Allied Premier Ins. v. United Financial Casualty Co.

Summary

The court answered a certified question from the Ninth Circuit by holding that a commercial automobile insurance policy governed by the Motor Carriers of Property Permit Act does not remain in force until the insurer cancels the related certificate of insurance filed with the DMV. The policy's duration is instead controlled by the policy's terms and any applicable endorsement or amendment, and the Act's notice requirement applies to cancellation of the certificate rather than extension of the underlying policy. The court therefore rejected the theory that the uncancelled certificate made the insurer a co-obligor for purposes of equitable contribution.