Verriest v. Ina Underwriters Insurance

On November 18, 1984, James Curley Pierce (Curley) was involved in an automobile accident that killed one person and seriously injured another. This appeal addresses whether a business-automobile policy issued by INA Underwriters Insurance Company (INA) covers Curley for liability arising out of that accident. The Law Division found that the policy afforded coverage. In an unreported opinion, the Appellate Division reversed. We granted certification. 139 N.J. 288, 654 A.2d 469 (1994).

I

The facts in this matter are essentially undisputed. Approximately two-and-one-half weeks prior to the…