Wash. Homeowner Fails to Persuade Court that 'Occasional' Rental is Ambiguous

SEATTLE - A Washington state appellate court on April 3 affirmed insurance coverage denial for a homeowner being sued by a tenant, ruling that a property rental of 26 months is more than the 'occasional' exception to her policy's rental exclusion. State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. v. Piazza, No. 56054-9-I (Wash. Ct. App.).

Piazza A. Piazza and her parents, John and Dorothy Piazza, purchased a house in 1995 and insured it with State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. The house was for the daughter's use. Piazza moved to Scotland to attend school in 1998. She remained there for more …