Appellate Court Finds Policy Language Mandates Defense of GM Claims

TROY, Mich. - An appellate court has reversed a trial court's finding that questions of fact exist which preclude summary disposition for General Motors Corp. on the issue of its insurers' duty to defend asbestos claims against the company, ruling that the plain language of the policies invokes a broad duty to defend. General Motors Corp. v. Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group, et al., No. 267308 (Mich. Ct. App.).

The Michigan Court of Appeals said in an April 24 opinion that the trial court erred in relying upon affidavits submitted by the insurers demonstrating that factual issues remain regarding …