Mapleton Processing, Inc v. Society Insurance Company
Filing
26
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER denying 14 Motion to compel appraisal, granting in part and denying in part 15 Motion for Summary Judgment (See Order Text). Signed by Magistrate Judge Leonard T Strand on 7/10/2013. (des)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF IOWA
WESTERN DIVISION
MAPLETON PROCESSING, INC.,
Plaintiff,
No. C12-4083-LTS
vs.
SOCIETY INSURANCE COMPANY,
MEMORANDUM OPINION
AND ORDER
Defendant.
____________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... 2
PROCEDURAL HISTORY ........................................................................ 2
FACTUAL OVERVIEW ........................................................................... 3
ANALYSIS............................................................................................ 9
I.
Society’s Motion for Summary Judgment ...................................... 9
A.
Summary Judgment Standards .......................................... 9
B.
Discussion ................................................................. 11
1.
Lack of a Pre-Action Examination Under Oath ........... 12
a.
The Watson Decision. .................................. 12
b.
Does Watson Entitle Society To Summary
Judgment? ................................................ 15
i. No Refusal ........................................... 16
ii. Substantial Compliance ........................... 18
iii. Waiver ................................................ 19
iv. Prejudice ............................................. 20
v. Deviation From Iowa’s Standard Policy ....... 24
c.
Examination Under Oath -- Conclusion ............ 26
2.
Mapleton’s Claim For Bad Faith ............................. 27
a.
No “Denial” .............................................. 28
b.
Reasonable Basis ........................................ 29
c.
Knowledge................................................. 30
3.
Punitive Damages ................................................ 31
C.
Conclusion ................................................................. 31
II.
Mapleton’s Motion to Compel Appraisal ..................................... 31
A.
Introduction ............................................................... 31
B.
Discussion ................................................................. 32
1.
Meaning of the Appraisal Provision .......................... 32
2.
The Alleged “Causation and/or Coverage Dispute”
Exception .......................................................... 33
3.
Should I Compel Appraisal? ................................... 38
CONCLUSION .................................................................................... 40
INTRODUCTION
This case is before me on two motions: (1) plaintiff’s motion (Doc. No. 14) to
compel appraisal and (2) defendant’s motion (Doc. No. 15) for summary judgment. I
heard oral argument on both motions on June 24, 2013. Shannon Henson appeared for
plaintiff Mapleton Processing, Inc. (“Mapleton”).
David May and Caroline Bettis
appeared for defendant Society Insurance Company (“Society”).
Both motions are
fully submitted.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Mapleton commenced this action by filing a Petition at Law and Jury Demand
(Doc. No. 3) in the Iowa District Court for Monona County on August 17, 2012.
Mapleton alleges that it owns property in Mapleton, Iowa, that was damaged by a
tornado on April 9, 2011. Mapleton further alleges that the property was covered by
an insurance policy issued by Society and that Society has refused to pay the amount
Mapleton contends is due and owing under the Policy. Article I of the petition includes
claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment and recovery on a reasonable
expectations theory. Article II asserts a claim for insurance bad faith while Article III
is a request for punitive damages.
Society filed a timely notice of removal (Doc. No. 2) to this court on September
10, 2012. Society alleged that removal was appropriate in accordance with this court’s
2
diversity jurisdiction, as described in 28 U.S.C. § 1332, because Mapleton is a citizen
of Iowa, Society is a citizen of Wisconsin and the amount in controversy exceeds
$75,000, exclusive of interest and costs. See Doc. No. 2 at ¶ 2. Mapleton has not
challenged the removal of this action and has not argued that this court lacks subject
matter jurisdiction.
Society filed its initial answer (Doc. No. 5) on September 14, 2012, and an
amended answer (Doc. No. 6) on September 27, 2012. In its affirmative defenses,
Society contends (a) that it has not denied Mapleton’s claim, (b) that Mapleton failed to
comply with a provision of the policy that allows Society to conduct an examination
under oath and (c) that this failure requires dismissal of this action because the policy
provides that legal action cannot be commenced unless there has been full compliance
with the terms of the policy. See Doc. No. 6 at 6-7.
The parties subsequently consented to trial, disposition and judgment by a United
States Magistrate Judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c). The case was assigned to me
by an order (Doc. No. 11) entered December 4, 2012.
Mapleton filed its motion to compel appraisal on May 2, 2013. Society filed a
resistance on May 16, 2013, and Mapleton filed a reply on May 28, 2013. Meanwhile,
Society filed its motion for summary judgment on May 10, 2013. Mapleton filed its
resistance on June 3, 2013, and Society filed its reply on June 19, 2013.
FACTUAL OVERVIEW
The Claim. On April 9, 2011, a tornado caused damage to a structure owned by
Mapleton.
Mapleton operated a meat processing plant and locker facility on the
premises. The premises were insured by a Businessowners Policy (“Policy”) issued by
Society. The Policy was in effect from October 3, 2010, to October 3, 2011. After the
tornado, Mapleton contacted Society to report the damage.
Society originally assigned the claim to adjuster Chris Stubbe. On April 13,
2011, independent adjuster Dan Henson inspected the building.
3
Henson developed
some concerns about the structural integrity of the building.
Mapleton’s owner,
Richard Nichols, discussed his own structural and foundational concerns with Henson.
On April 15, 2011, Society reassigned the adjustment of Mapleton’s claim to Jim
Sutter. Sutter inspected the premises on April 19, 2011. Nichols was present, along
with a contractor who was a business acquaintance of Nichols’. Nichols mentioned
cracking in the foundation. Sutter also observed cracking but did not know if the
cracking was caused by the tornado or was preexisting. Sutter noticed that some of the
cracks had been painted in, meaning they had existed prior to the tornado.
Sutter determined that an engineering inspection was necessary. The contractor
who was at the inspection with Nichols recommended that Doug Rose of Bacon Creek
Design conduct the inspection. Nichols agreed with the recommendation. Sutter called
Rose, who indicated that he could visit the site that afternoon to conduct an inspection.
Sutter advised Rose that he could bill Society for his services.
Rose conducted his inspection on the afternoon of April 19, 2011.
Sutter,
Nichols and the contractor were again present. After the inspection, Rose prepared a
report to summarize his findings. He described damage to the roof and other exterior
features of the building. As for the interior, he stated: “Cracks in the interior masonry
bearing wall are the only structural damages that were visible at the time of this
inspection. This wall has numerous vertical and horizontal cracks on each face.” He
recommended tuck pointing as the proper method of repair, at an estimated cost of
$2,960.00.
Meanwhile, Sutter prepared a line item estimate of repairs. He states that the
estimate was based on Rose’s opinions and calculations and that Rose reviewed and
agreed with the estimate. While Sutter had some doubt as to whether the tornado
caused all of the cracks at issue, his estimate included Rose’s proposed repair for those
cracks. As a result of Sutter’s estimate, Society determined that the actual cash value
of the loss was $22,336.77. After subtracting the policy deductible, the payment to
Mapleton would be $21,836.77.
4
According to Sutter, when he advised Nichols of this determination Nichols
stated the amount was less than he anticipated and that he would settle the claim for
$30,000. In his affidavit, Nichols denies that he offered to settle the claim for $30,000
but admits that he “offered to settle for $50,000 to $60,000.” Whatever the amount,
Nichols later rescinded his offer. He states that he did so after obtaining opinions that
the damages caused by the tornado were far greater.
On May 5, 2011, Society issued a check to Mapleton (and its bank) in the
amount of $21,836.77. Mapleton cashed that check but also hired a public adjuster,
Jim Pierce, to assist with its claim. Pierce arranged for Forensic Building Science, Inc.
(“FBS”) to conduct an inspection. Tom Irmiter of IBS inspected the building in August
2011 and prepared a report dated September 19, 2011. The report describes significant
items of damage Irmiter attributed to the tornado.
For example, it states that the
existing cracks were worsened by the storm, new cracking occurred as a result of the
storm and that this damage was consistent with effects of winds in excess of 140 miles
per hour. While the report did not include a specific dollar value for the necessary
repairs, it included a statement that the repairs “may exceed the value of the building.”
Society then scheduled another inspection by Bacon Creek Design.
On
November 15, 2011, Sutter and Pierce, along with Rose and Eldon Schroder (also an
engineer with Bacon Creek Design), conducted that inspection. During the inspection,
Sutter and Pierce discussed the Irmiter report and Pierce stated that he did not agree
with everything contained in that report.
This was not Schroder’s first inspection of the property.
He conducted an
inspection in 1993 to review damage caused by a water leak when the property was
under different ownership. As such, according to Society, he was in a unique position
to advise it as to which of the structure’s conditions pre-dated the tornado.
Schroder submitted a letter and report to Society in December 2011. He stated
that much of the damage Mapleton claimed to be caused by the tornado was not. He
described the damage that, in his opinion, was storm-related and stated that the other
5
items for which Mapleton sought payment “resulted from inadequate construction of
walls required to resist lateral soil pressure, a 1993 water leak, deferred maintenance
and frugality on the original construction.” He also stated: “Age, wear and tear, or
weather inevitably caused deterioration that ought not to be called storm damage. This
windstorm has been seized as the providential opportunity accompanied by a deep
pocket containing funds for repairs or judicious upgrading.” He concluded that the
damage caused by the tornado was “less than $5,000.”
In other words, Schroder
advised Society that it had overpaid Mapleton on its claim.
Pierce prepared his own report based on the November 2011 inspection. His
report is largely consistent with Irmiter’s report and includes a finding that the actual
cash value of the damage totals $173,609.85. In his supporting affidavit, Pierce notes
that his disagreement with Society’s adjustment of the claim involves both the scope of
the damage and Society’s pricing. In other words, even with regard to repairs that
Society acknowledges to be storm-related, Pierce believes Society has understated the
repair costs. Based on Pierce’s report, Mapleton submitted a sworn proof of loss,
dated January 18, 2012, with the amount listed as “$173,109.85+.” Society disputes
this amount.
The Policy. The parties rely on several provisions of the Policy in support of
their respective arguments:
Duties In The Event Of Loss Or Damage
b.
We may examine any insured under oath, while not in the
presence of any other insured and at such times as may be
reasonably required, about any matter relating to this
insurance or the claim, including an insured’s books and
records. In the event of an examination, an insured’s
answers must be signed.
6
Legal Action Against Us
No one may bring a legal action against us under this insurance
unless:
a.
There has been full compliance with all of the terms of this
insurance; and
b.
The action is brought within 2 years after the date on which
the direct physical loss or damage occurred.
Concealment, Misrepresentation or Fraud
This policy is void in any case of fraud by you as it relates to this
policy at any time. It is also void if you or any other insured, at
any time, intentionally conceal or misrepresent a material fact
concerning:
1.
2.
3.
4.
This policy;
The Covered Property;
Your interest in the Covered Property; or
A claim under this policy.
Appraisal.
In case the insured and this Company shall fail to agree as to the
actual cash value or the amount of loss, then on the written demand
of either, each shall select a competent and disinterested appraiser
and notify the other of the appraiser selected within twenty days of
such demand. The appraisers shall first select a competent and
disinterested umpire; and upon failing for fifteen days to agree
upon such umpire, then, on request of the insured or this
Company, such umpire shall be selected by a judge of a court of
record in the state in which the property covered is located. The
appraisers shall then appraise the loss, stating separately actual cash
value and loss to each item; and, failing to agree, shall submit their
differences, only, to the umpire. An award in writing, so itemized,
of any two when filed with this Company shall determine the
amount of actual cash value and loss. Each appraiser shall be paid
7
by the party selecting him and the expenses of appraisal and umpire
shall be paid by the parties equally.1
Request for Appraisal. On December 14, 2011, Pierce submitted a request for
appraisal on Mapleton’s behalf in reliance on the Policy’s appraisal provision. Society
responded through its counsel on December 21, 2011.
According to Society, the
request was premature because, as of that date, no sworn proof of loss had been
submitted and other documentation Society had requested had not yet been provided.
Mapleton renewed its request for appraisal in May 2012. It made additional
requests in January and March of 2013, months after it filed this lawsuit. Society
declined those requests and contends that the appraisal procedure is inappropriate when
disputes exist as to causation and/or coverage.
Request for Examination Under Oath. In February 2012, Society requested
that Nichols submit to an examination under oath (“EUO”) as provided in the Policy.
According to Society, it sought to ask Nichols about various topics, including the Bacon
Creek Design reports from 1993 and 2011 and Nichols’ prior offer to settle the claim
(which, according to Society, was in the amount of $30,000). Nichols agreed to submit
to the EUO and it was scheduled for June 22, 2012. However, Society postponed the
EUO because its counsel became ill on June 21, 2012.
The parties then selected
August 1, 2012, as the new date for the EUO.
Mapleton retained new counsel (its counsel of record in this case) on July 31,
2012. That afternoon, the new attorney left a voicemail message for Society’s counsel
advising that her firm had been retained to represent Mapleton and stating that the EUO
would have to be rescheduled. She also sent a letter to Society’s counsel by fax and
mail confirming her voicemail message and asking that he contact her “so that we can
reschedule this for a later date.”
1
The Policy actually has two separate appraisal provisions, which vary slightly in ways that
are not significant to any pending issues. The provision quoted here is the one Mapleton
references in its motion to compel appraisal.
8
According to Society, its counsel did not learn of the cancellation until the
morning of August 1, 2012, just before the EUO was to take place. Society’s counsel
called Mapleton’s new counsel to discuss the cancellation and, apparently, to express
unhappiness about the resulting cost and inconvenience. During this conversation, he
advised her that he had surgery scheduled for later that month.
After this conversation, Mapleton’s counsel sent a letter to Society’s counsel
dated August 1, 2012.
She commented on his “aggravation” and then stated that
Nichols “has not refused to appear for an EUO nor does he intend to refuse to appear
for an EUO.” She again requested new dates for the EUO.
Society’s counsel responded with a letter dated August 7, 2012.
The letter
addressed the reasons for Society’s counsel’s annoyance about the last-minute
cancellation and stated that Society did not intend any waiver or estoppel of any of its
rights. The letter did not provide proposed new dates for the EUO.
Mapleton filed this action ten days later, on August 17, 2012. Apparently there
were no additional communications between the parties or counsel prior to that date.
However, three days after filing the lawsuit, Mapleton’s counsel wrote to Society’s
counsel to indicate that the action had been filed and to request dates for the EUO.
ANALYSIS
I.
Society’s Motion for Summary Judgment
A.
Summary Judgment Standards
Any party may move for summary judgment regarding all or any part of the
claims asserted in a case. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). Summary judgment is appropriate
when “the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file,
together with affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue of material fact and
that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law.” Celotex Corp. v.
Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322 (1986).
9
A material fact is one that “‘might affect the outcome of the suit under the
governing law.’” Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248 (1986). Thus,
“the substantive law will identify which facts are material.”
Id.
Facts that are
“critical” under the substantive law are material, while facts that are “irrelevant or
unnecessary” are not. Id.
An issue of material fact is genuine if it has a real basis in the record, Hartnagel
v. Norman, 953 F.2d 394, 395 (8th Cir. 1992) (citing Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v.
Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586-87 (1986)), or when “‘a reasonable jury could
return a verdict for the nonmoving party’ on the question,” Woods v. DaimlerChrysler
Corp., 409 F.3d 984, 990 (8th Cir. 2005) (quoting Anderson, 477 U.S. at 248).
Evidence that only provides “some metaphysical doubt as to the material facts,”
Matsushita, 475 U.S. at 586, or evidence that is “merely colorable” or “not
significantly probative,” Anderson, 477 U.S. at 249-50, does not make an issue of
material fact genuine.
As such, a genuine issue of material fact requires “sufficient evidence supporting
the claimed factual dispute” so as to “require a jury or judge to resolve the parties'
differing versions of the truth at trial.” Anderson, 477 U.S. at 248-49. Essentially, a
genuine issue of material fact determination, and thus the availability of summary
judgment, is a determination of “whether a proper jury question [is] presented.” Id. at
249. A proper jury question is present if “there is sufficient evidence favoring the
nonmoving party for a jury to return a verdict for that party.” Id.
The party moving for entry of summary judgment bears “the initial responsibility
of informing the court of the basis for its motion and identifying those portions of the
record which show a lack of a genuine issue.” Hartnagel, 953 F.2d at 395 (citing
Celotex, 477 U.S. at 323). Once the moving party has met this burden, the nonmoving
party must go beyond the pleadings and by depositions, affidavits, or otherwise,
designate specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. Mosley v. City of
Northwoods, 415 F.3d 910 (8th Cir. 2005). The nonmovant must show an alleged
10
issue of fact is genuine and material as it relates to the substantive law. If a party fails
to make a sufficient showing of an essential element of a claim or defense with respect
to which that party has the burden of proof, then the opposing party is entitled to
judgment as a matter of law. Celotex, 477 U.S. at 322.
In determining if a genuine issue of material fact is present, I must view the
evidence in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Matsushita, 475 U.S. at
587-88.
Further, I must give the nonmoving party the benefit of all reasonable
inferences that can be drawn from the facts. Id. However, “because we view the facts
in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party, we do not weigh the evidence or
attempt to determine the credibility of the witnesses.” Kammueller v. Loomis, Fargo &
Co., 383 F.3d 779, 784 (8th Cir. 2004). Instead, “the court's function is to determine
whether a dispute about a material fact is genuine.” Quick v. Donaldson Co., Inc., 90
F.3d 1372, 1376-77 (8th Cir. 1996).
B.
Discussion
Society contends that Mapleton’s entire lawsuit must be dismissed because it was
filed before Nichols submitted to an EUO, as requested by Society pursuant to the
Policy.
In the alternative, Society argues that all of Mapleton’s claims other than
breach of contract fail as a matter of law.
In its resistance, Mapleton states that it no longer intends to pursue its claims for
unjust enrichment or recovery on a reasonable expectations theory. As such, I will
grant Society’s motion for summary judgment with regard to Counts II and III of
Article I of Mapleton’s state court petition.
With regard to its remaining claims,
Mapleton (a) denies that the lack of a pre-action EUO requires dismissal of this case
and (b) contends that genuine issues of material fact preclude entry of summary
judgment on its claims for insurance bad faith and punitive damages.
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1.
Lack of a Pre-Action Examination Under Oath
It is undisputed that the Policy gives Society the right to demand and conduct an
EUO. It is also undisputed that the Policy states no legal action may be filed under the
Policy until there “has been full compliance with all of the terms of this insurance.”
Finally, it is undisputed that Society requested that Nichols submit to an EUO but that
this action was filed before he did so.
Society contends that under Iowa law,2 these undisputed facts mandate an award
of summary judgment in its favor. It relies on the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision in
Watson v. Nat’l Surety Corp., 468 N.W.2d 448 (Iowa 1991).
Because Watson is
pivotal, I will discuss it in detail below. Before doing so, however, I must consider my
role in construing and applying Iowa law.
This is a diversity case presenting claims under Iowa law.
My role “is to
interpret state law, not to fashion it.” Orion Fin. Corp. of S.D. v. Am. Foods Grp.,
Inc., 281 F.3d 733, 738 (8th Cir. 2002). A federal court sitting in diversity “is not an
appellate court of the State . . . and establishes no rules of law for that State.” Homolla
v. Gluck, 248 F.2d 731, 734 (8th Cir. 1957). Thus, “[w]hen determining the scope of
[Iowa] law, [I am] bound by the decisions of the Supreme Court of [Iowa.]” Kingman
v. Dillard's, Inc., 643 F.3d 607, 615 (8th Cir. 2011). Only if the Iowa Supreme Court
has not addressed an issue would I be free to predict how that Court might rule on that
issue. Id. Here, Society contends that Watson constitutes binding precedent that, when
applied to the facts of this case, mandates entry of summary judgment against
Mapleton.
a.
The Watson Decision.
The plaintiffs in Watson owned a bowling alley that was destroyed by fire. Id. at
449. The premises were covered by a fire insurance policy issued by the defendant.
2
The parties agree that Iowa law applies to the claims and issues in this case.
12
Id. One plaintiff gave a taped, unsworn interview to an insurance adjuster within 48
hours after the fire. Id. at 449-50. Several days later, both plaintiffs gave taped,
unsworn interviews to another adjuster. Id. at 450. The plaintiffs then submitted a
sworn proof of loss in the amount of $530,000. Id. Meanwhile, the insurer received
an investigator’s report indicating that the fire was “of incendiary origin.” Id. And, in
fact, both plaintiffs were charged with arson. Id.
The insurer presented both plaintiffs with written requests to question them
under oath. Id. Like the Policy in this case, the policy in Watson included an EUO
provision stating that the insureds must:
[i]f requested, permit us to question you under oath at such times as may
be reasonably required about any matter relating to this insurance or your
claim, including your books and records. In such event, your answers
must be signed.
Id. at 449 n.1. Moreover, according to the Court:
The fire insurance policy in this case provides that an insured may not
bring an action against the insurer unless “[t]here has been full
compliance with all the terms of this Coverage Part....”
Id. at 450.
The Watson plaintiffs refused to answer the questions under oath, contending
that their prior taped-but-unsworn interviews satisfied their obligations under the fire
insurance policy. Id. When the insurer renewed its request, the plaintiffs submitted
affidavits stating that they had reviewed the transcripts of their prior interviews and that
“each and every response . . . is true and correct as I verily believe.” Id. The insurer
contended that this after-the-fact effort to convert unsworn answers into sworn ones did
not comply with the policy. As such, and while it paid benefits to other named insureds
who suffered losses due to the fire, the insurer denied the plaintiffs’ claim in its entirety
on grounds of noncompliance with policy obligations. Id.
Plaintiffs then filed a declaratory judgment action seeking a determination of
their rights under the policy. Id. at 449. The trial court ruled in the insurer’s favor,
13
finding that the plaintiffs’ refusal to submit to questioning under oath was a material
breach of a condition of coverage contained in the policy and voided any coverage to
which they otherwise would have been entitled. Id. On appeal, plaintiffs argued that
their actions constituted substantial compliance with the policy such that they should not
be deprived of coverage. They also argued that offers they made to submit to an EUO
after filing suit cured any alleged noncompliance with their obligations under the
policy. Id. at 450, 452.
The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed the trial court’s judgment against the
plaintiffs. Id. at 452. The Court first held that compliance with the policy’s EUO
provision was a condition precedent of plaintiffs’ recovery under the policy. Id. at 451.
It then addressed the issue of substantial compliance and held that the plaintiffs’ actions
did not suffice. Id. at 452. With regard to plaintiffs’ submission of affidavits ratifying
the veracity of their prior, unsworn statements, the Court stated:
[W]e believe that insureds' later attempt does not raise the status of the
earlier interviews to questions under oath. Several reasons support our
conclusion. The earlier interviews remain as unsworn statements at the
time they were given. Also, there is no indication that the insurer intended
these preliminary interviews to be a substitute for questions under oath.
Finally, the language of the policy condition states that insureds may be
questioned “at such times as may be reasonably required.” The plural
word “times” indicates that the insurer was not restricted to a single
interview. All of these reasons indicate that an earlier unsworn interview,
even though later verified, cannot constitute substantial compliance with
the insurer's request for questioning under oath.
Id.
Finally, the Court considered the plaintiffs’ argument that their post-filing offers
to submit to examinations under oath cured any prior noncompliance. Id. Citing cases
from other jurisdictions, the Court held that such belated offers did not solve the
problem:
The conclusions reached by these courts are reasonable. In order to
determine whether to pay or deny an insured's claim, the insurer needs
14
the evidence at the time of the investigation when facts are more easily
recalled and before crucial evidence is destroyed or becomes otherwise
unavailable.
Id. As such, the Court held that the trial court correctly denied “plaintiffs’ claims for
recovery of fire losses under the insurance policy.” Id.
b.
Does Watson Entitle Society To Summary Judgment?
Under Iowa law, the party claiming entitlement to coverage under the policy
must prove compliance with its terms. Am. Guar. & Liab. Ins. Co. v. Chandler Mfg.
Co., 467 N.W.2d 226, 228 (Iowa 1991); Bruns v. Hartford Accident & Indem. Co.,
407 N.W.2d 576, 579 (Iowa 1987); Henschel v. Hawkeye-Security Ins. Co., 178
N.W.2d 409, 415 (Iowa 1970); Henderson v. Hawkeye-Security Co., 106 N.W.2d 86,
91 (Iowa 1960).
The party claiming coverage may meet this burden of proof by
showing: (1) substantial compliance with the condition precedent; (2) the failure to
comply was excused or waived; or (3) the failure to comply was not prejudicial to the
insurer. Am. Guar., 467 N.W.2d at 228; Henderson, 106 N.W.2d at 92.
Watson clearly establishes that an insured’s compliance with a policy’s EUO
provision is a condition precedent to coverage. Mapleton acknowledges that there have
been no subsequent decisions or legal developments that impact Watson’s status as
controlling Iowa law.3 However, Mapleton contends Watson does not compel the entry
of summary judgment for Society because:
a.
Nichols did not refuse to submit to an EUO and, therefore, did not fail to
comply with the Policy’s EUO provision.
Only one reported Iowa case has cited Watson since it was decided 22 years ago. See Brown
v. Danish Mut. Ins. Ass’n, 550 N.W.2d 171 (Iowa Ct. App. 1996). In Brown, the Iowa Court
of Appeals applied Watson to affirm entry of summary judgment against an insured on his
claim under a theft insurance policy. Id. at 173. Among other things, the court rejected the
argument that Watson’s holding concerning an insured’s failure to submit to an EUO applies
only to fire insurance policies. Id. at 174. The court also rejected as immaterial various
factual distinctions the plaintiff advanced in attempting to distinguish Watson. Id. at 174-75.
3
15
b.
Mapleton substantially complied with the terms of the Policy.
c.
Society waived its right to an EUO.
d.
Society was not prejudiced by Mapleton’s alleged noncompliance.
e.
The “Legal Action Against Us” provision in the Policy is not enforceable
because it does not comply with Iowa law.
I will address each argument separately.
i.
No Refusal
Mapleton seeks to distinguish Watson by noting that the insured in that case
(and, also, the insured in Brown) expressly refused to submit to an EUO despite the
insurer’s request. By contrast, Mapleton notes that while it abruptly canceled the EUO
of Nichols that had been scheduled for August 1, 2012, it repeatedly advised Society
that it was willing to reschedule that EUO and even requested proposed new dates for
the EUO. This lack of an express refusal, according to Mapleton, means there was no
failure to comply with the Policy’s EUO requirement.
This attempt to distinguish
Watson is unavailing.
While Mapleton said all the right things in professing its willingness to produce
Nichols for an EUO, it then made the choice to file this lawsuit before the EUO
occurred. There is no doubt that this choice was purely voluntary. Mapleton was not
under pressure to pursue this action when it did (August 17, 2012) due to any looming
contractual deadlines or statute of limitations concerns. Indeed, under the Policy’s
“Legal Action” clause, Mapleton could have waited almost eight more months before
filing suit.4 Mapleton does not argue that it lacked sufficient time to schedule and
complete the EUO before commencing this action.
4
The Policy required any legal action to be filed “within 2 years after the date on which the
direct physical loss or damage occurred.” Mapleton had until April 9, 2013, to commence this
action.
16
Mapleton’s explanation for filing suit when it did was that too much time had
passed since the tornado and Society’s counsel did not promptly respond to requests for
new dates for the EUO.
Watson.
These alleged factors do not distinguish this case from
Indeed, both come dangerously close to being silly.
Mapleton made the
choice to change counsel on July 31, 2012, and to cancel the EUO that was scheduled
to occur the next day. While Mapleton certainly had the right to hire a new lawyer,
that decision caused delay. The fact that the EUO had not been rescheduled a mere 17
days later hardly justified Mapleton’s voluntary decision to file suit before complying
with the Policy.
Mapleton’s decision to file suit when it did is even less justifiable in light of its
counsel’s knowledge of Society’s counsel’s unavailability. As noted above, on August
1, 2012, Society’s counsel advised Mapleton’s new counsel that he would be
undergoing surgery later in the month. As such, it could hardly have been surprising
that the EUO, having been unilaterally canceled by Mapleton, had not yet been
rescheduled as of August 17, 2012.
It is easy to imagine circumstances that would compel an insured to file suit
before submitting to a requested EUO. Here, for example, if Society would have
repeatedly ignored requests to reschedule the EUO in the months after August 2012 and
Mapleton’s contractual deadline for filing suit was approaching, Mapleton ultimately
would have had no choice but to commence this action to protect its rights. Under
those facts, a jury could easily find that Mapleton’s obligation to comply with the EUO
requirement was either waived or excused.
This case does not present anything remotely close to those facts. Mapleton
knew Society wanted Nichols to submit to an EUO. Having canceled the scheduled
EUO at the last minute, Mapleton also knew that Society’s counsel was unavailable
during much of August.
Mapleton was under no time pressure to file this case.
Nonetheless, and while professing its willingness to produce Nichols for an EUO,
Mapleton made the voluntary decision to file its lawsuit before the EUO occurred. Of
17
course, this made it impossible for the EUO to occur before the action was
commenced. While Mapleton may not have expressly refused to produce Nichols for a
pre-action EUO, its conduct was the functional equivalent of a refusal.
As such, I find that the lack of an express refusal to submit to an EUO does not
distinguish this case from Watson. In both cases, the insurer had a contractual right to
conduct an EUO and requested the opportunity to do so. The policies in both cases
prohibited the filing of any legal action prior to full compliance with all policy
requirements.
By canceling the EUO and filing this lawsuit before it could be
rescheduled, Mapleton effectively refused Society’s request for a pre-action EUO. The
fact that it did not expressly refuse the request for an EUO does not put Mapleton in a
better position than that of the plaintiffs in Watson.
ii.
Substantial Compliance
Mapleton next argues that even if it failed to fully comply with the Policy, it
substantially complied such that the condition precedent to coverage has been satisfied.
In particular, it notes (again) that Nichols never expressly refused to submit to an EUO
and that Mapleton sought dates for the rescheduled EUO before and after filing this
lawsuit. Indeed, it states: “Due to no fault on the part of Mapleton, no such dates
were provided.”
In support of its “substantial compliance” argument, Mapleton cites Hoekstra v.
Farm Bureau Mut. Ins. Co., 382 N.W.2d 100 (Iowa 1986).
Hoekstra holds that
substantial compliance, not strict compliance, is sufficient to satisfy a condition
precedent to coverage. Id. at 107. The facts of Hoekstra are not particularly relevant
here.5 However, Hoekstra is cited in Watson for the proposition that an insured need
5
Hoekstra involved a dispute over the insureds’ compliance with the policy’s “cooperation”
clause by providing books and records “reasonably” requested by the insurer. Id. at 104-05.
The insureds argued that many of their records were destroyed in the fire that caused the loss
and that they provided all records that could be reasonably required. Id. at 105. The Iowa
18
only show substantial compliance with a condition precedent to coverage. Watson, 468
N.W.2d at 451. As I discussed earlier, the Watson Court then held that the plaintiffs
failed to establish substantial compliance.
Id.
The Court reached this conclusion
despite the plaintiffs’ (a) sworn proof of loss, (b) unsworn statements later buttressed
with sworn affidavits attesting to the veracity of those statements and (c) post-filing
offers to submit to examinations under oath. The Court held that these actions did not
constitute substantial compliance with the insurer’s contractual right to conduct an
EUO. Id. at 451-52.
Under Iowa law, the insured has the burden of proving substantial compliance
with a condition precedent. Id. at 451 (citing Hoekstra, 382 N.W.2d at 107 and Am.
Guar., 467 N.W.2d at 228).
I find Watson to be controlling in this issue and,
therefore, that Mapleton has failed as a matter of law to meet this burden. Indeed,
Mapleton is in no better position here than were the Watson plaintiffs. Under the terms
of the Policy, Mapleton could not file suit until it had complied with all of the terms of
the Policy. Its decision to cancel the scheduled EUO and file this action just 17 days
later, before the EUO could be rescheduled, did not substantially comply with this
condition precedent. Nor, under Watson, did its post-filing offers to produce Nichols
for an EUO amount to substantial compliance.
iii.
Waiver
Mapleton next argues that Society waived its contractual right to conduct an
EUO before the filing of this lawsuit. This argument has no merit.
Under Iowa law, waiver is “the intentional relinquishment of a known right.”
Huisman v. Miedema, 644 N.W.2d 321, 324 (Iowa 2002) (quoting State v. Hallum, 606
N.W.2d 351, 354 (Iowa 2000)). Nothing in the record even remotely suggests that
Society intended to waive its right to have Nichols submit to an EUO before the filing
Supreme Court held that the trial court correctly employed a substantial compliance standard in
its instructions to the jury.
19
of a lawsuit. Indeed, it is hard to imagine how Society could have been clearer about
its desire to avail itself of that right.
Society expressly requested that Nichols submit to an EUO and the examination
was scheduled, by agreement of the parties, on two different dates. The first scheduled
EUO was canceled by Society due to illness.
Mapleton did not argue that this
cancellation constituted a waiver of any rights (in any event, that argument would have
been without merit). Instead, Mapleton agreed to reschedule the EUO for August 1,
2012. It was Mapleton, not Society, that canceled the second scheduled EUO. Nothing
in the record suggests, even remotely, that Society thereafter waived its right to conduct
an EUO. Society’s counsel made it clear, in his letter of August 7, 2012, that Society
was reserving all of its rights under the Policy and intended no waiver or estoppel of
any kind. He also explained why Society intended to have its experts present at the
future (but ultimately never scheduled) EUO.
The record reflects no additional communications until after suit was filed, ten
days later. Mapleton could not have reasonably (or, frankly, even possibly) concluded
that Society had decided to waive its right to the EUO. If there could have been any
doubt about that, it would have been resolved by Society’s answer and amended
answer, filed, respectively, on September 14, 2012, and September 27, 2012 (Doc.
Nos. 5 and 6). Both documents set out affirmative defenses based on Nichols’ failure
to submit to a pre-action EUO and alleged, as a result, that “this action cannot be
maintained.”
No facts in this record could arguably support a finding that Society waived its
right to an EUO. Mapleton’s “waiver” argument fails as a matter of law.
iv.
Prejudice
Mapleton further contends that summary judgment is inappropriate because its
failure to comply with the Policy’s condition precedent to coverage caused no prejudice
to Society. This issue is a far closer call.
20
As noted above, an insured's violation of a condition precedent will deprive the
insured of coverage only if that breach causes prejudice to the insurer. Am. Guar., 467
N.W.2d at 228; Henderson, 106 N.W.2d at 92. Under Iowa law, such a violation is
presumed to be prejudicial to the insurer. Met-Coil Sys. Corp. v. Columbia Cas. Co.,
524 N.W.2d 650, 658 (Iowa 1994); Am. Guar., 467 N.W.2d at 228. However, the
insured may rebut the presumption if it shows the lack of prejudice by satisfactory
evidence.
Met-Coil, 524 N.W.2d at 658; Western Mut. Ins. Co. v. Baldwin, 137
N.W.2d 918, 925 (Iowa 1965).
Met-Coil illustrates prejudice to an extreme extent. There, the insured did not
comply with a “notice of suit” provision contained in various policies. 524 N.W.2d at
655-56. By the time the insured complied, and gave notice to its insurers, it had spent
over $4 million in attorney fees and was facing a judgment of over $18 million. Id. at
658.
The insurers were deprived of the opportunity to participate in, control or
monitor the litigation, to investigate the claims before trial or to make strategic
decisions such as attempting to settle the claims. Id. at 658-59. Not surprising, the
Iowa Supreme Court held that the insured did not rebut the presumption of prejudice.
Id. at 659.
Watson, while not addressing prejudice in any detail, did touch on the harm that
can arise if the insured refuses to submit to an EUO until after suit is filed:
In order to determine whether to pay or deny an insured's claim, the
insurer needs the evidence at the time of the investigation when facts are
more easily recalled and before crucial evidence is destroyed or becomes
otherwise unavailable.
Watson, 468 N.W.2d at 452.
In Henderson, the Court made similar observations
concerning the notice-of-suit requirement:
It is the only avenue by which unjust claims can be successfully denied or
defended. Unless given notice within a reasonable time, evidence could be
lost and key witnesses never discovered.
21
106 N.W.2d at 92. Clearly, then, the concept of “prejudice” relates to the insurer’s
ability to investigate the claim and control the defense of any third-party litigation
against its insured.
In Watson, the dates of relevant events were as follows:
Date of loss (fire):
First request for EUO:
Lawsuit filed:
September 15, 1988
December 28, 1988
Unknown (but apparently after
June 13, 1989)
Id. at 449-50. Thus, the insurance company sought to examine the plaintiffs under oath
about three months after the loss and the plaintiffs’ first offer to submit to such
examinations occurred sometime after they filed suit, apparently a year (at least) after
the loss. Due to the plaintiffs’ conduct, a long period of time passed between the time
the examinations under oath should have occurred and the time the plaintiffs finally
offered to submit to them.
In this case, the corresponding dates are:
Date of loss (tornado):
First request for EUO:
Lawsuit filed:
April 9, 2011
February 1, 2012
August 17, 2012
This chronology differs sharply from that in Watson. Society did not even request an
EUO until almost ten months after the loss. Due to various issues, including issues
caused by Society’s counsel’s schedule, it was not scheduled until June 22, 2012. It
then had to be cancelled (the first time) due to no fault of Mapleton’s. It was later
canceled again, this time by Mapleton, but Mapleton immediately attempted to
reschedule it.
While Mapleton then inexplicably filed suit before the EUO could take place, it
almost immediately repeated its request that Society reschedule the EUO.
Indeed,
Mapleton made this request on August 20, 2012, just three days after filing this action.
As such, if Society had any interest in conducting the EUO, the EUO could have been
22
completed in late August or early September of 2012, despite Mapleton’s premature
filing of the lawsuit.
Mapleton’s puzzling decision to file the lawsuit did not need to have any impact
on the scheduling of the EUO. Was it a violation of the Policy’s condition precedent?
Of course. But as noted above, such a violation results in the forfeiture of coverage
only if it causes prejudice to the insurer. And while prejudice is presumed, the insured
may rebut this presumption. In the context of Society’s motion for summary judgment,
this means I must determine whether “there is sufficient evidence [on the issue of
prejudice] favoring the nonmoving party for a jury to return a verdict for that party.”
Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 249 (1986).
I find that the answer is “yes.” Stated differently, I am unable to conclude, as a
matter of law, that Mapleton cannot rebut the presumption of prejudice. The summary
judgment record contains no evidence of any prejudice or harm to Society due to
Mapleton’s (unfortunate) decision to file suit when it did. Indeed, while Mapleton
argued about the lack of prejudice in its resistance brief, Society did not respond to that
argument in its reply.
Frankly, I have no idea how Society could have possibly
suffered prejudice as a result of Mapleton’s premature commencement of this action.
Unlike the insurer in Watson, Society chose to wait nearly ten months before
requesting an EUO. The concerns expressed in Watson about faded memories and the
destruction of evidence arise in this case, if at all, because of this initial delay.
Moreover, after requesting an EUO, Society did not demand that it occur immediately
and indicate that time was of the essence. Indeed, due to various scheduling issues,
Society proposed in May 2012 that the EUO take place on June 22, 2012. Doc. No.
15-6 at 29 (Def. App. 342). It was scheduled for that date but canceled by Society, not
Mapleton. Again, Society did not press for immediate rescheduling and contend that it
was suffering prejudice due to the passage of time. Instead, it agreed to a new date of
August 1, 2012.
23
Society does not argue that it suffered any harm or prejudice because of the
passage of time prior to August 1, 2012. Thus, Mapleton’s subsequent cancellation of
the August 1 event, when combined with its immediate and repeated attempts to
reschedule it, hardly compels me to find, as a matter of law, that Society suffered
prejudice by the additional delay after that date.
The fact that Mapleton then chose to file this lawsuit on August 17, 2012, does
not change the “prejudice” analysis. While the commencement of this action clearly
violated the Policy, Society has not argued that proceeding with an EUO became
legally, or even practically, impossible once the lawsuit was filed. In other words,
Society could have gone forward with the EUO despite its annoyance over Mapleton’s
premature filing. Instead, it elected to seize on Mapleton’s mistake, forego its right to
an EUO, and seek dismissal of this case based on Mapleton’s failure to comply with the
Policy’s condition precedent.
Under these circumstances, and particularly in light of Mapleton’s effort to
reschedule the EUO immediately before and after it filed this lawsuit, I find that
reasonable jurors could return a verdict for Mapleton on the issue of whether Society
suffered prejudice. As such, I must deny Society’s motion for summary judgment to
the extent it is based on Mapleton’s failure to comply with a condition precedent of
coverage.
While Mapleton’s noncompliance is obvious, the resulting prejudice to
Society is not. The jury must decide whether Society suffered prejudice. If not, then
Mapleton’s premature filing of this action is not grounds for depriving it of coverage
under the Policy.
v.
Deviation From Iowa’s Standard Policy
Finally, Mapleton argues that the Policy’s “Legal Action Against Us” provision
is unenforceable because it is more restrictive than permitted by Iowa law. As noted
earlier, that provision states, among other things, that “no one may bring a legal action
against [Society] under this insurance unless . . . [t]here has been full compliance with
24
all of the terms of this insurance.” Mapleton contends that this language improperly
deviates from the “Standard Policy” set forth in Iowa Code § 515.109. In particular,
Mapleton points out that the corresponding provision in the Standard Policy states that
no legal action “shall be sustainable in any court of law or equity unless all the
requirements of this policy shall have been complied with.” See Iowa Code § 515.109
[emphasis added].
According to Mapleton, there is meaningful difference between
stating that “no one may bring a legal action” and stating that no action “shall be
sustainable.”
Mapleton further argues that this difference renders Society’s policy language
invalid because it is “unlawful for any insurance company to issue any policy . . . other
or different from the [Standard Policy].” See Iowa Code §§ 515.109, 515.110. While
admitting that no Iowa case says so, Mapleton concludes: “[I]t seems clear that the
Society policy is substantially more restrictive than the Iowa Standard Policy with
respect to the insured’s right to pursue legal recourse against the insure[r].”
Society responds by correctly noting that the language at issue here is virtually
identical to the language addressed in Watson. In that case, the Iowa Supreme Court
described the policy as proving “that an insured may not bring an action against the
insurer unless ‘[t]here has been full compliance with all the terms of this Coverage
Part.” Watson, 468 N.W.2d at 450. At no time did the Court suggest that a restriction
on the insured’s right to “bring an action” was an unenforceable departure from the
Standard Policy, which is identical to the current Standard Policy. Indeed, the Court’s
analysis and holding demonstrate – quite clearly – that it enforced the provision at
issue.
Of course, it is certainly possible that the plaintiffs in Watson did not raise an
issue concerning the difference between the verbs “bring” and “sustain.” Nonetheless,
the fact that the Iowa Supreme Court addressed and enforced language that is virtually
identical to the language at issue here is instructive. So too is Mapleton’s admission
25
that no Iowa case6 supports its position. I hold that Society’s “Legal Action Against
Us” provision does not materially, or unlawfully, depart from Iowa’s Standard Policy.
As such, I reject Mapleton’s argument that the provision is unenforceable.
c.
Examination Under Oath -- Conclusion
As explained above, I find that Society has met its burden as the summary
judgment movant of establishing, as a matter of law:
a.
that Mapleton violated a condition precedent of coverage by filing this
lawsuit before producing Nichols for an examination under oath;
b.
that Mapleton did not substantially comply with the condition precedent;
and
c.
that Society did not waive the condition precedent.
I also reject Mapleton’s argument that the Policy’s condition precedent is unenforceable
due to an alleged departure from Iowa’s Standard Policy language.
However, I further find that Society has not met its burden of establishing, as a
matter of law, that it suffered prejudice due to Mapleton’s failure to comply with the
condition precedent. Based on the summary judgment record, Mapleton may be able to
rebut the presumption of prejudice at trial. As such, I cannot grant summary judgment
in Society’s favor based on Mapleton’s failure to produce Nichols for an EUO before it
filed this lawsuit.
At trial, I will instruct the jury that Mapleton failed to comply with a condition
precedent of coverage and that this failure precludes any recovery under the Policy
unless Mapleton proves, with satisfactory evidence, that Society suffered no prejudice.
If the jury finds that Mapleton has made this showing, then it will consider Mapleton’s
6
Mapleton repeatedly relies on Minnesota case law in support of its arguments. Minnesota
clearly takes a different approach than Iowa in cases involving an insurer’s right to conduct an
examination under oath. That’s interesting, but irrelevant. As noted earlier, I must apply
Iowa law to this case, not Minnesota law.
26
claim for breach of contract. If the jury finds that Mapleton has not made this showing,
then it will be instructed to return a defense verdict.
2.
Mapleton’s Claim For Bad Faith
Society contends that even if the EUO issue does not dispose of this lawsuit,
Mapleton’s claim for insurance bad faith must nonetheless be dismissed as a matter of
law. Under Iowa law, to prevail on a bad faith claim the insured "must prove by
substantial evidence (1) the absence of a reasonable basis for denying the claim, and (2)
that the defendant knew or had reason to know that its denial was without reasonable
basis." Sampson v. Am. Standard Ins. Co., 582 N.W.2d 146, 149-50 (Iowa 1998)
(citations omitted).
The first element is objective while the second is subjective.
Bellville v. Farm Bureau Mut. Ins. Co., 702 N.W.2d 468, 473 (Iowa 2005).
With regard to the first element, a reasonable basis exists for denial of policy
benefits if the insured's claim is fairly debatable either on a matter of fact or law. Id.;
see also Sampson, 582 N.W.2d at 150. In Bellville, the Iowa Supreme Court explained
the “fairly debatable” concept as follows:
A claim is “fairly debatable” when it is open to dispute on any logical
basis. . . . Stated another way, if reasonable minds can differ on the
coverage-determining facts or law, then the claim is fairly debatable.
Id. [citations omitted]. The Court further stated:
Whether a claim is fairly debatable can generally be decided as a matter
of law by the court. . . . That is because “‘[w]here an objectively
reasonable basis for denial of a claim actually exists, the insurer cannot be
held liable for bad faith as a matter of law.’” As one court has explained,
“[c]ourts and juries do not weigh the conflicting evidence that was before
the insurer; they decide whether evidence existed to justify denial of the
claim.”
Id. at 473-74 [citations omitted]. The fact that the insurer's position is ultimately found
to lack merit is not sufficient, by itself, to establish the first element of a bad faith
claim. Thompson v. U.S. Fid. and Guar. Co., 559 N.W.2d 288, 292 (Iowa 1997);
27
Cent. Life Ins. Co. v. Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co., 466 N.W.2d 257, 263 (Iowa 1991). An
insurance company has the right to debate claims that are fairly debatable without being
subject to a bad faith tort claim. Gardner v. Hartford Ins. Accident & Indem. Co., 659
N.W.2d 198, 206 (Iowa 2003).
Here, Society argues (a) it did not deny Mapleton’s claim, (b) there was not an
absence of a reasonable basis to deny the claim and (c) there is no evidence that Society
knew or had reason to know that the denial was without reasonable basis. I will touch
on the first and third arguments only briefly, as the second argument easily entitles
Society to summary judgment on Mapleton’s bad faith claim.
a.
No “Denial”
Society first contends that it cannot be liable for the bad faith denial of
Mapleton’s claim because it has not, in fact, denied that claim. Society notes that it
issued a check to Mapleton in the amount of $21,836.77 and contends that the fact that
it paid something means there can be no liability for bad faith.
This is not one of Society’s finer arguments. Society cites no case actually
holding that an insurer’s payment of some amount means the insured cannot maintain a
claim for insurance bad faith. Instead, it simply notes that a denial “typically involves
the insured receiving no payment.”
Moreover, Society’s argument ignores the fact that Mapleton submitted a sworn
proof of loss in which it claimed policy benefits in excess of $173,000. Society has not
paid benefits in that amount. In fact, Society has made it clear that it disagrees that any
further payment is due to Mapleton. As such, while Society may not have denied
Mapleton’s claim in its entirety, it has certainly denied a large portion of that claim.
If Society’s argument was an accurate statement of the law, an insurer could
insulate itself from liability for bad faith by issuing a de minimus payment on every
claim. In the absence of any legal authority that such an outcome is mandated by Iowa
28
law, I hold that Society’s payment of some amount to Mapleton does not entitle Society
to summary judgment on the bad faith claim.
b.
Reasonable Basis
Society’s next argument is significantly better. It contends that there can be no
liability for bad faith because, as a matter of law, Mapleton’s claim is fairly debatable.
Among other things, Society notes that it in adjusting Mapleton’s claim, it has relied on
the opinions and findings of experts and that one of those experts, Schroder, inspected
the premises both before and after the tornado.
Mapleton does little more than argue that Society has acted in bad faith by
retaining and relying on its own experts rather than agreeing to “what Mapleton
contends is fair value of its loss.” Mapleton asserts that if the jury finds the value of
the loss to be closer to its number than to Society’s, then the jury should also be
allowed to determine whether Society had a reasonable basis to dispute Mapleton’s
number.
That is not how it works. Whether a claim is fairly debatable or not fairly
debatable does not depend on the jury’s ultimate resolution of the insured’s claim. As
noted above, “[c]ourts and juries do not weigh the conflicting evidence that was before
the insurer; they decide whether evidence existed to justify denial of the claim.”
Bellville, 702 N.W.2d at 474 (quoting State Farm Lloyds, Inc. v. Polasek, 847 S.W.2d
279, 285 (Tex. Ct. App. 1992)). Here, there is no doubt that the record contains
evidence justifying Society’s decision to deny Mapleton’s claim of entitlement to
benefits beyond what Society has already paid. The premises have been inspected
multiple times by numerous experts. Society has been provided with opinions that the
actual value of the loss is either at, or below, the amount Society has paid. Society is
not obligated to disregard its own expert in favor of Mapleton’s. See, e.g., Bellville,
702 N.W.2d at 477; Morgan v. Am. Family Mut. Ins. Co., 534 N.W.2d 92, 97 (Iowa
1995), overruled on other grounds by Hamm v. Allied Mut. Ins. Co., 612 N.W.2d 775,
29
784 (Iowa 2000). Nor has Mapleton offered any evidence suggesting that Society’s
experts are unqualified or otherwise unreliable to such an extent that it could not be
objectively reasonable to rely on their opinions.
There is a clearly factual dispute concerning the amount of the loss. Society
believes much of the claimed damages pre-existed the tornado. Mapleton disagrees.
Each side has evidence, including expert opinions, supporting its contention. That is
the essence of this case. Mapleton’s contention that the amount it claims is not even
fairly debatable, and that Society thereby has acted in bad faith by disagreeing, is
baseless. As a matter of law, the amount of Mapleton’s claim is fairly debatable.
Finally, Mapleton argues that Society has acted in bad faith by denying its
request for appraisal pursuant to the Policy. Mapleton cites no case holding that an
insurer’s failure to participate in appraisal, as opposed to its denial of a claim, can form
the basis of a bad faith claim. In any event, and as I will discuss further, infra, the
question of whether appraisal is appropriate in this situation is not simple. Even if
Society’s refusal to participate in appraisal could form the basis of a bad faith claim,
Society’s position was not unreasonable.
Society had a reasonable basis for disputing the amount of the claim and
Mapleton’s request for appraisal was fairly debatable. As such, Society is entitled to
summary judgment on Mapleton’s bad faith claim.
c.
Knowledge
Because I have already found for Mapleton on the objective element of the bad
faith claim, I need not devote significant attention to the other, subjective element.
Society had a reasonable basis for its decisions, so it could not have known, or had
reason to know, that it was acting without reasonable basis. Both prongs of Mapleton’s
bad faith claim fail as a matter of law.
30
3.
Punitive Damages
Under Iowa law, an independent tort – above and beyond a mere breach of
contract – is required in order to sustain a claim for punitive damages. See, e.g., White
v. Nw. Bell Tel. Co., 514 N.W.2d 70, 78 (Iowa 1994). Mapleton acknowledges this
and states that its request for punitive damages is “incidental to its claim for bad faith
against Society.” Because I am granting summary judgment for Society on Mapleton’s
bad faith claim, and because Mapleton has no other tort claims, its request for punitive
damages fails as a matter of law.
C.
Conclusion
Society’s motion for summary judgment will be granted with regard to Counts II
and III of Article I of the petition, and with regard to Articles II and III of the petition.
With regard to Article I, Count I (breach of contract), the motion will be denied
because there is a genuine issue of material fact as to whether Society suffered
prejudice as a result of Mapleton’s failure to comply with the Policy’s condition
precedent of an examination under oath before it filed this action.
This case will
proceed to trial on the breach of contract claim only.
II.
Mapleton’s Motion to Compel Appraisal
A.
Introduction
The Policy includes an appraisal procedure that either party may invoke if “the
insured and [the insurer] shall fail to agree as to the actual cash value or the amount of
loss.” Here, there is no dispute that Mapleton sought to invoke the appraisal procedure
on multiple occasions and that Society, so far, has not agreed to participate. Mapleton
contends that the express terms of the Policy give it the right to compel appraisal and
that Society has breached the Policy by refusing to proceed. Society contends that
appraisal is inappropriate, or at least premature, because this case involves causation
issues and possible defenses to coverage.
31
To resolve Mapleton’s motion, I must first construe the relevant Policy
language.
Next, I must consider Society’s argument that an insurance contract’s
appraisal procedures are inapplicable when there are disputes as to causation or
coverage. Finally, even if Mapleton had the contractual right to insist on appraisal, I
must consider whether an order compelling appraisal is appropriate in the context of
this pending civil action.
B.
Discussion
1.
Meaning of the Appraisal Provision
Under Iowa law, a court interprets an insurance policy by looking at the meaning
of the words used in the policy and construes the policy to determine its legal effect.
Am. Family Life Ins. Co. v. Corrigan, 697 N.W.2d 108, 111 (Iowa 2005). If a policy
is susceptible to more than one interpretation it is ambiguous, and the court must
construe the meaning of the terms. First Newton Nat'l Bank v. Gen. Cas. Co., 426
N.W.2d 618, 628 (Iowa 1988). The construction of ambiguous terms is in the light
most favorable to the insured because insurance policies are contracts of adhesion. Id.
Here, as noted above, the Policy states that either side may demand appraisal if
“the insured and [the insurer] shall fail to agree as to the actual cash value or the
amount of loss.” The Policy appears to contain no other conditions to invocation of the
appraisal process. Society does not contend otherwise. Nor does Society deny that the
parties failed to agree “as to the actual cash value or the amount of loss.” Indeed, it is
clear that the parties hotly dispute this question.
Thus, the only factual condition
specified in the Policy as being a predicate to appraisal clearly exists.
Nor is there any dispute about whether Mapleton complied with the Policy’s
procedural requirement for demanding appraisal. The Policy states only that the party
seeking appraisal must do so by “written demand.” There is no dispute that Mapleton
made such a written demand on several occasions. Again, Society does not argue
32
otherwise. Simply put, Society has no argument that the express terms of the Policy
render appraisal inappropriate under the circumstances present in this case.
Nonetheless, Society argues that Mapleton is not entitled to invoke the appraisal
process here because there are disputes concerning both causation and coverage. As
for causation, it is clear that Mapleton attributes many items of damage to the tornado
that Society considers to be exaggerated, pre-existing or otherwise not caused by that
storm. Moreover, Society contends there are bona fide coverage questions present in
this case arising from Society’s belief that concealment or fraud may prevent a finding
of coverage. Society cites several cases in arguing that appraisal is inappropriate when
questions of causation and/or coverage exist.
As I will explain further below, I conclude that Society confuses the scope and
effect of appraisal with the availability of appraisal.
The Policy itself includes no
exceptions or limitations to the effect that appraisal cannot be demanded if the parties
disagree concerning causation or coverage. Nor has the Iowa Supreme Court held that
appraisal provisions in insurance policies should be construed narrowly. By contrast,
the Court has stated that contractual appraisal is a “favored” private procedure
“because it serves as an inexpensive and speedy means of settling disputes.” Cent. Life
Ins. Co., 466 N.W.2d at 260.
Under the express terms of the Policy that governs the contractual relationship
between Mapleton and Society, Mapleton was entitled to demand appraisal because the
parties “failed to agree as to the actual cash value or the amount of loss.” Moreover,
Mapleton complied with the Policy’s procedural prerequisite by making a “written
demand” for appraisal. The Policy language provided no basis for Society to reject that
demand.
2.
The Alleged “Causation and/or Coverage Dispute” Exception
As noted above, however, Society advocates a “causation and/or coverage”
exception to the appraisal procedure. With one exception (or maybe two, as discussed
33
below), the cases it relies upon do not hold that the right to demand appraisal
evaporates if causation or coverage is at issue. Instead, those cases address the scope
and effect of the appraisers’ work:
a.
Taylor v. Farm Bureau Mut. Ins. Co., 759 N.W.2d 2, No. 07-1580, 2008
WL 4525496 (Iowa Ct. App. Oct. 1, 2008) (table).
Taylor actually illustrates the
difference between the right to appraisal and the effect of appraisal. In that case, the
Iowa Court of Appeals did not hold that there was no right to appraisal. Instead, it held
that once the amount of loss was determined by appraisal, the insurer remained free to
litigate “its liability for that loss.” Id. at *6.
b.
Rogers v. State Farm Fire and Cas. Co., 984 So.2d 382 (Ala. 2007). In
this case, the Alabama Supreme Court did not hold that appraisal was inappropriate, but
only that the trial court erred by allowing the insurer to use the appraisal process to
adjudicate causation issues. Id. at 392. The Court held: “[A]n appraiser's duty is
limited to determining the ‘amount of loss’ — the monetary value of the property
damage — and that appraisers are not vested with the authority to decide questions of
coverage and liability.” Id.
c.
Merrimack Mut. Fire Ins. Co. v. Batts, 59 S.W.3d 142 (Tenn. Ct. App.
2001). Here, the court rejected the insured’s argument that appraisal is akin to binding
arbitration, thereby conclusively establishing the insurer’s liability.
Id. at 149-50.
Instead, the court held, the appraisers’ role was to determine the dollar amount of the
loss, with issues such as coverage and liability to be resolved by the court. Id. at 15253.
d.
Wells v. Am. States Preferred Ins. Co., 919 S.W.2d 679 (Tex. Ct. App.
1996). Wells is a useful, and oft-cited, case because the court undertook a lengthy
analysis of cases from around the country in construing the scope and meaning of
appraisal provisions. Id. at 684-85. The court ultimately held that appraisers appointed
pursuant to such a provision are not authorized “to determine what caused or did not
cause that loss,” as that issue must be resolved by the court. Id. at 685. As such, the
34
court held that the appraisers exceeded their authority by making causation findings and
that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment for the insurer based on those
findings.
Id.
The court did not, however, hold that appraisal was improper or
unavailable due to the presence of causation issues. Moreover, in a later case the Texas
Supreme Court held that the insurance company could not “avoid appraisal at this point
merely because there might be a causation question that exceeds the scope of
appraisal.”
State Farm Lloyds v. Johnson, 290 S.W.3d 886, 893 (Tex. 2009)
(affirming grant of motion for summary judgment to compel insurer to participate in the
appraisal process).
e.
1991).
Auto-Owners Ins. Co. v. Kwaiser, 476 N.W.2d 467 (Mich. Ct. App.
In this case, the court held that the trial court erred in granting summary
judgment for an insured, based on an appraisal, without first determining the extent of
coverage. Id. at 470. The court noted that coverage issues are to be resolved by the
court, not by appraisers.
Id. at 469.
Again, this case addresses the effect of an
appraisal award, not the question of whether either party had the right to insist on
appraisal.
The one case that clearly supports Society’s position is Jefferson Davis Cnty.
Sch. Dist. v. RSUI Indem. Co., Civil Action No. 2:08-cv-190-KS-MTP, 2009 WL
367688 (S.D. Miss. Feb. 11, 2009). There, the court denied a motion to compel
appraisal based on its holding that appraisal is inappropriate when there are coverage
and causation questions. Id. at *2. The court did not analyze the difference between
the scope of appraisal and the right to appraisal. Instead, it cited Mississippi cases for
the proposition that the purpose of appraisal is to determine the money value of the
property at issue. Id.
The case that arguably supports Society’s position is Yaldo v. Allstate Prop. and
Cas. Ins. Co., 641 F. Supp. 2d 644 (E.D. Mich. 2009). Yaldo is a procedurally
complex case in which the court devoted most of its ruling to the impact of an insured’s
failure to submit to an examination under oath and, ultimately, granted the insurer’s
35
motion for summary judgment on that issue. Id. at 648-56. However, it did cite
Kwaiser in rejecting the insured’s request for entry of an order relating to appraisal
proceedings.
Id. at 646, 656.
In referencing Kwaiser, the court stated that the
defendant had cited it “for the proposition that appraisal proceedings are only to be
utilized where there exists no issue as to coverage.” Id. at 656. As noted above, I
disagree with this characterization of Kwaiser. However, the Yaldo court appeared to
accept the characterization. Id. at 656.
In short, there is a significant difference between arguing (a) appraisal is not
appropriate when coverage and/or causation are in dispute and (b) when appraisal
occurs, the appraisers are limited to valuation issues and may not address causation or
coverage. Few cases have held that a dispute over causation or coverage eliminates the
contractual right to appraisal. Most, as discussed above, hold only that the appraisers
should stick to dollar amounts and stay away from making findings about causation or
coverage.7
In the absence of controlling Iowa Supreme Court authority on this issue, I must
predict how the Iowa Supreme Court would rule. Kingman v. Dillard's, Inc., 643 F.3d
607, 615 (8th Cir. 2011). I hold that the most-logical outcome, and the outcome I
predict would be adopted in Iowa, is that a dispute over coverage or causation does not
eviscerate an insurance policy’s appraisal clause. Instead, upon either party’s written
demand, a dispute over the amount of the loss is subject to the contractual appraisal
process despite questions as to coverage or causation. Once appointed, the appraisers
must determine the amount of the loss without regard to causation disputes or defenses
7
Some courts have rejected even this limitation and have held that appraisers should also
resolve causation issues. See, e.g., CIGNA Ins. Co. v. Didimoi Property Holdings, N.V., 110
F. Supp. 2d 259, 269 (D. Del. 2000) (the appraisal process should include causation
determinations). Mapleton does not advocate this approach. Indeed, it states: “Mapleton does
not contend that causation or coverage disputes should be submitted to the appraisal panel for
resolution.” Doc. No. 18 at 2. It further states that coverage and causation issues must be
determined by the court, while “amount of loss issues . . . are best determined by an appraisal
panel.” Id.
36
to coverage. Basically, this means valuing each item of loss claimed by the insured, in
a sworn proof of loss, even if the insurer disputes causation of and/or coverage for
some or all of those items. Questions as to whether the insurer is liable for all or part
of the loss must be resolved by the court, not by the appraiser.
I reach this conclusion for several reasons. First, and most importantly, it is
compelled by the express language of the Policy. The appraisal provision is clear and
simple. Appraisal is required if (a) the parties “fail to agree as to the actual cash value
or the amount of loss” and (b) one party makes a written demand for appraisal. The
Policy does not state that the right to appraisal goes away if there is a dispute over
coverage and causation. It is my task to interpret and construe the Policy as written,
not to rewrite it for the benefit of either party.
Second, the Policy’s appraisal provision comes directly from Iowa’s Standard
Policy which, as I discussed earlier, is set out in Iowa Code § 515.109. The fact that
the Iowa Legislature has mandated the inclusion of this provision should, I believe,
make courts less inclined to recognize exceptions.
Third, and as also noted earlier, the Iowa Supreme Court has spoken kindly of
the contractual appraisal process, noting that it is a “favored” private procedure
“because it serves as an inexpensive and speedy means of settling disputes.” Cent. Life
Ins. Co., 466 N.W.2d at 260. As a federal court sitting in diversity and attempting to
predict how the Iowa Supreme Court might someday rule on this issue, I cannot help
but find it instructive that both the Iowa Legislature and the Iowa Supreme Court seem
to be pro-appraisal.
Fourth, and finally, I simply do not accept the limited, and generally
undeveloped, arguments for avoiding appraisal when coverage and/or causation issues
are present. I completely agree that the courts, and not the appraisers, must resolve
coverage defenses and causation disputes. But this does not mean there is no role for
appraisal when those disputes arise.
A well-constructed appraisal, containing
appropriate line items, can resolve “dollar amount” issues while reserving liability
37
questions for the jury and/or the judge. And, as one court has noted, a flawed or
unhelpful appraisal can simply be ignored during subsequent litigation. State Farm
Lloyds, 290 S.W.3d at 895. Meanwhile, I see no justification for a rule that would
allow either party to an insurance contract to nullify its appraisal provision simply by
raising an issue of causation or coverage.
To conclude, I hold that the existence of coverage and/or causation disputes does
not preclude either party to an insurance contract from enforcing its contractual right to
appraisal. However, if appraisal is invoked, the appraisers’ role is limited to valuing
the alleged loss. Questions about coverage and causation must be resolved by the
court.
3.
Should I Compel Appraisal?
So far I have found that the Policy gave Mapleton the right to demand appraisal
and that Society’s arguments for rejecting appraisal are unavailing.
Procedurally,
however, I still must determine whether the relief Mapleton now seeks – an order
compelling appraisal – is appropriate in the context of this pending civil lawsuit. For
several reasons, I find that it is not.
First, Mapleton’s petition in this case does not seek relief in the form of an order
compelling appraisal. In Article I, Count I (the breach of contract claim that constitutes
Mapleton’s only remaining claim), Mapleton alleges that Society breached the Policy by
“failing to fully pay the claims presented to it” and requests entry of a money judgment
for the resulting, alleged damages. See Doc. No. 3 at 4. The petition does not seek a
declaratory judgment on the appraisal issue. Nor does it request entry of an affirmative
injunction compelling Society to participate in the appraisal process.
As such, Mapleton now seeks the practical equivalent of an order granting
summary judgment in its favor on an unplead claim. While arguing that the Policy
creates a right of appraisal, Mapleton does not address the question of why I should, or
even could, compel appraisal in the middle of a pending lawsuit that does not involve a
38
request for such relief. A court can compel parties to comply with their discovery
obligations. See Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 37. Appraisal, however, is a right
created by contract, not a discovery procedure. I am far from convinced that it would
be appropriate for me to enter a pre-trial order requiring specific performance under a
contract when no such claim is pending.
Second, Mapleton’s decision to file this lawsuit when it did defeated the
underlying purpose of appraisal which is to resolve disputes before filing a formal
lawsuit.
See, e.g., Cent. Life Ins. Co., 466 N.W.2d at 260 (appraisal “is a
supplementary arrangement to arrive at a resolution of a dispute without a formal
lawsuit”); State Farm Lloyds, 290 S.W.2d at 894 (“appraisal is intended to take place
before suit is filed” and “is a condition precedent to suit”).
Third, Mapleton did not move promptly to compel appraisal after it commenced
this action. Instead, it waited more than eight months before finally filing its motion.
By then, this case was well into the discovery phase. Pursuant to the parties’ joint
proposed scheduling order, which I approved on December 4, 2012, Mapleton’s expert
witness deadline had already expired and Society’s deadline was fast-approaching (and
has now expired).8
Discovery is scheduled to close in two months.
An order
compelling appraisal at this stage of the case would substantially disrupt the parties’
agreed schedule. While I have no idea how long the appraisal process would take, I am
rather certain that the final outcome would affect decisions concerning expert witnesses
and would be likely to lead to requests for additional discovery.
Mapleton could have avoided this problem. It could have included a claim in its
petition seeking enforcement of its contractual right to appraisal and then moved
promptly for summary disposition of that claim.
When conferring with Society’s
counsel to prepare the proposed scheduling order and discovery plan, it could have
8
Bizarrely, Mapleton complains in its motion that if I do not compel appraisal, “it will be
forced to hire experts to testify at trial.” Mapleton filed the motion a month after its expertdisclosure deadline expired.
39
raised the issue of compelled appraisal and requested entry of a scheduling order that
would have accounted for the appraisal process. At minimum, it could have filed its
motion to compel appraisal long before it did.
For all of these reasons, I will not compel appraisal in this case. Mapleton had a
contractual right to demand appraisal, but I find that it waived that right by virtue of its
decisions and actions (or inactions) in this case. A federal court has the inherent power
“to control the disposition of the causes on its docket with economy of time and effort
for itself, for counsel, and for litigants.” Gurley v. FedEx Ground Package Systems,
Inc., 869 F. Supp. 2d 999 (S.D. Iowa 2012) (quoting Landis v. N. Am. Co., 299 U.S.
248, 254 (1936)). Compelling appraisal at this stage of the case, when a request for
such relief is not even contemplated by the pleadings, would cause unnecessary delays
and complexities. It certainly would not advance the actual purpose of appraisal, which
is to resolve disputes privately before a lawsuit is filed. Central Life Ins. Co., 466
N.W.2d at 260.
CONCLUSION
Society’s motion for summary judgment (Doc. No. 15) is granted in part and
denied in part. It is granted with regard to Counts II and III of Article I of the state
court petition. It is also granted with regard to Articles II and III. It is denied with
regard to Count I of Article I – the breach of contract claim. This case will proceed to
trial on that claim only.
Mapleton’s motion to compel appraisal (Doc. No. 14) is denied.
40
IT IS SO ORDERED.
DATED this 10th day of July, 2013.
________________________________
LEONARD T. STRAND
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
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