O'Neill v. Illinois Farmers Insurance Co.

SIMONETT, Justice.

When does the statute of limitations begin to run on a cause of action to imply underinsured motorist coverage in an insurance policy and to recover underinsured motorist benefits under the implied coverage? We hold it begins on the date of the automobile accident causing claimant’s injury.

On October 18, 1978, plaintiff-respondent Patricia O’Neill, then 14, was injured in an auto accident. On April 26, 1985, 6½ years after the accident, she and her father brought this action for underinsured motorist benefits against the father’s liability carrier, defendant-appellant…