Chubb Avoids Covering New York School District Abuse Claim

Insurer not liable for late notification of lawsuit against school district

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A federal court ruled that Chubb Ltd. unit Century Indemnity Co. is not liable for covering a sexual abuse claim against New York's Kendall Central School District. The school district failed to notify the insurer of the lawsuit, which was brought under New York's Child Victims Act, in a timely manner.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of school districts promptly notifying their insurers of any legal claims, as failure to do so can result in the insurer avoiding coverage. It also underscores the ongoing challenges school districts face in addressing historical abuse allegations under laws like the Child Victims Act.

The details

The lawsuit against Kendall Central School District alleged sexual abuse by a teacher in the 1970s. However, the school district did not notify Century Indemnity Co., the Chubb unit, of the lawsuit until almost two years after it was served. The US District Court for the Western District of New York ruled that the school district lacked a valid excuse for the late notification, allowing the insurer to avoid coverage.

  • The lawsuit against Kendall Central School District was brought under New York's Child Victims Act.
  • The school district failed to notify the insurer of the lawsuit until almost two years after it was served.

The players

Chubb Ltd.

A global insurance company that provides property and casualty insurance, as well as life insurance, to individuals and businesses.

Century Indemnity Co.

A subsidiary of Chubb Ltd. that provides insurance coverage.

Kendall Central School District

A public school district located in New York that was sued for a historical sexual abuse claim.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of school districts promptly notifying their insurers of any legal claims, as failure to do so can result in the insurer avoiding coverage. It also underscores the ongoing challenges school districts face in addressing historical abuse allegations under laws like the Child Victims Act.