Bellach v. IMT Insurance Co.

NEUMAN, Justice.

Michael and Sandra Bellach were insureds under a homeowners policy with IMT Insurance Company that excluded coverage for losses resulting from an act committed at the direction of an insured “and with the intent to cause a loss.” After Sandra burned down their house and then committed suicide, the company denied Michael coverage, citing the exclusion. Michael brought this action to assert a contractual right to recover under the policy.

The fighting issue at trial was whether, given Sandra’s mental state, she intended to cause a loss. Experts on both sides agreed she suffered…