Northwest Pump & Equipment Co. v. American States Insurance

This is an action by plaintiff against its liability insurer to recover the cost of defense and the amount it paid in settlement of a third-party claim. That claim alleged that plaintiff was liable for the environmental cleanup costs associated with gasoline discharged from an underground storage tank that was installed by plaintiff. On cross-motions for summary judgment, the trial court granted defendant’s motion, denied plaintiff’s and entered a judgment dismissing plaintiffs claim. We reverse and remand.

Weston operated an automobile dealership until 1987 on property he leased from Newell.…