State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Plaintiff-Respondent v. Zurich American Insurance Company…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed the lower court's finding that the State Farm policy did not cover Steven Johns because there was no implied permission from the owner, but reversed the Appellate Division on the Zurich policy, holding that its "reasonably believed" language is broader than mere permission and remanded for a new trial on that issue and on the initial‑permission rule. Justice Weintkaub concurred in part, urging a retrial on the State Farm coverage, while Justice Mountain dissented on the Zurich reversal.