The New York Court of Appeal on Tuesday, May 3, held that the Consolidated Edison pro rata allocation rule does not apply where the policies have prior insurance and non-cumulation clauses. The Court held that the pro rata rule in Consolidated Edison depends on policy language and that the prior insurance and non-cumulation clause is inconsistent with a pro rata approach. However, the Court did say that prior insurance and non-cumulation clauses would be enforced as anti-stacking clauses. Such enforcement could limit the amount of coverage available to a policyholder. The Court of Appeal also held that under the circumstances of the case, horizontal exhaustion would not apply.
To view this decision, please visit the New York Courts website.