Ponser v. St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance

Factual and Procedural Background

{¶ 1} Wanda Chenault died on June 10, 1999, in an automobile accident caused by Charles Hofer, who had driven left of center and struck Chenault’s vehicle. It is undisputed that Hofer’s negligence caused the accident. Hofer had no automobile insurance coverage in effect at the time of the accident. Chenault’s insurer, Grange Insurance Company, paid the limits of Chenault’s uninsured-motorist coverage, $25,000, to Chenault’s estate.

{¶ 2} Chenault’s relatives sought recovery under the uninsured-motorist provisions of their own policies. Defendant-appellant…