Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Sagmit
A contract of suretyship is deemed an insurance The assumption of risk by the insurance company gives it the
contract only if made by a surety who or which is doing right to be subrogated (stepping into the shoes).
an insurance business as a vocation. You are now giving the insurance company the right to sue
whoever is at fault.
The one who enters a contract of suretyship is solidarily liable Case in point : motor vehicle liability insurance or car insurance.
with another for an obligation despite such party not being privy to If one car is damaged and there is a comprehensive insurance policy,
the contract. one can claim with his insurance company so that he will not be
hassled as to file an action against the party at fault.
Elements: If the insurance company of the car pays the owner, the car
insurance company now is subrogated to the right of the car owner.
The insured has insurable interest or interest of some He can now sue the person at fault. Instead of the insured filing the
kind susceptible of pecuniary estimation case, it is now the insurer who has the right of filing a case against the
The insured is subject to a risk of loss caused by the wrongdoer.
happening of the designated perils;
The insurer assumes the risk of loss; Q: What if the insured only got a certain sum of money from the
Assumption is part of a general scheme to distribute insurance company?
actual losses among a large group of persons bearing Example: A person got into an accident. He got P 5,000 from
somewhat similar risks; the insurer. He spent P 50,000.
A: If he got P 5,000 from the insurer, he can still get the balance
The risk of loss is distributed from the wrongdoer. Insured cannot recover from the offender what
was paid by the insurer but can recover any deficienty. No double
As consideration for the insurer’s promise, the insured recovery.
pays the premium
There was one case where San Miguel recovered twice. What
happened was there was refund. What happened was that he gave
The insurer will not assume risk unless he gets something
the money he got back to the insurance company and collected from
the wrongdoer.
PHIL HEALTHCARE vs. CIR
Just because the insurance company gave something, this does
ISSUE: Is a healthcare agreement in the nature of a
not preclude the person from collecting the balance. He should not be
contract of insurance?
made to sign an acquittal.
FACTS: Individuals enrolled in its health care programs pay
Take note that subrogation is only applicable in non-life, logically.
an annual membership fee.
Life insurance is personal in nature. Only some people can get a policy
They are entitled to various preventive, diagnostic and
using your own life.
curative medical services provided by its duly licensed
physicians, specialists and other professional technical staff
Nature and Characteristics
participating in the group practice health delivery system at
Aleatory
a hospital or clinic owned, operated or accredited by it.
The DST under Section 185 of the 1997 Tax Code is Contract of indemnity for non-life and an investment
imposed on the privilege of making or renewing any policy for life insurance
of insurance (except life, marine, inland and fire insurance), Personal
bond or obligation in the nature of indemnity for loss, Executory and conditional on the part of the insurer
damage, or liability. Uberrimae fides
Adhesion
RULING: The health care agreement is primarily a contract
of indemnity. A health care agreement is in the nature of a Q: What is aleatory?
non-life insurance policy. A: Dependent on chance
The Supreme Court said that it was material. If it was not The public must be protected against insolvency or unfair
concealed, he may not have been insured or the premium could treatment by insurers.
have been higher. But because there was concealment, the Insurance Commission is tasked to regulate the conduct
beneficiary was precluded from claiming the proceeds. of insurance business through licensing, examination,
investigation and revocation (Sec. 414-416).
Adhesion – if you are given a contract by the insurance
company, unless you want some additional clauses, the form itself SECTION 414. The Insurance Commissioner shall have the duty
is already prepared. In that sense, it is a contract of adhesion. to see that all laws relating to insurance, insurance companies and
other insurance matters, mutual benefit associations, and trusts for
Rule of Construction: charitable uses are faithfully executed and to perform the duties
Doubts are resolved in favor of the insured imposed upon him by this Code, and shall, notwithstanding any
Since a contract of insurance is a contract of adhesion, existing laws to the contrary, have sole and exclusive authority to
any obscure word or stipulation in the insurance policy regulate the issuance and sale of variable contracts as defined in
shall be resolved against the insurance company which section two hundred thirty-two and to provide for the licensing of
drafted the terms thereof (RIZAL SURETY V. CA, 336 persons selling such contracts, and to issue such reasonable rules and
SCRA 12) regulations governing the same.
The Commissioner may issue such ruling, instructions, circulars,
Since a contract of insurance is a contract of adhesion, all orders and decision as he may deem necessary to secure the
doubts must be resolved in favor of the insured, logically. It is like enforcement of the provisions of this Code, subject to the approval of
a contract of employment. the Secretary of Finance. Except as otherwise specified, decisions
made by the Commissioner shall be appealable to the Secretary of
Statute of Limitations Finance.
General Rule: 10 YEARS from the time the cause of
action accrues. SECTION 415. In addition to the administrative sanctions
Exception: Period may be increased or decreased BUT provided elsewhere in this Code, the Insurance Commissioner is
In industrial life: cannot be shorter than SIX hereby authorized, at his discretion, to impose upon the insurance
YEARS companies, their directors and/or officers and/or agents, for any willful
In all other kinds of insurance: cannot be shorter failure or refusal to comply with, or violation of any provision of this
than ONE YEAR. Code, or any order, instruction, regulation, or ruling of the Insurance
Commissioner, or any commission or irregularities, and/or conducting
“Right of Action Accrues” business in an unsafe or unsound manner as may be determined by
Period is reckoned from the time of the denial of the the Insurance Commissioner, the following:
claim by the insurer (Vda de Gabriel v. CA) (a) Fines not in excess of five hundred pesos a day; and
If there was no denial of the claim, right of action does (b) Suspension, or after due hearing, removal of directors and/or
not accrue officers and/or agents.
There is a right - someone has to do something. If he fails to SECTION 416. The Commissioner shall have the power to
do it, there is a violation of right. If there is a violation of right, adjudicate claims and complaints involving any loss, damage or liability
there is a cause of action. for which an insurer may be answerable under any kind of policy or
contract of insurance, or for which such insurer may be liable under a
Translated to insurance law, you should file a claim first with contract of suretyship, or for which a reinsurer may be sued under any
your insurance company. If your claim is denied, the 10-year contract of reinsurance it may have entered into; or for which a mutual
period starts to run. If there was no denial, then, you cannot say benefit association may be held liable under the membership
that the period has begun. There should be denial first. certificates it has issued to its members, where the amount of any
There are cases where after the denial, the insured will file a such loss, damage or liability, excluding interest, cost and attorney's
motion for reconsideration. In that instance, the period begins to fees, being claimed or sued upon any kind of insurance, bond,
run already. It is only the first denial that will start the prescriptive reinsurance contract, or membership certificate does not exceed in any
period. So, if you are denied, file the appropriate action. single claim one hundred thousand pesos.
The insurer or surety may, in the same action file a counterclaim
“Doing an insurance business” – MEMORIZE against the insured or the obligee.
making or proposing to make, as insurer, any The insurer or surety may also file a cross-claim against a party
for any claim arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the
insurance contract;
subject matter of the original action or of a counterclaim therein.
making or proposing to make, as surety, any contract
With leave of the Commissioner, an insurer or surety may file a
of suretyship as a vocation and not merely incidental
third-party complaint against its reinsurers for indemnification,
to any other legitimate business or activity of the
contribution, subrogation or any other relief, in respect of the
surety.
transaction that is the subject matter of the original action filed with
the Commissioner.
Take note that this must be done on a regular basis, as a
The party filing an action pursuant to the provisions of this
vocation. It is not incidental and not as a one-shot deal when it
section thereby submits his person to the jurisdiction of the
comes to a surety agreement.
Commissioner. The Commissioner shall acquire jurisdiction over the
person of the impleaded party or parties in accordance with and
doing any kind of business, including a reinsurance
pursuant to the provisions of the Rules of Court.
business, specifically recognized as doing insurance The authority to adjudicate granted to the Commissioner under
business this section shall be concurrent with that of the civil courts, but the
filing of a complaint with the Commissioner shall preclude the civil
Reinsurance (we will tackle later on) - basically, you have an courts from taking cognizance of a suit involving the same subject
insurance company which will answer the damage. matter.
Example: Fire insurance for P 10 M. But because P 10M is a Any decision, order or ruling rendered by the Commissioner after
huge amount, your insurance company will now contract with a hearing shall have the force and effect of a judgment. Any party may
another entity saying that a portion of it, like P 5M of the P 10M will appeal from a final order, ruling or decision of the Commissioner by
be answered by such entity. The contract is between your filing with the Commissioner within thirty days from receipt of such
insurance company and another entity. order, ruling or decision a notice of appeal to the Intermediate
Appellate Court in the manner provided for in the Rules of Court for
doing or proposing to do any business in substance appeals from the Regional Trial Court to the Intermediate Appellate
equivalent to any of the foregoing Court.
An entity can still be deemed engaged even if he does As soon as a decision, order or ruling has become final and
not derive any profit from the activity executory, the Commissioner shall motu propio or on motion of the
interested party, issue a writ of execution required the sheriff or the
Even if there is no profit, it is possible that you are still proper officer to whom it is directed to execute said decision, order or
engaged in insurance business. award, pursuant to Rule thirty-nine of the Rules of Court.
For the purpose of any proceeding under this section, the
Commissioner, or any officer thereof designated by him, empowered
Regulation of Insurance Business to administer oaths and affirmation, subpoena witnesses, compel their
Insurance business is impressed with public interest.
Notes prepared by: Jazzie M. Sarona (4-Manresa 2008-2009) 2
Insurance Law Review – Based on PowerPoint Presentations and Lectures of Atty. Maria Christina S. Sagmit
attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any passenger was injured or a pedestrian was bumped, he does not suffer
books, papers, documents, or contracts or other records which are any loss but the pedestrian suffered loss or injury. The TPL is if he is
relevant or material to the inquiry. In case of contumacy by, or made liable to pay, he has something to answer for such liability.
refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person, the Commissioner
may invoke the aid of any court of first instance within the So, there are 2 kinds of injury – direct and indirect.
jurisdiction of which such proceeding is carried on, where such
person resides or carries on his own business, in requiring the Insurance by a married woman
attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of May take out an insurance on her life or that of her
books, papers, documents, contracts or other records. And such children or that of her husband without the consent of
court may issue an order requiring such person to appear before her husband (RA No. 7192)
the Commissioner, or officer designated by the Commissioner, there May take out insurance on paraphernal property
to produce records, if so ordered or to give testimony touching the
matter in question. Any failure to obey such order of the court may Q: How about conjugal property? How about property of the
be punished by such court as a contempt thereof. absolute community?
A full and complete record shall be kept of all proceedings had A: It is ok but both of you will benefit, not just you, even if you are
before the commissioner, or the officers thereof designated by him, the one who paid the premiums.
and all testimony shall be taken down and transcribed by a
stenographer appointed by the Commissioner. Insurance by a minor
A transcribed copy of the evidence and proceeding, or any
specific part thereof, of any hearing taken by a stenographer A property insurance taken by a minor is voidable or valid
appointed by the Commissioner, being certified by such until annulled (1390)
stenographer to be a true and correct transcript of the testimony on If contract is not disaffirmed, insurer cannot invoke
this hearing of a particular witness, or of a specific proof thereof, minority to escape liability.
carefully compared by him from his original notes, and to be a
correct statement of evidence and proceeding had in such hearing The one who is capacitated cannot use the minority of another
so purporting to be taken and subscribed, may be received as person as a defense to defeat the performance of an obligation.
evidence by the Commissioner and by any court with the same
effect as if such stenographer were present and testified to the
facts so certified.
LIFE INSURANCE
Insurance on human lives and insurance
appertaining thereto or connected therewith (Sec. 179)
Classes
1. Individual – protection is based on
individual application.
more than 500 times the current statutory minimum vessels, craft, aircraft, vehicles, goods, freights, cargoes,
wage in Metro Manila. merchandise, effects, bottomry, respondentia interests
person or property in connection with or appertaining to
There are many special rules with regard to industrial life marine, inland marine, transit or transportation insurance
insurance because this caters to those who belong to but excludes life insurance or surety bonds or insurance
lower-income bracket (fish ball and market vendors). against loss by reason of bodily injury to any person who
The face value of the policy is not more than 500 times of arising out of ownership, maintenance or use of
the current statutory minimum wage in Metro Manila. automobiles
precious stones, jewels, jewelry, precious metals,
NON-LIFE whether in the course of transportation OR otherwise
Property insurance or insurance whose object is bridges, tunnels and other instrumentalities of
other than a person’s life or where the covered peril is transportation and communication (excluding buildings,
something other than death furniture and furnishings fixed contents and supplies held
in storage), piers, wharves, docks and slips other aids of
This is opposite of life. The object is not the person’s life but a navigation, dru docks, marine railways, dams
certain property. It is protected against a particular risk – a
building protected against fire, a building protected against theft, a Bar Question: What is marine insurance?
vessel protected against sinking.
Contrary to common perception, marine insurance is not limited
TYPES: FIRE to vessels. It also covers aircraft, jewelries (whether in transit or not),
Includes insurance against loss by fire, lightning, etc.
windstorm, tornado or earthquake and other allied
risks, when such risks are covered by extension to fire TYPES: SURETYSHIP
insurance policies or under separate policies
An agreement whereby a party called the surety
There is a qualification that allied risks are included. This talks guarantees the performance of another party called the
about proximate cause – fire caused by an explosion, damaged principal or obligor of an obligation or undertaking in
caused by fire. favor of a third party called the obligee.
Includes official recognizances, stipulations,
TYPES: CASUALTY bonds or undertakings issued by any company
Covers loss or liability arising from accident or mishap,
excluding certain types of loss which by law or custom There is solidarily liability – someone will answer for the
are considered as falling exclusively within the scope obligation of another person. The liability of this surety company is
of other types of insurance such as fire, marine. solidarily. A person can proceed against the surety company directly
without the benefit of exhaustion/excussion.
Accident – remember the case on boxing where he died after
he slipped and his head was hit. (Dela Cruz v. Capital Insurance) PART TWO: LIFE INSURANCE
Is the consequence was an unexpected one?
What if combined with suicide? It is a totally different thing if
Procedure
you do something and you actually expect to suffer. It is not an
accident anymore.
Before they ply the road, it is required before registration that 1. Agent offers a life insurance policy
the vehicle must have an insurance policy of this nature because 2. The proposed insured fills an application – representations and
this is supposed to cover injuries or death caused by that vehicle to concealments. Declarations based on the principle of uberrimei
third persons. fides. You pay the first premium – monthly, quarterly, semi-
Take note: death or bodily injury. Damage to property not annually, or annually.
covered. It falls under casualty because it is an accident,
regardless of whether it caused injury or death. It is still property Q: After your payment of the 1 st premium, are you already
insurance because what we are actually insuring is the vehicle or covered?
the owner of the vehicle, not the life of the person. It is only a A: Not yet because in this situation, the applicant becomes the
consequence. offeror and insurance company becomes the offeree.
Before the cancellation of the TPL by the insurer, it has to give
notice to the owner/operator but also to the LTO (private vehicle) 3. Upon approval, there is now a policy contract given to you. If
or LTFRB (common carrier). disapproved, the premium is returned to you.
4. If the contingent happens, either the policyholder will get the
TYPES: MARINE proceeds or his beneficiary will get the proceeds.
Endowment – when you reach a certain age, you get the Accident
proceeds. If you do not survive, your beneficiaries will get the An event which happens without any human agency
proceeds. Either way, there is recovery. or, if happening through human agency, an event which
under the circumstances, is unusual and not expected by
5. The claim is either granted or denied the person to whom it happens by reason of some
violence or casualty to the insured without his design,
Denial – this is when the prescriptive period begins to run. consent or voluntary cooperation (Sun Insurance v. CA)
Right + Violation of Right = Cause of Action
Death by suicide: compensable?
6. If you are denied, you go to the Insurance Commission or to General Rule: NO.
the regular courts, depending on the amount of the claim BASIS:
Sec. 87 which provides that an insurer is not liable if
Q: When do you go to the Insurance Commissioner? loss is caused by willful act or connivance of the
A: P 100,000 below. (concurrent with courts) insured; and
The Rules of Court which provides that a person is
Q: How about regular courts?
presumed to intend the consequences of his
A: Above P 100,000
voluntary acts
Exactly P 100,000 – regular courts (dagdag ko lang to, so verify)
Suicide is not compensable. If there is a degree of wilfulness and
brings about the event, then, that will defeat the claim (Section 87).
Jurisdiction: (double-check )
If you jump from the 20th floor of a building, you actually expect
MTC – P 300,000 and below
something to happen.
RTC – above P 300,000
When is suicide compensable? (Section 180-A)
Topics in Life Insurance
If insured was not in his right mind/insane at the
What may be insured against
time of suicide
Rule in case of death by suicide
If insured committed suicide after the policy has
Insurable Interest
been effective for at least 2 years from issuance or
Parties last reinstatement
Kinds of life insurance Note: The 2-year period can be shortened but not
Kinds of life insurance policies lengthened
Concept Express stipulation is not clear. In that case, how much is the
Life Insurance - insurance on human lives and premium?
insurance appertaining thereto or connected therewith
Retirement Death
Classes Life Annuity – debtor binds himself to pay annual pension
1. Individual – protection is based on individual or income during the life of one or more determinate persons
application. in consideration of a capital consisting of money or other
2. Group – unit of selection is the group rather than the property, whose ownership is transferred to him at once with
individual, blanket policy covering a number of the burden of income (Art. 2021, Civil Code)
individuals Annuitant gives money or property to the insurer
3. Industrial – premiums are payable either monthly or Insurer now becomes the debtor, and has the obligation
oftener if the face amount of insurance is not more to give annual pension or income to either the annuitant
than 500 times the current statutory minimum wage in or another person
Metro Manila. The obligation of insurer to give pension stops upon the
death of the annuitant
Contingencies
death Dynamics: At least 3 persons
survival of a specific period One who has the money or capital. The insurance company
continuance or cessation of life becomes the debtor because it now has the obligation to give pension
to the one who gave the money or to another person until that person
What may be insured against? dies.
Actual death
Living death (disability) This is different from other insurance because in others, you get
Retirement death the proceeds after death. Here, the death of the insurer is the
resolutory condition. It now stops the obligation to give proceeds, like
Actual Death a trust fund.
Cessation of life The definition is Article 2021 is but one type of life insurance.
Best proof of death: Death certificate
Policy matures upon the death of the insured INSURABLE INTEREST
Concept
Living Death
Relation between the insured and a particular event such
When the insured suffers from disability due to
that the happening of the event will damnify or cause loss
disease or accident which prevents him from
to the person
engaging in any lawful occupation
Partakes the nature of health and disability
If an event happened and it does not affect a person, it is not an
benefits
insurable interest.
Ex: Death of the grandmother of your neighbour who is not your
Q: When do we say it is life?
relative. Something happened but you do not suffer any loss because
A: When one is insured and the risk is death
you have no insurable interest on the life of the grandmother.
Ex: The building owned by your cousin was burned. You do not
If it is purely health and disability, that is casualty insurance.
suffer any loss, unless you are a part-owner of the building.
Living Death: Accident and Health
PURPOSE FOR THE CONCEPT:
â Health, accident and disability insurance are
To avoid wagering
deemed as both life and non-life insurance and
To avoid temptation of bringing about the event
such may be issued by either life or non-life
insurance companies (sec. 187-A, 9th par)
â Is deemed a life insurance policy when one of the
risks insured against is death of insured by Case: Uy vs. Palomar
accident (Gallardo v. Morales) Lottery was discussed by analogy to a contract of insurance. A
contract of insurance is not a wagering contract. The purpose is a
person will enter into a life insurance policy not because he hopes that
Notes prepared by: Jazzie M. Sarona (4-Manresa 2008-2009) 5
Insurance Law Review – Based on PowerPoint Presentations and Lectures of Atty. Maria Christina S. Sagmit
the event will happen but because he expects the event to happen Business Partners: He brings in clients amounting to P 10M a
but he does not know when. And when it happens, he expects to year. If he dies, there will be loss on the part of the co-partners or the
get something – investment. partnership.
As to property, you do not pay for a policy so that your
property will be burned and you will get proceeds. The owner, Generally, when we talk about life, we cannot put a price on the
unless he is guilty of owner, does not want his property to get life of a person. However, under Sectio 10 (c), you can actually
burned. But in case his property gets burned, he wants to be concretize the face value of the policy because you insure the debtor
indemnified. So, it is not wagering. to the extent of the debt. You insure the employee to the extent of
The reason why we have insurable interest is we do not really the profits he gives to the company. You insure the business partner
want the event to happen but we want to be protected just in case to the extent of the earnings he gives the partnership.
it happens.
Section 10 (d)
On whose life does a person have insurable interest? Person in whose estate an interest is dependent
himself, spouse, children Person is given the right to use a house
person on whom he depends wholly or in part for Right ceases when the owner dies and another
education or support or in whom he has a pecuniary person becomes the owner
interest
any person who is under legal obligation to him for Measure of Recovery of Proceeds
payment of money or respecting property or services of SEC. 183 - GENERAL RULE: Face value of the policy
which illness or death might delay or prevent Except: pecuniary estimation is possible [10 (c)]
performance
any person upon whose life any estate or interest We cannot put a value on one’s life. It will depend on how much
vested in him depends premium the insured can afford. That’s the general rule.
Exception: Section 10 (c) – capable of pecuniary estimation. You
Even if you are annulled from your spouse, the law still allows cannot get a policy that has a face value that is higher than your
you to recover from a policy. The spouse must exist at the start. pecuniary interest. If the value of debt is P 1M only, that is only
So, if you are married when you obtained the policy and at the time amount you can get from the policy.
of the death of your spouse you are annulled, there can still be
recovery, except when incapable of pecuniary estimation. Special Rule on Insurable Interest in Industrial Life
If a person is a debtor of yours, the value is only up to the Usual rules re insurable interest are generally not made
value of the debt, unless such debtor is your spouse or children applicable in industrial life because:
because it has not limit. Proceeds are small, little danger to induce a person
Estate or interest vested: Example – contract of commodatum, to kill
free stay in a house. If the owner dies, because a contract of Investigation of presence of insurable interest will
commodatum is personal in nature, you stand to lose something nullify speedy payment of proceeds under the facility
and it is capable of pecuniary estimation. of payment clause
The costs to prove insurable interest will destroy the
Section 10 (A) purpose for this type of insurance
Every person has unlimited insurable interest in his
own life Special – market vendors, fish vendors, etc.
One also had insurable interest in the life of his spouse Some rules are not strictly applied because the proceeds are
and children on the basis of love and affection small (500x the current statutory minimum wage in Metro Manila) –
around P 200,000.
Section 10(b)
Obligation to give support Ma’am’s opinion: What may be small for us may be big for other
Article 195, Family Code people. It may still induce other people to kill. But that is just an
Spouses, legitimate ascendants and descendants assumption
parents and their legitimate children and
legitimate or illegitimate children of the latter Q: What is facility of payment clause? (Ma’am’s Dream Bar Q )
parents and their illegitimate children and A: This is the only chance that a person will have to get the
legitimate or illegitimate children of the latter proceeds even if he not a designated beneficiary.
legitimate brothers and sisters whether of the full Examples:
or half blood Group life (?) – the one who spent for the burial, you get up to P
500.
Article 196, Family Code Industrial life – if the beneficiary is disqualified, if the beneficiary
Brothers and sisters not legitimately is the estate, etc – a person who spent for the last illness of the
related,whether of the full or half blood, are insured or the burial will be entitled to recover from an industrial life
likewise bound to support each other EXCEPT only policy.
when the need for support of the brother or sister, The facility of payment clause covers precisely a situation where a
being of age, is due to a cause imputable to the person who does not fall under Section 10 spends for the insured and
claimant’s fault or negligence. he is supposed to recover.
The purpose of industrial life is not in so much as an investment.
Blood relationship, affinity: enough? It is more of answering the obligations of the insured.
In cases not falling under 195 and 196, mere blood
relationship or affinity does not create insurable Ma’am’s Caveat: Other people are ok with P 200,000. There is that
interest danger of bringing about the event.
Examples: uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, cousins,
PARTIES
son-in-law, brother-in-law, stepchildren
Section 10 (c)
Pecuniary Interest
Debtor-Creditor
Employer-Employee - El Oriente v. Posadas
Insurer: Section 6
Business partners
Every person, partnership, association or corporation
ER-EE: If an employee brings so much profits will pass away,
duly authorized to transact insurance business as
but you have to substantiate that.
elsewhere provided in this Code may be an insurer.
Notes prepared by: Jazzie M. Sarona (4-Manresa 2008-2009) 6
Insurance Law Review – Based on PowerPoint Presentations and Lectures of Atty. Maria Christina S. Sagmit
Q: Can the insured be the beneficiary? Jacob cannot include the two friends as additional
A: Yes, you get the policy as to the life of your spouse and you beneficiaries as this would diminish the interest of Diwata
make the proceeds payable to yourself. who is irrevocably designated as beneficiary. Diwata has
to consent first to the inclusion.
Q: Can the cestui que vie be the beneficiary?
A: Yes. If you think about it, in endowment, you use your life Disqualified Beneficiaries
and if you survive a specific age, you receive the benefits. It is not Article 2012 in relation to Article 739 of the Civil Code
always death. those made between persons who were guilty of
concubinage at the time of donation
Insured: Rights
Right to borrow on the policy 227(g) Finding of guilt is not required
You can use your insurance policy and pledge it with the those made between persons found guilty of the
insurance company and you can get cash. same criminal offense in consideration thereof
If you were not able to pay the premium, even after the In this case, there was a first wife. It fell under concubinage.
grace period, you will be in default. What happens to your
policy? You can reinstate your policy as long as, in the case of Q: What if living together and both are single?
the individual life, you reinstate within 3 years from default. A: No. Can you donate? That is the same as donation. You cannot
In industrial, 2 years. You pay the overdue premiums and donate to your common-law spouse or your spouse. There is an
you show that you are still insurable. element of intimidation, force or undue influence.
Bar 2008 This is a contract of adhesion. There are blanks because some
On January 1, 2000, Antonio Rivera secured a life would like to put specific provisions covering them – covering death by
insurance from SOS Insurance Corp. for P1 Million with suicide, death by accident or at the end of it all, he wants to recover
Gemma Rivera, his adopted daughter, as the the premiums he paid as well as the proceeds.
beneficiary. Antonio Rivera died on March 4, 2005 and
in the police investigation, it was ascertained that Contents (Sec. 51)
Gemma Rivera participated as an accessory in the Parties
killing of Antonio Rivera. Can SOS Insurance Corp. amount to be insured
avoid liability by setting up as a defense the premium
participation of Gemma Rivera in the killing of Antonio life insured
Rivera? Discuss with reasons. (4%) risks
Answer
period of effectivity
SOS cannot avoid liability merely because Gemma was
an accessory to the death of Antonio. Under the law,
It is possible that the one who got the policy and is paying the
when the beneficiary willfully causes the death of the
premium is not the cestui que vie.
cestui, the nearest relatives of the insured will be
More often than not, when we talk about life insurance, we are
entitled to the proceeds.
not very much particular as to the date of effectivity because maturity
will depend upon the happening of the event – death. Unlike in
Guard against misleading questions! What is the rule under
property insurance, it can be one year.
the law?
If the beneficiary participated in the killing, the proceeds will
Required Provisions
go to the nearest relatives. If the beneficiary dies ahead, the
Grace period provision – provision which gives the
proceeds will go to the estate of the one who pays the premium,
insured additional time to pay his premiums from the due
not to the estate of the beneficiary.
date
If there is no designated beneficiary, as in the case of GSIS, it
Clarifies the right to collect if death happens within the
is the estate of the insured which is entitled to the proceeds.
grace period
Rules on Beneficiaries Individual life – 30 days/1 month
If beneficiary dies ahead of the insured/cestui, the Group life – 30 days/1 month
estate of the insured will get the proceeds Industrial life – 4 weeks or if payable
If beneficiary is not designated, insured’s estate monthly – 30 days/1 month
will get the proceeds
Even if there is a deadline for the payment of premium, there is
NOTE!! such a thing as grace period – you are given leeway or allowance.
Only the insured or policyholder in life insurance is If the contingency happens during the grace period, there can be
required to have insurable interest on the life of the recovery. Ex: Premium must be paid today (Nov. 10). Grace Period,
cestui. any kind, is 30 days or 1 month. If A will die 2 weeks from now, he is
covered. What will happen is that unpaid premium will be deducted
Example: A will get a life insurance policy as to her wife and from the proceeds, as long as within the grace period. After the grace
make the proceeds payable to an orphanage. In the same period, it has already lapsed.
situation, the beneficiary may be the neighbour, who can bring
about the event. Entire contract provision – The policy shall constitute the
entire contract between the parties
Rule: Do not get a beneficiary which does not have an
insurable interest. Misstatement of age provision – if the age of the insured
is misstated, the amount payable shall be as such
The only person required to have an insurable interest is the premium would have purchased at the correct age
one paying the premium.
Usually, when there is misrepresentation, based on the principle
The beneficiary may or may not have insurable interest of uberrimei fides, the innocent party can move for rescission but not if
on the life of the cestui. What is vital is that the the misrepresentation is as regards to age.
beneficiary is not disqualified under the law to get the
proceeds. Reinstatement provision – clarifies the requirements for
restoring a policy to premium-paying status after it has
Bar 2000 lapsed.
A is an elderly bachelor who took out an individual life
insurance policy on his life. The designated beneficiary Individual – within 3 years from default
is B a companion-friend. A died in a fire which also Group – no reinstatement
destroyed his home. The insurer refused payment to B Industrial – within 2 years from default
due to absence of insurable interest on the life of A. Is
the insurer correct? You have a deadline to pay the premium. If you are not able to
Answer pay, there is a grace period. If you are not able to pay thereafter, it
Notes prepared by: Jazzie M. Sarona (4-Manresa 2008-2009) 8
Insurance Law Review – Based on PowerPoint Presentations and Lectures of Atty. Maria Christina S. Sagmit
has now lapsed. There is such a thing as reinstatement provision. premium for you since you already have a reserve. It does not lapse
Within the period provided under the law, the person whose policy and more expensive.
has lapsed may move for reinstatement.
Kinds of Policies
Special Features
Loan privilege – based on the cash surrender value, the 1. Ordinary Life – payment of premiums is annually or at
insured may obtain a loan by pledging the policy more frequent intervals throughout life and the beneficiary is
entitled to receive payment only after the death of the
If you do not have money and you have a policy, you can insured.
pledge it. Then, you can borrow.
This is the most common.
Policy dividend options – if the policy is participating,
the policyholder is entitled to a share of the surplus. 2. Limited Payment Life – premiums are payable only during a
limited period of years (10,15,20 years). After the period, the
Exemption from claims of creditors – protection insurance is deemed fully paid. Proceeds are payable upon
against execution death of insured.
Proceeds of a life insurance policy are exempted from claims This is advisable if it will take some time before you will be able
of creditors. to pay. If you have money now, you go for Limited Payment Life.
Exception to this rule: Endowment – the policyholder is still
alive. Because he survived the period, he earns. That is 3. Term Insurance – provides coverage only if the insured dies
income subject to income taxation. It is not, strictly speaking, during a limited period.
exempt from execution because it is does not proceed from If the insured dies within the period, the beneficiary gets
death. He earned it because he invested, just like saving in a the proceeds. If the insured survives the period, the contract
bank. is terminated.
Income tax treatment – proceeds of life insurance This is also common. If the cestui que vie dies during a limited
policies are generally tax exempt. However, period, then, there can be recovery. If he dies after that, then, there
endowment proceeds and cash surrender values are is no recovery.
treated as income and are taxable.
4. Endowment Policy – insured gets a sum of money if he
Same thing: if endowment, subject to income tax, except survives a specified period. If insured dies within the period,
those proceeds which are obtained because of death of the the beneficiary gets the proceeds.
cestui que vie.
This is the more expensive one because there is recovery either
Surrender options – if the policyholder cannot continue way. This is not exempt from income tax.
paying the premiums, he has some options which will
5. Life Annuity – debtor binds himself to pay an annual
not put to waste what he has paid. However, these
pension or income during the life of one or more determinate
options are available only upon payment of at least 3
persons in consideration of a capital consisting of money or
annual premiums
other property, whose ownership is transferred to him at once
with the burden of income.
If you do not want to reinstate and your policy has already
lapsed, there is a surrender option provision in the insurance
There is someone with money and gives his money or capital to
policy.
an insurance company. The insurance company becomes a debtor
because he is obligated to give pension to the appointed person or the
Surrender Options
one who gave the money.
Cash Surrender Value 227(f); 230(f) and (g)
6. Accident Insurance – may be life or non-life insurance.
payment of at least 3 annual premiums
not less than the reserve on the policy * If death is one of the risks insured against, it is classified
as life insurance.
You surrender your policy and you will get cash. There must
be payment of at 3 annual premiums before you can avail of this When is the insurance contract perfected?
option. If you take a look at the policy, there is a table. More often At the time the insured-applicant has knowledge of the
than not, you will not get anything from 0 to 3 years. approval of his application.
Extended Insurance When a person applies for a life insurance policy, he is supposed
At least three annual premiums to pay the first premium at the time of the application.
limited time, same face value
When is the policy effective? Remember that case where there
You purchase a new policy using the cash surrender value. was an old woman who asked her lawyer to check if her application for
The difference – limited time covered, but same face value. If your life insurance policy had been approved. When it was checked, it was
old policy covered during your life time for P 1M, this one, you are not yet clear if it was approved. In the meantime, the old woman
covered for 10 years for P 1M. Recovery is the same but the period died. Can the beneficiary recover? Was she aware that her
of coverage is shorter. application approved? The one making the offer in that situation is the
applicant. Just like in obligations and contracts, the moment you know
Paid-Up Insurance that the offer was accepted, there is a perfected contract. The offeror
At least three annual premiums must first know that her application was approved before the contract
same period, lower proceeds is perfected. In this case, the woman died without knowing that her
application was approved. The evidence was when she asked her
Same period – you are covered for the entire lifetime – but the lawyer to check. So, she did not yet receive the approval.
proceeds are lower. If before you are covered for your entire If the applicant was not aware of the approval, there is no
lifetime P 1M, this time, you care covered for your entire lifetime perfected contract of insurance.
but for only P 500,000.
Since the insured is the one making the offer, the
Automatic Premium Loan submission of the application WITHOUT the approval of
Parties agree that in case of default insurer the policy does not result in a perfected contract of
advances the premium not subject to repayment insurance (Grepalife v. CA)
The written approval of the Insurance Commissioner can be Suicide is generally not compensable unless: mentally ill
dispensed with if the president, the vice-president or the general or committed after the policy has existed for more than
manager swears under oath that there is no circumvention of any two years from issuance
of the provisions of the Insurance Code. If the beneficiary is disqualified because he participated
in the death of the cestui, the nearest relatives of the
If the person dies during the existence of the cover note, there insured will recover. In all other cases, it is the estate of
can be recovery. the insured which can recover
Notes prepared by: Jazzie M. Sarona (4-Manresa 2008-2009) 10
Insurance Law Review – Based on PowerPoint Presentations and Lectures of Atty. Maria Christina S. Sagmit
Requirement for Recovery There could be no recovery because the proximate cause is the
• Peril insured against must be the PROXIMATE CAUSE explosion. There is no mention of an allied risk.
of the loss or damage (Sec. 84)
Hostile v. Friendly Fire
SECTION 84. Unless otherwise provided by the policy, an • Friendly - fire burns in a place where it is intended to
insurer is liable for a loss of which a peril insured against was the burn
proximate cause, although a peril not contemplated by the contract • Hostile - occurs outside the confines or begins as a
may have been a remote cause of the loss; but he is not liable for a friendly fire and becomes hostile by escaping from the
loss of which the peril insured against was only a remote cause. place where it ought to be
• Hostile fire is the one covered by fire insurance
• NO liability if insured risk is only a remote cause or if Fire insurance covers only hostile fire, not friendly fire.
proximate cause is an excepted peril
Section 85 Loss in the Course of Rescue
• Concept of loss - injury, damage, liability, loss of • Insurer is liable if the thing is rescued from peril
income or profits sustained by the insured in insured against if in the course of rescue, the thing is
consequence of the happening of one or more perils exposed to a peril not insured against
insured against (Bonifacio Bros. V. Mora, 20 SCRA 261)
SECTION 85. An insurer is liable where the thing insured is
In life insurance, insurable interest has an important role when rescued from a peril insured against that would otherwise have caused
you apply for an insurance policy. But if you are a beneficiary, as a loss, if, in the course of such rescue, the thing is exposed to a peril
long as you are not disqualified, you can get the proceeds. not insured against, which permanently deprives the insured of its
In property insurance, there has to be evidence that the possession, in whole or in part; or where a loss is caused by efforts to
proximate cause of the loss is a covered risk or event. If the rescue the thing insured from a peril insured against.
proximate cause is an excepted peril (it is not covered by the
policy), there can be no recovery of benefits or proceeds. If the cause of the rescue is a covered peril, then, if there is some
damage because of rescue, that is covered.
Loss – not necessarily total loss. It need not be total wreck.
Illustration
Proximate Cause • An owner gets theft insurance for his car.
• That which in the natural and continuous sequence, • In the course of rescuing the car from thieves, the car
unbroken by any NEW INDEPENDENT cause, produces suffers damages.
an event without which the event would not have • The insurer is liable to the owner although the damage is
occurred. not due to theft since it was in the course of rescuing the
• Also called the EFFICIENT CAUSE, or one that sets the car from theft that it suffered some damage.
others in motion
• NOT equivalent to IMMEDIATE CAUSE Another example: things rescued from fire but said things got wet
and were damaged. That is covered – loss in the course of rescue.
Basically, without proximate cause, there would be no loss. It If loss due to wilful act or connivance of insured
is also known as the efficient cause because it started everything, • Section 87 - insurer is not liable if insured, through his
leading to loss. willful act or connivance caused the loss
• Ex. Arson, owner hiring other people to rob his But in property insurance, it is not enough that you expect only.
property You must have an insurable interest. How will you know you have
insurable interest? Look at the concept – will you fall under any of
SECTION 87. An insurer is not liable for a loss caused by the those and in what form?
willful act or through the connivance of the insured; but he is not
exonerated by the negligence of the insured, or of the insurance Pure expectancy will not suffice.
agents or others. Example: Your neighbour’s house was robbed. Maybe I will
suffer loss. So, I will ensure my neighbour’s house against theft.
In this case, there can be no recovery. Another example: Your building is near a gas station. You insure
the gas station agains fire.
• Section 87 - if loss is through SIMPLE negligence of These will not suffice.
insured or his agents, insurer is STILL LIABLE
• Insurer is NOT liable if loss is caused by GROSS In cases of property insurance, you must have an insurable
negligence of insured interest because it is easy to bring about the event when it comes to
property. It is easier to burn the house of your neighbour than to kill
There are 2 kinds of negligence – simple and gross. The your neighbour.
reason why we get property insurance because there will be times
that we will be negligent. The only question is – was the Beneficiary is required to have insurable interest
negligence simple or gross? Insurable interest is required before a person can benefit
If simple negligence, there can be recovery. If gross from a property insurance (Sec. 18)
negligence, that is tantamount to a wilful act. And based on
Section 87, there can be no payment. SECTION 18. No contract or policy of insurance on property
shall be enforceable except for the benefit of some person having an
Q: Leaving a candle burning? Is that simple negligence? insurable interest in the property insured.
(No definite answer )
Only one who has insurable interest in the property can recover.
BAR 2007
• If the fire was found to have been caused by Alfredo’s BAR 2000
own negligence, can he still recover from the policy? • A is an elderly bachelor who insured his house against
ANSWER fire. He named his companion-friend as beneficiary. A
• I qualify. If the negligence was simple in nature then died in a fire which also destroyed his home. The insurer
Alfredo can still recover under the policy. However, if refused payment to B due to absence of insurable interest
there was gross negligence on the part of Alfredo then on the life of A. Is the insurer correct?
he is barred from recovering under the policy. ANSWER
• The insurer is correct. The beneficiary in property
INSURABLE INTEREST insurance must have insurable interest on the property.
The companion-friend of A does not have insurable
Concept, Section 13 interest on the house of A. Hence, he cannot recover from
Every interest in property, whether real or personal the fire insurance policy.
(owner)
Any relation thereto (lessee, agent) BAR 2001
Liability in respect of property (carrier, depositary) • JQ, the owner of a condominium insured the same against
Which will directly damnify the insured when a fire with XYZ Company and made the loss payable to his
contemplated peril happens brother MLQ. In case of loss by fire, who can recover
from the policy. State the reason for your answer (5%)
SECTION 13. Every interest in property, whether real or ANSWER
personal, or any relation thereto, or liability in respect thereof, of • JQ can recover since he has insurable interest over his
such nature that a contemplated peril might directly damnify the own condominium unit. MLQ cannot recover since it is
insured, is an insurable interest. required that a beneficiary must have insurable interest
over the property.
Forms, Section 14
Existing interest (owner) Insurable interest in a mortgaged property (Sec. 8)
Inchoate interest founded on an existing interest • Both the mortgagor and the mortgagee have insurable
(shareholder) interest on the mortgaged property
• The II of the mortgagor is to the full value of the SM
Ex: Shareholder in Company A – you have 1,000 shares. You • The II of the mortgagee is only up to the extent of the
have an interest as to the properties belonging to the company. indebtedness
But can you actually say what is that interest? You cannot say ½ of
the building belongs to you. It is only upon dissolution and ___(?). SECTION 8. Unless the policy otherwise provides, where a
You have an existing interest but still inchoate. mortgagor of property effects insurance in his own name providing
that the loss shall be payable to the mortgagee, or assigns a policy of
Expectancy coupled with an existing interest insurance to a mortgagee, the insurance is deemed to be upon the
(usufructuary, expected profit) interest of the mortgagor, who does not cease to be a party to the
original contract, and any act of his, prior to the loss, which would
SECTION 14. An insurable interest in property may consist in: otherwise avoid the insurance, will have the same effect, although the
(a) An existing interest; property is in the hands of the mortgagee, but any act which, under
(b) An inchoate interest founded on an existing interest; or the contract of insurance, is to be performed by the mortgagor, may
(c) An expectancy, coupled with an existing interest in that out of be performed by the mortgagee therein named, with the same effect
which the expectancy arises. as if it had been performed by the mortgagor.
Factual Expectation Both the mortgagor and the mortgagee can get an insurance
• Mere factual expectation of loss not arising from any policy on the same property. In a mortgage, the property is used as a
legal right or duty in connection with the SM does NOT security for payment of a debt. The owner naturally can insure the
constitute an insurable interest. property up to that extent.
• NOTE: Factual expectation is enough basis in life If the worth of the house is P 1M, the value of the policy can be
insurance. up to P 1M.
If the debt covered by the mortgage is P 200,000, the mortgagee
In life insurance, you expect your parents to support you can insure the property only up to P 200,000.
(Article 195 of the Family Code). That is enough bases to get a
policy using their life, even if your parents do not really support BAR 1999
you. Even if you are richer than your parents, that is not an • A businessman obtained a fire insurance policy on his
argument because under the law, that is an expectation. That is stocks for P5 M. Three months later, a fire broke out and
enough basis for life insurance. destroyed the grocery and stocks. The insurer denied the
claim since the stocks were mortgaged to another person
who also insured the same stocks for P5 M. May the insurance until the interest in the thing and interest
businessman and the creditor obtain different in the insurance are vested on the same person
insurance policies on the same stocks?
ANSWER Illustration
• Yes. The businessman, as the owner and the • A owns a car which is insured against theft
creditor, as the mortgagee have insurable interest over • A sells the car to B. The policy was not included in the
the stocks. Hence, they may obtain separate policies sale.
on the same stocks. • If the car is carnapped, neither A nor B can recover under
the policy.
Measure • A cannot recover because he does not own the car at the
Measure of insurable interest is the extent the time of the theft.
insured might be damnified by loss or injury (Sec. 17) • B cannot recover because he does not own the policy
Section 25: Void stipulations – payment of loss
whether insured has insurable interest or not or that No one can recover. Insurable interest must exist at the time of
policy shall be proof of interest the issuance of the insurance policy and at the time of the loss.
Until the ownership over the policy and ownership over the
In life insurance, the measure of recovery is the face value. In property is vested in one person, the policy is suspended.
property insurance, the measure of recovery is the extent of the
insurable interest. You cannot say face value of the property Transfer of Property by Succession
because it varies – owner, mortgagee, lessee, agent. When the insured dies, and the subject matter is
transferred by succession, the new owner of the
SECTION 25. Every stipulation in a policy of insurance for the thing will also own the insurance. (Sec. 23)
payment of loss whether the person insured has or has not any
interest in the property insured, or that the policy shall be received Illustration
as proof of such interest, and every policy executed by way of • A owns a car which has theft insurance
gaming or wagering, is void. • A bequeath the car to B under his will
• A dies
Insurable Interest: Jurisprudence • B now owns the car, together with the insurance policy
• Fire insurance taken on a property belonging to When the policyholder dies, whoever gets the property is
another is VOID, although the insurer had full automatically the owner of the policy. There is no need to indicate in
knowledge of fact of ownership and even if insured the last will and testament that the car and the policy is bequeathed.
subsequently acquired insurable interest (Cha v. CA, Whoever gets the proper will now get the policy.
277 SCRA 690)
POLICY
In this case, he insured the property when it was not yet his.
He was not even a lessee. He does not belong to any of the forms Kinds
or concepts. The Supreme Court held that even if he became the Open – Value of thing is not agreed upon but is to be
owner later on, you must be the owner 2 points in time – at the ascertained at time of loss
time you got the policy and at the time of the loss. This is the case
in property insurance as opposed to life insurance, only at the time Valued – expresses on its face an agreement that the
you got the policy. thing shall be valued at a specific sum
• Where the real intention of insured was to insure his Running – successive insurances
goods for P15,000 but insurer mistakenly insured the
building where the goods were contained and not Two Kinds of Values
owned by insured, in case of loss of goods insured was • Face value – maximum amount which may be
allowed to recover (Garcia v. Hongkong, 45 Phil 122) recovered under the policy
The Supreme Court said that there was negligence on the part • Valuation- value of the subject matter agreed on by
of the insurance company. There can be recovery. the parties
When insurable interest must exist in property insurance Who sets the value? Both parties. If they cannot agree, they go
Time the insurance takes effect and when the loss to a third person for purposes of putting a value.
occurs, but NEED NOT exist in the meantime
Open v. Valued
Two points in time - at the start and at the time of the loss. • Open - has a face value but has NO valuation of the
thing. Valuation is done after the loss
In life insurance, only at the start, except if capable of • Valued - has both face value and valuation of the
pecuniary estimation. thing (at the start/at the time the policy is issued)
Example: You get an insurance as to the life of your debtor.
You have an insurable interest. At the time of your debtor’s debt, Illustration: Open
the debt has been already paid, then, there can be no recovery.
BAR 2002
• Distinguish insurable interest in property insurance
from insurable interest in life insurance (5%) Value of the house: to be determined at time of loss
ANSWER Face Value: P2 Million
• In property insurance, the expectation of benefit must If the valuation is more than the face value, recovery is
have a legal basis. In life insurance, insurable interest limited to the face value
can be based on mere factual expectation.
• In property insurance, the actual value of the interest
is the limit of the insurance. There is no such limit in
life insurance except if insurable interest is capable of
pecuniary estimation.
• In property insurance, insurable interest must exist
when the insurance takes effect and at the time of the Illustration: Valued
loss but not in the meantime. In life insurance,
insurable interest must exist only at the time the
insurance takes effect.
Valuation of the car : P1.5 Million
Face Value : P 1 Million
Change of Ownership of Property
GENERAL RULE: Recovery will be based on valuation
Section 20 and 58: A change of interest in
any part of a thing insured unaccompanied by a
corresponding change of interest suspends the
Notes prepared by: Jazzie M. Sarona (4-Manresa 2008-2009) 13
Insurance Law Review – Based on PowerPoint Presentations and Lectures of Atty. Maria Christina S. Sagmit
EXCEPTION: If valuation is obtained through fraud or fault or negligence of the surety, no such service fee, stamps or taxes
misrepresentation. Recovery is limited to the face value or shall be collected.
insurer may deny the claim In the case of a continuing bond, the obligor shall pay the
subsequent annual premium as it falls due until the contract of
Example of fraud: When the car checked, you borrowed and suretyship is cancelled by the obligee or by the Commissioner or by a
put mag wheels, radio and other technology. But it was not yours. court of competent jurisdiction, as the case may be.
At the time of the loss, it was discovered that those were not yours.
There will be 2 options available to the insurance company – it will If the court or the obligee accepted the bond, it is already
not pay you because you misrepresented or it will just stick to the binding.
face value.
When there is a credit scheme?
Illustration: Running • UCPB v. Masagana April 4, 2001 - insured is entitled to
proceeds even if he has not fully paid premiums when:
– for years, insurer has been issuing fire
insurance policies to insured and the policies were
renewed
– insurer has been granting 60-90 day credit
extension
– no valid notice of non-renewal
– premium was paid by insured within credit
extension period
As of May 1, 2007 – value of goods – P1 Million It is possible the payment of premium will not be in full or not in
As of June 1, 2007 - value of goods – P500,000 cash. In this case, this is an exception. It has been covered for so
many years. The system for so many years was that the policy was
It is not worthwhile to put a valuation because one day you issued and the premium can be paid within 60-90 days from the
may have P 1M inside the grocery and the next day you may have P issuance. During one calendar year, there was a fire during the
500,000. The valuation is updated from time to time. extension period. The cash and carry rule was invoked. Since there
was no payment, it is not liable.
PREMIUM Initially, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Masagana.
• Cash and carry basis rule is followed However, upon MFR, Supreme Court reversed itself. For so many
years, the insurance policy was issued and renewed. For so many
• Section 77 - insurer is entitled to premium as soon as years, 60-90 day credit extension was given. There was no notice of
the thing insured is exposed to the peril insured non-renewal. It means there was renewal. And it is paid within the
against credit period.
Worse scenario – fire took place on the 90 th day and payment was
SECTION 77. An insurer is entitled to payment of the premium as made on the 90th day. It is still covered. But if payment was made on
soon as the thing insured is exposed to the peril insured against. the 91st day, no more.
Notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, no policy or Section 77 is without exception. This is the first exception –
contract of insurance issued by an insurance company is valid and credit scheme.
binding unless and until the premium thereof has been paid, except
in the case of a life or an industrial life policy whenever the grace BAR 2007
period provision applies. • Alfredo took out a policy to insure his commercial
building. The broker agreed to give a 15-day credit to
The Cash and Carry basis rule provides that the insurance Alfredo within which to pay the premium. Upon delivery
company should receive the premium as soon as the property is of the policy on May 15, 2006, Alfredo issued a postdated
exposed to the risk. check dated May 30, 2006. On May 28, 2006, fire
Example: Marine Insurance – travel covered Manila to Davao destroyed the building. May Alfredo recover from the
on this date. Even if it just reaches the Manila Bay, you cannot policy?
demand the return of the premium because it is already exposed to ANSWER
the risk. If the trip did not push through, you can demand refund. • Alfredo can recover from the policy. In a decided case by
You do not have to pay the entire premium in cash, even if the Supreme Court, it was held that parties may agree on
there is no qualification in Section 77. a credit extension in paying the premium. The happening
of the peril during the credit extension will entitle the
• Premium - is the agreed price for assuming and insured to proceeds, less the unpaid premiums.
carrying the risk
Premium by instalment: Makati Tuscany vs. CA
General Rule: Cash and carry basis – nonpayment of • Makati and American Assurance agreed that premiums
the first premium prevents the contract from becoming will be paid via three installments
binding • Makati paid premiums for 3 consecutive years in three
Premium must be paid in cash as a condition precedent installments
for non-life insurance policy to be valid and binding • On the 4th year, Makati paid only the 1st 2 installments.
• American collected the 3rd installment
• In Suretyship, payment of premium is also • Makati’s defense: Section 77 provides that no policy will
necessary for the contract to be binding be effective unless the premium has been paid. Since
premiums were paid on installments, there was no valid
• EXCEPT: if obligee has accepted the bond, policy.
suretyship is binding even if premium has not • Makati and American Assurance agreed that premiums
been paid, subject to the right of the insurer to will be paid on three installments
recover the premium from its principal (SEC. 177) • After paying premiums for 3 consecutive years, Makati
refused to pay the third installment on the 4th year
• American sought to collect the balance from Makati
SECTION 177. The surety is entitled to payment of the
• SC: Section 77 merely precludes the parties from
premium as soon as the contract of suretyship or bond is perfected
stipulating that the policy is valid even if premiums are
and delivered to the obligor. No contract of suretyship or bonding
not paid, but does not expressly prohibit an agreement
shall be valid and binding unless and until the premium therefor has
granting credit extension, and such an agreement is not
been paid, except where the obligee has accepted the bond, in
contrary to morals, good customs, public order or public
which case the bond becomes valid and enforceable irrespective of
policy (De Leon, the Insurance Code, at p. 175 ). So is an
whether or not the premium has been paid by the obligor to the
understanding to allow insured to pay premiums in
surety; Provided, That if the contract of suretyship or bond is not
installments not so proscribed. At the very least, both
accepted by, or filed with the obligee, the surety shall collect only
parties should be deemed in estoppel to question the
reasonable amount, not exceeding fifty per centum of the premium
arrangement they have voluntarily accepted
due thereon as service fee plus the cost of stamps or other taxes
imposed for the issuance of the contract or bond; Provided,
This is the 2nd exception.
however, That if the non-acceptance of the bond be due to the
Notes prepared by: Jazzie M. Sarona (4-Manresa 2008-2009) 14
Insurance Law Review – Based on PowerPoint Presentations and Lectures of Atty. Maria Christina S. Sagmit
Q: Can you pay premium by instalment? Example: Owner-type jeepney covered by a common carrier
A: YES policy. The agent said it is ok, it can be covered. If such
Q: When does it take effect? misrepresentation is discovered before the loss of the jeepney, he can
ask for return of the premiums he paid. The insurer can ask for a
In this case, Makati paid for 3 consecutive years. On the 4 th refund because if something happens to the jeepney, it is not covered
year, Makati only paid the first 2 installments and did not pay the by the policy because it is not a common carrier.
3rd installment. American collected for the 3 rd installment. There is
no loss yet. When is insured entitled to return of premium?
Over – insurance by several insurers– ratable return
Q: Can there be specific performance? of premium
The Supreme Court held that there can be action for specific
performance because when the first instalment was paid, the policy Ratable Return of Premium in case of Overinsurance
took effect. So, you have to make good the rest of the installment.
• Sec. 82 – premiums to be returned when there is over
Contrast this with life insurance – if you do not want to pay insurance by several insurers shall be proportioned to the
premiums life insurance, you are not covered. You cannot be amount by which the aggregate sum insured in all
compelled. The relief of specific performance is not present in life policies exceeds the insurable value of the thing at risk
insurance.
With non-life insurance, the moment the property is exposed Illustration: P 1.5 M house
to the peril, there can be specific performance or rescission. The
moment the property is exposed to the peril insured against, then, Insurer Amount of Premiums
there arises the obligation to pay premium.
In this case, the argument of Makati does not hold water insurance Paid
because the moment it paid the first installment it bound itself to
pay the rest of the premium. A company P1,200,000.00 P24,000.00
BAR 2006
• A Insurance Company issued an policy on the new car TOTAL P1,800,000.00 P36,000.00
of B. The premium of P60,000 was to be paid in 6
months. B paid only the 1st two months installments.
Despite demands, B failed to pay the rest of the
installments. Five months after the issuance of the How to compute:
policy, the vehicle was carnapped. A denied the claim • STEP 1: Determine amount overinsured
of B since B did not pay the premium resulting to
cancellation of the policy. Can B recover from A? Amount overinsured =
ANSWER Amount of insurance – value of property
• B can recover from A the proceeds of the policy less the
unpaid premiums. In a decided case by the Supreme • P1.8 – P1.5M = P300,000
Court, it was held that when the parties agreed on
payment of premiums by installment, the policy • STEP 2: Get the ratio of overinsurance with the total
becomes effective upon payment of first installment. amount of insurance
Absent any provision that non-payment of subsequent
installments will cause cancellation, the policy P300,000/P1,800,000.00 = 1/6
between A and B continue to exist.
Ratable Return
Exceptions to Cash and Carry Basis Sec. 77 • STEP 3: Multiply the ratio to the amount of premium
• Life/industrial life when the grace period applies paid to every insurer
• When the policy contains an acknowledgment of
receipt of premium, this is conclusive proof of payment A= 1/6 of P24,000 = P4,000 from A Company
• When the parties have agreed on installment payment B= 1/6 of P12,000 = P2,000 from B Company
(Makati Tuscany case)
• When the insurer has renewed the insurance over the BAR 2000
years under a clear credit term arrangement ( UCPB • Name at least three instances when an insured is
case) entitled to a return of the premium paid.
• In Suretyship where the obligee accepts the bond even
if premium has not been paid (Sec. 177) ANSWER:
1. Whole Premium – object never exposed to peril
When is insured entitled to return of premium? 2. Pro-rated Premium – surrender policy before period is up
Whole premium – if object was never exposed to 3. Over-insurance by several insurers
peril, unless it is an indivisible policy
E.g. insured pays in advance the annual premium, PARTIES
loss occurs before date of effectivity. Insured is
entitled to reimbursement of whole premium
• Section 18 - no contract or policy on property shall How to collect in case of over-insurance by double insurance,
be enforceable except for the benefit of some person Sec. 94
having an insurable interest in the property insured Insured may claim payment from insurers in such
order he may select up to the amount they are severally
Compare with Life Insurance liable
• Where the beneficiary is not required to have When policy is a valued policy, insurer must give
insurable interest over the cestui que vie credit as against the valuation for any sum he receives
without regard to actual value of the SM
• It is only the insured who must have insurable Policy is unvalued, determine actual loss and collect
interest over the cestui que vie from insurance in such order as he may select
If insured receives amount more than loss, hold sum
In life insurance, only the insured or the one paying the in trust according to the right of contribution
premiums is required to have insurable interest. In the case of Each insurer must contribute ratably to the loss in
property, the beneficiary must also have insurable interest. The proportion to the amount for which he is liable
temptation of bringing about the event is greater when it comes to
property insurance. (Memorize)
BAR 2005
Double insurance vs. Over-insurance • What is the nature of liability of several insurers in
double insurance (2%)
Double insurance does not exist in life insurance. A person ANSWER
can get as many life insurance policies as he wants. • In double insurance, the insurers are considered as
In property insurance, there is also no prohibition, unless there co-insurers. Each one is bound to contribute ratably to
is a stipulation to the contrary. You can only recover to the extent the loss in proportion to the amount for which he is liable
of your interest. Even if you get many insurance policies, there will under his contract (sec. 94e)
be ratable return of premiums. You cannot earn profit from your
loss. You can only recover to the extent of your interest on the BAR 2008
property. • Terrazas de Patio Verde, a condominium building, has
In life insurance, even if you have many insurance a value of P50 Million. The owner insured the building
policies, you do not call it double insurance. But in property, there against fire with three (3) insurance companies for the
is such concept. following amounts:
• Northern Insurance Corp. - P20 Million Southern
Double Insurance Insurance Corp. - P30 Million Eastern Insurance Corp. -
Same person is insured by several insurers in P50 Million
respect of the same subject and interest (Sec. 93) • Is the owner's taking of insurance for the building
with three (3) insurers valid? Discuss. (3%)
Same person, same subject, same interest – what is missing?
Samer risk. It is possible that one property is covered by several YES, because there is such no prohibition
insurers and yet the risk is not the same – one is theft, one is fire.
That is not double insurance. • The building was totally razed by fire. If the owner
decides to claim from Eastern Insurance Corp. only P50
Requisites: Million, will the claim prosper? Explain. (2%)
1. insured is the same
2. two or more insurers insuring separately YES, it is possible. Go over Section 94.
3. same subject matter
4. interest insured is the same REINSURANCE
5. risk or peril insured against is the same • Contract by which an insurer procures a third person
to insure him against loss or liability by reason of an
If one person is ensuring it against the fire because he is the original insurance
owner (full extent) and another person is ensuring it against fire
because he is the mortgagee (only up to the extent of the debt), This does not exist in life insurance. This is a situation where the
that is not double insurance. Among the requisites, # 1 and # 4 are value of the liability of the insurance company is very high, he gets
not satisfied. another who will insure him.
Over-insurance
• OVER- INSURANCE – amount of insurance is
beyond the value of insured’s insurable interest
insurer becomes Insurer remains in this case the insurer shall be liable for only that part of the loss
the insured the insurer which the insured cannot recover from the charterer.
This is the time that you can refer to the face value or your
insurance company will deny payment for misrepresentation.
CASUALTY INSURANCE
Fire Insurance
• Insurance against loss by fire, lightning, windstorm,
tornado or earthquake and other allied risks, when
such risks are covered by extension to fire insurance
policies or under separate policies • Sec. 174 – insurance covering loss or liability arising from
• Fire must be the proximate cause, and must be hostile accident or mishap excluding certain types of loss which
in nature fall exclusively within the scope of other types of
insurance such as fire or marine
Measure of Indemnity
• If there is a valuation – shall be conclusive as between • Employers liability
parties in adjusting partial or total loss in the absence • Workmens’ Compensation
of FRAUD • Public Liability
• Motor Vehicle Liability
This is refers to a valued policy. The valuation will be the • Plate glass insurance
measure of recovery, unless there is fraud. • Burglary and theft insurance
• Personal accident and health insurance (when death is
• If there is NO valuation - the expense it would be to NOT one of the risks insured against)
the insured to REPLACE the thing lost or injured in the
condition in which it was at the time of injury Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance (TPL)
• Motor vehicle – any vehicle propelled by any power other
This refers to an open policy. We have to determine the than muscular power using the public highways, with
valuation at the time of the loss. The measure is the expense it certain exceptions
would be to the insured to replace the thing lost and to restore it in
the same condition before it was damaged. If it is a motor vehicle, it cannot travel or go to the roads without
getting a TPL.
• Loss and its amount may be determined on the basis of
such proof as may be offered by insured which need • Section 374 – unlawful for any land transportation owner
not be of such persuasiveness as is required in judicial or operator to operate the same in public highways unless
proceedings (Malayan v. Cruz Arnaldo) there is a policy of insurance or guaranty in cash or bond
to indemnify the death or bodily injury of a third party or
There has to be proof, not as required in court. Only passenger
preliminary proof – available evidence.
At a glance
How valuation is made • Insurable interest is property insurance must exist at the
• Sec. 172 – independent appraiser examines the time of the issuance and at the time of the loss although
property and fixes the value it need not exist in between these times
• Valuation shall be inserted in the policy (if valued policy; • A beneficiary in property insurance must have insurable
if not, it would be determined at the time of the loss) interest over the property
• GENERAL RULE: Valuation shall be the basis for • It is possible that two or more persons may have
indemnity in case of total loss insurable interest over the same object. As in the case of
owner and lessee, mortgagor and mortgagee.
• EXCEPT: If there is a change (in the property) increasing
the risk without the consent of insurer or if there's • In such cases, two or more separate insurance policies
fraud on the part of insured. may be obtained. This is not double insurance since they
don’t have the same insured and they have different
Example: You stated that the building is for residential interests.
purposes only. You insured it against the fire. You did not inform
that it was converted to a restaurant or a store which sells LPG or • The covered peril must be the proximate cause before
gasoline station. It increased the risk. So, valuation will not be there can be recovery under the policy.
relied upon anymore. It may even be a ground to refuse payment
of proceeds. • Instances when there can be return of premiums.
• Partial loss – full amount of the partial loss • Payment of premiums must be on cash and carry basis.
• Parties may agree that instead of payment, insurer • Important exceptions to cash and carry: credit extension
may repair, rebuild or replace property and installment payment
Illustration • Marine insurance covers only perils of the sea and NOT
perils of the ship.
Notes prepared by: Jazzie M. Sarona (4-Manresa 2008-2009) 18
Insurance Law Review – Based on PowerPoint Presentations and Lectures of Atty. Maria Christina S. Sagmit
• In marine, the ff persons can get insurance policies: proceeds may be given to:
owner, charterer, for freightage, for expected profits. the executor or administrator of insured OR
• Fire insurance covers hostile fire any of insured’s relative by blood as legal adoption or
by marriage OR
• Failure to give notice of loss in fire without
unreasonable delay will exonerate the insurer. any person who incurred expenses for maintenance,
medical attention or burial
In case of fire, you must notify the insurance company
immediately so as to avoid removal of evidence. Otherwise, the This time, there are conditions and there are 3 classes of people
insurance company will be exonerated. who can claim and there is no limit. That is why, if you remember,
there is no strict application of the concept of insurable interest in
• Indemnity in fire may either be based on valuation OR industrial. It is not strictly applied because it is very natural for them,
payment of cost to restore the object at the time of the market vendors, fish vendors belonging to the low income group,
loss to help each other. You do not have to prove insurable interest if we
are talking about an industrial life insurance policy – loosening the rule
PART FOUR : PAYMENT OF PROCEEDS AND FILING OF of insurable interest. Under the facility of payment clause, there is a
CLAIMS way of claiming.
MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY cannot sue both. You sue the most offending vehicle. There can be
no claim against more than one vehicle.
Procedure for filing claims If you are a passenger, that will be filed against the insurer of the
vehicle, which you are a passenger.
There has to be written notice of claim within 6 months from If there is confusion as to who should get the proceeds, there will
the accident. If the claim is filed after the 6-month period, there be investigation. That will also justify delay. The insurance company
can be no recovery anymore, unless the one filing the claim is still is not liable for interest.
in the hospital.
Preliminary Proof of Loss
What must the written notice contain? The nature of the best evidence which insured has
accident, the extent, the duration of the injury certified by a
not evidence in ordinary courts
licensed physician.
purpose : Apprise insurer of loss and make proper
Even if it is only a minor injury, you have to go a doctor,
investigation while evidence is still fresh and to
because that the requirement for filing a TPL.
prevent further loss
If they do not agree, there would be payment under the no-
A claimant need not present the same evidence required in court
fault indemnity clause.
but only the best evidence which he has which would give the
insurance company an idea as to what the extent of the loss is.
No fault indemnity clause: Section 378
(example: pictures). Affidavit of witnesses not required, otherwise,
before you know it, the 6-month has lapsed and you cannot claim
death or injury of 3rd party
anymore.
So, the purpose is to just inform the insurance company of the
without necessity of proving fault or negligence of
loss or the extent of the loss.
any kind
Notice of Loss in Fire Insurance
if total indemnity of one person shall not exceed
must be given without unnecessary delay
P15,000. (This used to be P5,000. But by virtue of a
otherwise, the insurer is exonerated
memorandum circular of the Insurance Commission, this has
now been increased to P 15,000)
When it comes to fire insurance, there is no need to give proof of
loss immediately. The minimum requirement under the law is notice
SECTION 378. Any claim for death or injury to any passenger of loss, without unnecessary delay.
or third party pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be Even if within 24 hours, the insurance company may even have
paid without the necessity of proving fault or negligence of any doubts already. The main purpose is to be able to preserve the
kind; Provided, That for purposes of this section — evidence.
(i) The total indemnity in respect of any person shall not exceed If there is unnecessary delay in giving notice, then, the insurance
fifteen thousand pesos; (as amended) company will not be obligated to pay. This is a special rule with regard
(ii) The following proofs of loss, when submitted under oath, shall to claims in case of fire insurance policies.
be sufficient evidence to substantiate the claim:
(a) Police report of accident; and Subrogation
(b) Death certificate and evidence sufficient to establish the when insurer pays for the loss
proper payee; or
payment to insured operates as an equitable
(c) Medical report and evidence of medical or hospital
assignment to the insurer of all remedies which insured
disbursement in respect of which refund is claimed.
may have for the recovery
(iii) Claim may be made against one motor vehicle only. In the
subrogation is limited to the amount
case of an occupant of a vehicle, claim shall lie against the insurer
of the vehicle in which the occupant is riding, mounting or recoverable by the insured
dismounting from. In any other case, claim shall lie against the
insurer of the directly offending vehicle. In all cases, the right of the Subrogation – stepping into the shoes of the person; being able
party paying the claim to recover against the owner of the vehicle to proceed against the wrongdoer. The right to sue the one at fault is
responsible for the accident shall be maintained. transferred to the insurance company.
When we talk about subrogation, the claim of the insurance
company is limited to the proceeds he paid to the policy holder.
Whether the insurance company likes it or not, if it does not
agree with the claim, it still has to pay not exceeding P 15,000 as
MARINE
long as the following documents are paid:
What may be insured against
Proofs of loss are submitted under oath.
Only covers loss due to perils of the sea and not
police report of accident ; and
perils of the ship
Death certificate and evidence to establish payee
OR medical report and evidence of medical and
In case there is a bottomry, insurable interest of the
hospital disbursement.
ship owner is limited to excess of its value over the
Claim against one motor vehicle only amount secured by bottomry. (101)
if occupant of a vehicle, claim against insurance of
vehicle SECTION 101. The insurable interest of the owner of a ship
otherwise, claim against offending vehicle hypothecated by bottomry is only the excess of its value over the
amount secured by bottomry.
This is very important. If you are the third party injured and
you are caught in between of two vehicles, who can you sue? You Bottomry – a loan which uses the the vessel as security.
Example: The vessel is is worth P 2M. This was used to expenses incurred in saving cargo reshipped pursuant to the last
secure a loan for P 1M. How much is insurable by the owner? Only section, up to the amount insured.
the portion not covered by the loan because the moment that the Nothing in this or in the preceding section shall render a marine
vessel disappears or is destroyed, the loan is deemed paid. That is insurer liable for any amount in excess of the insured value or, if there
the effect of a bottomry loan. You are only going to suffer loss for be none, of the insurable value.
the portion not covered by the loan.
Kinds of loss in marine
Who can insure?
Freightage – all benefits derived by the owner
either from chartering the ship or its employment for
the carriage of his own goods or those of others (102)
Average
General – insurer is liable for proportion of the
loss assessed (136)
Particular – only one sacrificed and he is the only one who SECTION 132. An actual loss may be presumed from the
benefited. The one who will bear the loss is the insurer of the one continued absence of a ship without being heard of. The length of time
who jettisoned his goods. which is sufficient to raise this presumption depends on the
circumstances of the case.
General Average
Goods of A valued at 1 M are disposed Since this is a presumption, this is rebuttable.
Disposition saves the goods of B (1 M) and C (1 M)
Actual Loss, 130
The 1 M loss of A will be shared by B and C in
total destruction of the thing
proportion to the value of the goods belonging to them
irretrievable loss of thing by sinking or being broken
which are saved. The 1 M loss will be divided by three
up
Particular Average damage which renders thing valueless for the
If the goods of A are disposed purpose it is held
But disposition did not inure to the common The object is still there but it cannot serve the original purpose.
Example: rice already got wet
benefit of other owners of goods
other event which effectively deprives owner of
Only A and his insurer will suffer the loss
possession of the thing at the port of destination
Other owners and their insurers will not contribute
in A’s loss
Actual loss - recovery for the entire amount.
Reshipment
Constructive Total Loss, 131
Insured peril prevents a ship from completing
Also called technical total loss
voyage at an intermediate port, liability of the marine
insurer continues after reshipment without prejudice
Loss which gives the person the right to abandon
to insurer's right to collect more premiums (133)
under Section 139
SECTION 133. When a ship is prevented, at an intermediate
When there can be abandonment – Section 139
port, from completing the voyage, by the perils insured against, the
>3/4 of the value is actually lost or would have to be
liability of a marine insurer on the cargo continues after they are
spent to recover it from peril
thus reshipped.
Nothing in this section shall prevent an insurer from requiring an
If the vessel is injured to such an extent as to reduce
additional premium if the hazard be increased by this extension of
liability. its value to >3/4
SECTION 134. In addition to the liability mentioned in the last Under these situations, there is no need to establish that the
section, a marine insurer is bound for damages, expenses of vessel was totally destroyed or that it sunk. Under these situations,
discharging, storage, reshipment, extra freightage, and all other there can be abandonment because these situations will give rise to
constructive total loss, which means, you can recover from the If insured fails to abandon, he can recover actual loss
policy to the full extent of the face value. (Sec. 155).
It is made orally or in writing. If orally, written B now has all the right with respect to the vessel
notice shall be submitted within 7 days from oral
notice (143) HOWEVER, freightage earned before loss will belong
to the insurer of the goods
Has the effect of transferring by the insured of his
interest, to the insurer with all chances of recovery and Freightage earned after the loss will belong to the
indemnity (146) insurer of the vessel
What happens when the policy holder abandons? As the word If A does not abandon BUT
implies, the insured gives up all his rights with regard to the vessel B still gives A P1 Million
in favour of the insurance company. If there is abandonment, you
are transferring all your rights to the insurance company. B will now have the right over the vessel, what
remains of it and proceeds of salvage
If insurer pays for loss as if there was actual total
loss A can recover ACTUAL loss or P800,000 since the
BUT there was no formal abandonment vessel is reduced to 20% of its former value of P1 Million
Insurer is entitled to whatever may remain of the
thing insured or its proceeds of salvage (147)
Insurer refuses valid abandonment How to estimate loss in open policy (161)
the rights of the insured are not prejudiced by Value of the ship – value at the beginning of risk
refusal of insurer to accept abandonment (149) including articles which adds to its value or to prepare it
for the voyage
Insurer is still liable for actual total loss deducting
any amount given to the insured (Sec. 154). Value of the cargo – actual cost to insured when
laden on board OR market value at the time and place of
Acceptance of abandonment may be express or lading
implied. Mere silence is acceptance (150)
Value of the freightage is the gross freightage,
Q: What if the policy holder abandons but such abandonment is exclusive of primage
not accepted by the insurance company?
A: The insurer is still entitled to the face value, as long as the Primage is a compensation payable to the captain and the crew
more than ¾ rule is established. members although modern practice treats it as additional
compensation to the shipowner or ship agent who thereby assumes
Insurer refuses to abandon the responsibility of paying the captain and the members of the crew.
Cost of insurance shall be added to the estimated Insurance Agent and Broker (license) (Sec. 299)
value Resident agent of a foreign insurer (certificate of
registration) (Sec. 315)
LITIGATION OF CLAIMS Non-life company underwriter (certificate of
registration) (Sec. 318)
If single claim is P100,000 or BELOW (excluding Adjusters (Sec. 323)
cost, interest and attorney’s fees) – concurrent Actuary (Sec. 335)
jurisdiction of insurance commission and trial courts
(MTCs) Insurance agents have to take exams.
Jurisdiction of regular courts Example: You did not declare that you only have 1 kidney. Now,
there is a high-risk for kidney malfunction. Even if your death was not
Unfair claims settlement practices due to a kidney malfunction, that will still be concealment of a material
fact because if it would have been declared, the insurance policy might
not have been approved or insured with a higher premium or further
medical tests could have been required. That is material in the case of
life insurance.
PART FIVE : GROUNDS FOR RESCISSION
If you use your building as an LPG store, premium could have
PDIC LAW
been made higher.
Grounds Materiality
• Concealment • Sunlife v. CA, 245 SCRA 268 - where the applicant
• Misrepresentation concealed prior medical history and he died in a
• Breach of warranty, express or implied plane crash, there was still concealment
• Other grounds - Section 64-65 (non-life) notwithstanding the apparent lack of relation
between the fact concealed and the cause of death
CONCEALMENT
neglect to communicate that which a BAR 2001
party knows and ought to communicate. • A applied for non-medical life insurance. He did not
inform the insurer that he was examined and confined at
Requisites of Concealment St. Luke’s Hospital where he was diagnosed with lung
(a) party knows the fact which he neglects to cancer. A died in a plane crash. Is the insurer liable
communicate or disclose considering that the fact concealed had no bearing with
(b) party concealing is duty bound to disclose the cause of death of A?
such fact to the other (from the fact that the information is Answer
material in nature – you do not have to communicate • The insurer is not liable. The concealed fact is
everything) material to the approval and issuance of the policy.
(c) party concealing makes no warranty as to According to a decided case, the insured need not die of
concealed fact (if there is an existing warranty as to the the disease he failed to disclose to the insurer. It is
information concealed, there is no concealment which would sufficient that his non-disclosure misled the insurer in
give rise to a rescission) forming his estimate of the risks of the proposed
(d) other party has no means of ascertaining insurance policy or in making further inquiries.
the fact concealed (if there is neglect to communicate
something about the state of health of the applicant but the Waiver of Right to Information
applicant was made to undergo medical examination which will By terms of insurance OR
reveal that, then, we cannot charge the person with Example: if the information was not asked
concealment because the insurance company had the means Neglect to make inquiries
of ascertaining the same information) concealment entitles the unguilty party to
rescind
What must be communicated
All facts within his knowledge Concealment in Marine Insurance
Material to the contract (test of materiality) in addition to Section 28
Other party has no means of ascertaining all information he possesses material to the risk
He makes no warranty except those in Section 30
Information which prove or tend to prove falsity of state exact and whole truth in relation to all matters
warranty that he represents
information of belief or expectation of a third person
What need not be communicated as to a material fact is MATERIAL (Example: if you think
Those which the other knows the vessel will continue its voyage when there is Signal No.
Those which, in the exercise of ordinary case, the 1, it will probably sink)
other ought to know and which the other has no insured is presumed to know prior loss at time of
reason to suppose him ignorant insuring (rebuttable)
Those of which the other waives communication
Those which prove or tend to prove the existence In Marine Insurance, the rules are stricter.
of a risk excluded by a warranty, and which are
not otherwise material; and
SECTION 28. Each party to a contract of insurance must
Those which relate to a risk excepted from the
communicate to the other, in good faith, all facts within his knowledge
policy, and which are not otherwise material
which are material to the contract and as to which he makes no
General causes open to his inquiry which may
warranty, and which the other has not the means of ascertaining.
affect the political or material perils contemplated
SECTION 30. Neither party to a contract of insurance is bound to
(32) (things that can be read in the newspaper; those
communicate information of the matters following, except in answer to
practiced in the business; scheduled trips of the vessel;
the inquiries of the other:
war in a certain place; current events – if the insurance
(a) Those which the other knows;
company is not aware of that, we cannot charge the
(b) Those which, in the exercise of ordinary care, the other ought to
other party with concealment because these are general
know, and of which the former has no reason to suppose him
information)
ignorant;
General usages of trade (32)
(c) Those of which the other waives communication;
Nature or amount of interest, except in answer to
(d) Those which prove or tend to prove the existence of a risk
an inquiry (34) (there is no need to declare extent of
excluded by a warranty, and which are not otherwise material;
insurable interest unless there is a question to that effect)
and
Information of his own judgment (35) (example: are
(e) Those which relate to a risk excepted from the policy and which
you in a state of good health?)
are not otherwise material.
Test of Materiality
Concealment in Marine Insurance
• General Rule: Concealment entitles the innocent
Determined not by event
party to rescind
Probable and reasonable influence of facts upon
• Exception: Section 110
the party to whom communication is due in
Section 110
Notes prepared by: Jazzie M. Sarona (4-Manresa 2008-2009) 24
Insurance Law Review – Based on PowerPoint Presentations and Lectures of Atty. Maria Christina S. Sagmit
Concealment as to following does NOT vitiate the Sec. 44 – when the facts fail to correspond with its assertion
entire contract but exonerates the insurer from loss or stipulations
resulting from risk concealed.
(a) national character of insured Sec. 45 – materiality is determined using the same test in
(b) liability of thing insured to capture and detention concealment (Sec. 31)
(c) liability to seizure from breach of foreign laws of
trade Test of falsity – when the information given does not correspond
(d) the want of necessary document to facts.
(e) the use of false and simulated papers
Misrepresentations as a ground to rescind
Under Section 110, it is only when the cause of the loss is the entitled to rescind from the time the representation
fact concealed that the policy holder cannot collect. If you becomes false
concealed something but the information concealed was not the
cause of loss, you can still collect. The fact concealed is also the right to rescind by insurer is waived by acceptance of
cause of the loss. But because you did not declare the national premiums despite knowledge of ground to rescind
character, the ship was caught, that will exonerate the insurance (waiver – the insurance company is still liable for the
company. proceeds)
Example: You did not declare that the voyage will be
breaching the laws of Germany. But you were caught because of Misrepresentations as to Age in Life Insurance
forged and simulated papers. Then, you can still collect. no rescission
proceeds shall be such as the premium would have
Incontestability Clause in Life Insurance purchased at the correct age
Section 48, 2nd par – if life insurance has been in force
during the lifetime of the insured for a period of 2 years All other forms of misrepresentation are grounds to rescind
from DATE OF ISSUE or LAST REINSTATEMENT except if you misstate your age.
The insurer cannot prove that the policy Effect: Premium and age are not adjusted.
is void ab initio or is rescindible Example: You stated that you are 20 years old but you are
By reason of fraudulent concealment or actually 30 years old. If you are 20 years old and you want to be
misrepresentation of the insured or his agent covered for P 1M, you will pay P5,000. Since you are already 30 years
old, it should be P 15,000 to be covered for P 1M. So, the P 5,000
This is only applicable in life insurance. There is paid at 30 years old, how much will you get? You will not make the
concealment/misrepresentation but the beneficiary can still recover premium at P 5,000. So, instead of P 1M, maybe, you will just be
because the life insurance policy has been enforced during the covered up to P 500,000 only – you get a face value smaller than you
lifetime of the insured for at least 2 years reckoned from the issue expect.
or last reinstatement. If you did not discover, you cannot use that
as a ground to deny payment of proceeds. Misrepresentation in Marine Insurance
entitles the insurer to rescind
Illustration eventual falsity of a representation as to expectation
• A is issued a life insurance policy on April 2, 2000 without fraud, does NOT avoid a marine insurance
• He conceals the fact that he has tuberculosis contract
• A dies on April 3, 2002.
• Insurance company must pay. Although there was Special Rule in Marine: If at the start, the representation was still
concealment, the policy has been in force during true but eventually, it became false. This will not avoid the policy as
the lifetime of A for 2 years from April 2, 2000. long as without fraud.
Case: At the time of the claim, the policy has been enforced BREACH OF WARRANTY
for 2 years. However, it was discovered that before the 2-year
period, the policy holder already died. The beneficiaries just Warranty
delayed the claim. • Either express or implied
Incontestability will apply if the policyholder is alive during the • May relate to the past, present or future
existence of the policy for 2 years from issuance or last
reinstatement. In this case, the claim was denied. Past: I warrant that I have never used this kind of chemical in my
establishment
When Incontestability Clause DOES NOT apply Present: I am not using any chemical at this point
• Person has no insurable interest Future: I warrant that I will not use this chemical at any future time
• Cause of death is an excepted peril
• Premiums have not been paid (lapse) Implied Warranties in Marine Insurance (only in Marine)
• Conditions of the policy relating to military or Seaworthiness - 113
naval service have been violated
• Fraud of a vicious type is present when policy was SECTION 113. In every marine insurance upon a ship or freight,
taken out (example: fake death) or freightage, or upon any thing which is the subject of marine
• Beneficiary failed to furnish proof of death or to insurance, a warranty is implied that the ship is seaworthy.
comply with any condition imposed by the policy after
the loss has happened Nationality or neutrality – 120
• That the action was not brought within time
specified
SECTION 120. Where the nationality or neutrality of a ship or
cargo is expressly warranted, it is implied that the ship will carry the
MISREPRESENTATION
requisite documents to show such nationality or neutrality and that it
Representations – factual statements made by the will not carry any documents which cast reasonable suspicion thereon.
insured at the time of, or prior to the issuance of the
policy
Improper deviation -121
This is the more active version of concealment.
SECTION 121. When the voyage contemplated by a marine
Statement insurance policy is described by the places of beginning and ending,
(a) as a fact of something which is untrue the voyage insured is one which conforms to the course of sailing fixed
(b) which the insured stated with knowledge that by mercantile usage between those places.
it is untrue and with an intent to deceive, or which
he states positively as true without knowing it to Illegal ventures
be true and which has a tendency to mislead, and
(c) where such fact in either case is material to the BAR 2000
risk • What warranties are implied in marine insurance?
(2%)
Test of Falsity & Materiality
Seaworthiness
Notes prepared by: Jazzie M. Sarona (4-Manresa 2008-2009) 25
Insurance Law Review – Based on PowerPoint Presentations and Lectures of Atty. Maria Christina S. Sagmit
• Section 114 - a ship is seaworthy if reasonable fit • Sec. 4 (g) - the amount due to any depositor for
to perform the service, and to encounter the ordinary deposits in an insured bank net of any obligation of the
perils of the voyage contemplated by the parties to the depositor to the insured bank as of the date of closure,
policy but not to exceed Two hundred fifty thousand pesos
• Section 116 - extends not only to the (P250,000.00).
seaworthiness of the ship itself but requires that it be
properly laden, provided with competent master, The Bank must be a member of PDIC.
sufficient number of competent officers and seamen,
requisite appurtenances and equipment and other Types of Insured Bank Deposits
implements for the voyage • Single depositor account
• In trust for and by account (differentiate this from a trust
fund)
• Joint account
• Institutional account ( in cases of partnerships,
corporations)
Improper Deviation • Single and joint account
• Section 123 - deviation is a departure from the P 250,000 insurance – one bank, regardless of the number of
course of the voyage insured or unreasonable branches.
delay in pursuing the voyage or the
commencement of an entirely different voyage Single Depositor Account – All in the name of Pedro
Institutional Account
Benjamin
Benjamin (single Account #1 P200,000 (insured)
account)
Jose
Jonas
Jonas Account #3 Share: P150,000
Insured: P125,000
Uninsured: P25,000
BAR 1997
A has the following accounts: P10,000 savings account,
P20,000 checking account, P30,000 money market placement
and P40,000 trust fund in a medium-sized commercial bank.
State which of the four accounts are insured by the PDIC.
ANSWER
The P10,000 savings account and the P20,000 checking
account are deemed insured under by the PDIC.
BAR 2000
BD has a bank deposit of half a million pesos. Since the
PDIC limit is P250,000, BD would like some protection for the
excess by taking out an insurance against all risks arising from
unsound bank practices. Does BD have insurable interest under
the Insurance Code?
ANSWER
• Yes, BD has insurable interest in his bank deposit. In
case of loss to the extent of the amount not covered by
PDIC, BD will be damnified. He will suffer pecuniary loss
of P250,000 since PDIC Law only covers accounts up to
P250,000.
-END -