Lewis v. Canada

This case concerned a total loss of a vessel due to fire. At the time of the fire the vessel was under the command of someone other than the assured. The policy, however, contained a provision that prohibited anyone other than the named insured from operating the vessel without the prior approval of the insurer in writing. The Plaintiff, assured, claimed he had sought and obtained verbal approval to substitute another as master. The insurer denied that any approval had been sought or given. The Court found in favour of the insurer and held that there had been a breach of warranty and, accordingly, there was no coverage under the policy.