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Does the Insurer Always Have the Right to Choose Defence Counsel? The Superior Court Says No.

In a recent decision, Desjardins Assurances Générales c. Arseneault Toitures Inc. et Compagnie d’assurance AIG du Canada, 2024 QCCS 4894, the Court granted a Wellington motion and allowed the insured to select its defence counsel, contrary to the general rule providing that the choice of counsel lies with the insurer where the duty to defend […]

Nothing Lasts Forever (Not Even a Lifetime Warranty)

In a recent judgment, Hamann v. Matériaux de construction Oldcastle Canada inc., 2024 QCCA 1705, the Québec Court of Appeal (the “CA”) confirmed a ruling of the Québec Superior Court (the “SC”) dismissing an originating application because of the applicant’s failure to institute proceedings within three years of discovering damage to his roof tiles, which […]

Specified Perils Insurance Coverage: At Your Own Risk!

In Lévesque v. Aviva Compagnie d’assurance générale, 2024 QCCS 1570, the Quebec Superior Court (the “Court”) denied an insured’s claim for compensation of the total loss resulting from the collapse of her cottage. This decision should encourage insureds to exercise caution when taking out a specified perils policy which, although less expensive than an “all […]

Defending an injunction and punitive damages? Yes, says the Court of Appeal!

On April 18, 2024, the Court of Appeal of Quebec (the “Court”) rendered a judgment of prime importance in Promutuel Vallée du St-Laurent, société mutuelle d’assurance générale v. Noyrigat-Gleye, 2024 QCCA 447, concerning the duty to defend claims for injunctive reliefs and punitive damages. The Court also seizes the opportunity to indicate in which cases […]

Is it transported? Is it stored? You may have to defend!

In the recent decision Intact Compagnie d’assurance c. Entreprises Transkid inc., 2024 QCCS 16, the Superior Court of Quebec (the “Court”) was tasked with determining if a global transportation insurance policy providing civil liability insurance coverage in respect of goods transported by truck could extend to temporary storage. The Facts This matter concerns the theft […]