Caroline Williams, Personally and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Robert Shapsnikoff and as Assignee Of…

Summary

The court affirmed judgment for GEICO in a declaratory action concerning its defense, settlement, and coverage obligations after a fatal vehicle accident. It held that GEICO properly defended both potential insureds under a reservation of rights, properly offered a single policy-limits settlement requiring releases of both, and reasonably sought declaratory relief rather than settling claims that would leave one insured exposed. The court also upheld findings that there was no second occurrence, that the insureds materially breached the policy by confessing judgment, and that GEICO was entitled to attorney's fees.