Overcast v. Billings Mutual Insurance Co.

MICHAEL A. WOLFF, Judge.

When Henry Dale Overcast’s home was destroyed by fire in 1997, his insurance company, Billings Mutual Insurance, refused payment on the grounds that the “loss resulted from an intentional act” committed either by Overcast or at his direction. Overcast sued for insurance benefits under the policy and for defamation. The trial court entered judgment, after jury verdict, for contract damages for the insurance coverage and for actual and punitive damages on the tort claim for defamation. On appeal, the insurance company renewed its main contentions: (1) that Overcast’s…