Amalgamated Cas. Ins. Co. v. Helms

In Amalgamated Cas. Ins. Co. v. Helms, 239 Md. 529, 212 A.2d 311 (1965), the Court upheld a contractual limitations period in an automobile liability policy. The Court held that the provision prohibiting any action against the insurer unless commenced within two years and one day after date of any judgment secured against the insured was reasonable and lawful. Subsequent to that decision, the Legislature declared provisions in insurance and surety contracts that shortened periods of limitation to be against public policy and unlawful. See Md. Code (1974, Repl. Vol. 1998), 12-104 of the Insurance Article (original version at Md. Code (1957, 1994 Repl. Vol.), Art. 48A 377B).