Gates v. Chicago Title Insurance Co.
Missouri Court of Appeals
813 S.W.2d 10 (1991)
Relevant factsFree
Gates (plaintiff) bought a title insurance policy from Chicago Title (defendant) covering "lack of a right of access to and from the land," believing his property was accessible via what he thought was a public road; the road turned out to be private and was later blocked, leaving Gates with only a foot path as access, unsafe for vehicles. Gates sued for coverage, and a jury found for him, but the trial judge granted Chicago Title's motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.
IssueFree
Whether a title insurance company that insures against the lack of a right of access to property is required to cover the absence of reasonable or practical (as opposed to merely legal) access.