The plaintiff insurer did not void its claim for equitable contribution by other insurers allegedly covering the loss by alleging that after paying for the insured’s defense, it discovered facts that it claimed showed it owed the insured no coverage. The duty to defend attaches immediately and is not undermined by later discovery of facts that show coverage was not owed. So the allegation of later discovery didn’t show the plaintiff insured was not jointly obliged to defend and thus entitled to equitable contribution from other insurers who were obligated to defend, but didn’t. The plaintiff insurer also stated a claim for equitable indemnity based on those newly discovered facts that allegedly showed its policy didn’t cover the loss. Equitable indemnity applies not just to joint tortfeasors but also to situations where one insurer claims others should have paid the loss or defense costs. Such a claim can be brought prior to entry of a settlement or judgment in the underlying action against the insured.