26 A.2d 503 | N.J. | 1942
The defendant appeals from a judgment in favor of the plaintiff. Plaintiff was insured by the defendant against personal and property damage which might be caused by the operation of his automobile. He received damages for the loss which he suffered as a result of the judgment which was entered against him by reason of the accident in which his automobile was involved.
The policy contained the following provision: "3. Upon the occurrence of an accident written notice shall be given by or on behalf of the insured to the company or any of its authorized agents as soon as practicable. Such notice shall contain particulars sufficient to identify the insured and also reasonably obtainable information respecting the time, place and circumstances of the accident, the name and address of the injured and of any available witnesses. If claim is made or suit is brought against the insured, the insured shall immediately forward to the company every demand, notice, summons or other process received by him or his representative. * * * 14. No action shall lie against the company unless, as a condition precedent thereto, the insured shall have fully complied with all the conditions hereof * * *."
On August 19th, 1939, the plaintiff was involved in an accident. Damage, it was claimed, was done to the car of Bellow and Richard and to the person of Harry Ray, the operator thereof. Suit was brought against him and he was *416 served with process November 10th, 1939. Thereafter, the plaintiff sent in his first report of the accident.
The policy, it is to be noted, required written notice of an accident to be given "as soon as practicable" thereafter. Notice ninety-four days after the accident is not as soon as practicable. The insured had not complied with the condition upon which the liability of the insurer to render indemnity depended.Kindervater v. Motorists Casualty Insurance Co.,
The defendant disclaimed liability under circumstances deemed sufficient in Zisko v. Travelers Insurance Co.,
The refusal of the nonsuit or a directed verdict was error. The judgment is reversed, with costs.