCGA § 33-34-6 (b), (c). Plaintiff also sought general damages and punitive damages based on a tort claim for Hartford’s willful failure to pay under the insurance contract.

During the course of a jury trial the following evidence, in pertinent part, was adduced: Plaintiff’s automobile…