VANGUARD INSURANCE COMPANY v. Beasley

Sognier, Judge.

Joseph and Anita Beasley originally sued Vanguard Insurance Company (Vanguard) and D. L. Stokes Insurance Agency, Inc. (Stokes) on a homeowner’s insurance policy. The action was filed in Fulton County Superior Court. Vanguard, which had an agent in DeKalb County, answered, denying that it was subject to the court’s jurisdiction. Its co-defendant, Stokes, answered and admitted jurisdiction.

The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the Beasleys and against Vanguard on the issue of liability. The action against Stokes was then voluntarily dismissed and the dismissal…