44 Del. 447 | Del. Super. Ct. | 1948
I find no ambiguity in the language of the clause under consideration. In the plainest of terms it requires that all actions by insureds for losses occasioned by fire be commenced within twelve months of the date of the fire.
Moreover, the very great weight of authority in the country is to the effect that provisions in insurance policies requiring actions for loss to be instituted within a time less than the period of limitations prescribed by statute are valid if the period provided for in the policy is reasonable. See 29 Am. Jur. Insurance, Sec. 1392, and cases there cited. Compare Emory v. Glens Falls Ins. Co., 7 Penn. 101, 76 A. 230; Downs v. German Alliance Ins. Co., 6 Penn. 166, 67 A. 146. A one year period for the commencement of such actions has been held to be reasonable in numerous jurisdictions. In my opinion the provision in this policy requiring suit to be brought within one year from the date of the loss is valid and binding upon the Plaintiff.
The motion to dismiss is accordingly granted.