Montana

CHOICE OF LAW

Choice of Law Admission of Extrinsic Evidence Insurer Allocation Pre-Tender FeesStatute of Limitations
Most significant relationship testFacts available to the insurerIf one claim is potentially covered, must defend entire suitNot Addressed8 years
Mitchell v. State Farm Ins. Co., 315 Mont. 281, 288-89 (2003)Farmers Union Mut. Ins. Co. v. Staples, 321 Mont. 99, 106-07 (2004)Home Ins. Co. v. Pinski Bros., 500 P.2d 945, 950 (Mont. 1972) (refusing to apportion for a counterclaim)(Mont. Code. Ann. § 27-2-202)
Pre-Judgment Interest Late Notice Public Policy Bar Independent CounselAtty's Fees/Decl. Relief Action
10%Notice-prejudiceBar to indemnityIn re Rules of Professional Conduct and Insurer Imposed Billing Rules and Procedures, 2 P.3d 806, 815, 821 (Mont. 2000) (Insurers’ pre-approval requirements violated the Rules of Professional Conduct as did disclosure to third-party auditors)Recoverable
(Mont. Code Ann. § 25-9-205)State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Murnion, 439 F.2d 945, 948 (9th Cir. 1971)Safeco Ins. Co. of Am. v. Liss, 16 P.3d 399, 405 (Mont. 2000)Mountain West v. Brewer, 315 Mont. 231, 244 (2003)