Policy exclusions with the broad “based upon or arising out of” sometimes may be applied very broadly to sweep beyond the claims that the exclusion aimed to exclude. In a recent coverage dispute, a professional liability insurer sought to apply an exclusion with the broad preamble language and precluding coverage for ERISA and securities law claims in order to preclude coverage even the common law and bankruptcy law claims alleged against the insured. In a February 7, 2020 opinion (here), Eastern District of Michigan Judge Laurie J. Michelson, applying Michigan law, concluded that the exclusion’s preclusive effect did not apply to the common law claims, because the insurer failed to establish the exclusion’s required causal connection between the alleged statutory violations, on the one hand,  and the common law and bankruptcy law claims, on the other hand.  Judge Michelson’s opinion provides an interesting perspective on exclusions with the broad “based upon and arising out of” preamble language.
Continue Reading Broad Form Statutory Claims Exclusion Does Not Preclude Coverage for Common Law Claims