First National Bank v. Country Mutual Insurance

This appeal arises from an attempt by plaintiff First National Bank of Pittsfield to recover from defendant Country Mutual Insurance Company the unpaid mortgage balance on property destroyed by fire. The issue presented is whether defendant’s notice of intent not to renew the policy insuring the premises was sufficient. The circuit court of Pike County ruled it was not. For the reasons that follow, we reverse and remand.

The facts are undisputed. Plaintiff’s complaint alleges the following: On November 6, 1981, Burdette and Eloyce Carlton (Carltons) executed a mortgage on their 40 acres and…