Baker v. St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance

St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Company (St. Paul) appeals a Douglas County jury verdict awarding Victoria L. Baker $24,850 under a homeowner’s insurance policy issued by St. Paul. The insurer claims that the policy had lapsed before fire damaged Baker’s home, because Baker failed to pay the final installment on the policy premium.

As a matter of law and based on facts upon which reasonable minds can reach only one conclusion, Baker’s homeowner’s policy had lapsed before the fire damaged her home. We, therefore, reverse the jury award and direct that Baker’s case be dismissed.

In November…