Can Insurer Appeal Judgment against No-Show Insured?

A California Appeals Court has upheld the right of an insurer to appeal a default judgment in a small class action claim against its policyholder. The case is Pac. Pioneer Ins. Co. v. Superior Court, 44 Cal. App. 5th 890 (2020).

Jonathan Johnson was sued in small claims court after a car accident in Orange County. He failed to appear for the small claims hearing, and the court entered a default judgment against him for $10,140. Johnson was insured by Pacific Pioneer Insurance Company (Pacific Pioneer) which appealed.