McClain v. Safeco Insurance Co.
McClain v. Safeco Insurance Co.
Opinion of the Court
Safeco Insurance Company (Safeco) appeals from a judgment that awarded plaintiff recovery of her attorney fees under ORS 742.061. Safeco had sent her a timely letter offering to arbitrate the issues of fault and damages in her underinsured motorist claim. Under those circumstances, Safeco contends that attorney fees are not recoverable because the “safe harbor” exception of ORS 742.061(3) governs. We agree, reverse, and remand.
Plaintiff was injured in an auto accident with another motorist, and the liability insurer for that motorist paid its policy limit to plaintiff. In the meantime, plaintiff notified Safeco of the prospect of a claim for underinsured motorist benefit. In response, Safeco sent plaintiff a letter in which Safeco accepted coverage and offered to arbitrate the claim. The letter advised that the only issues in arbitration would be the liability of the underinsured motorist and the damages due plaintiff.
Attorney fees awarded under ORS 742.061(1) reversed; otherwise affirmed.
Because the exchange occurred before the liability limit of the other motorist was known, Safeco’s letter included among the remaining issues the “underlying coverage limit.” That limit was later learned and never actually disputed. Plaintiff has not contended that reference to the temporary uncertainty of that limit added an impermissible issue and rendered Safeco’s letter ineffective. See Robinson v. Tri-Met, 277 Or App 60, 67-68, 370 P3d 864 (2016) (a defense that was never disputed was a nonissue and did not create an impermissible issue that would render a “safe-harbor” letter ineffective).
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.