Can a third party claimant bring a direct action against an insurance company on the contract?

"As a general rule, absent an assignment of rights or a final judgment, a third party claimant may not bring a direct action against an insurance company on the contract because the insurer's duties flow to the insured. [Citations.] There are several exceptions to the general rule which prohibits a third party claimant from suing an insurer. For example, . . . a claimant may sue the insurer as a third party beneficiary utilizing traditional contract principles." (Harper v. Wausau Ins. Co. (1997) 56 Cal.App.4th 1079, 1086-1087.)