Corbitt v. Metropolitan Life Insurance

The jury found, upon evidence justifying the conclusion, that the decedent was the person insured; that the insurance was for the benefit of the estate ; that the answers which she made to the agent of the defendant were true; and that the answers which appear in the written application, and on which the defendant founds its defense of breach of warranty, were inaccurately put down by the defendant’s agent, so that, in point of fact, that was no fraud or misrepresentation by the insured. Treating these facts as found adversely to the defendant, the law applicable is that where correct answers are given to an insurance agent to questions contained in the application, but, either through fraud or mistake, the agent inserts incorrect and untrue answers, the insurer, and not the insured, is responsible for their falsity; and, in an action on the policy, the defense of breach of warranty is not sustainable. O'Brien v. Home Ben. Society, 117 N. Y. 310 ; 27 St. Rep. 326 ; Bennett v. Agri. Ins. Co., 106 N. Y. 243 ; 8 St. Rep. 693 ;