Hoffman v. Foremost Signature Insurance
Hoffman v. Foremost Signature Insurance
Opinion of the Court
OPINION AND ORDER
Plaintiff Malinda Hoffman brings this action seeking damages for alleged breach of an insurance policy covering her manufactured home. Both plaintiff and defendant filed motions for summary judgment. This Court has jurisdiction under 42 U.S.C. § 1332. Upon review, defendant’s motion for summary judgment (# 16) and plaintiffs motion for summary judgment (# 23) are GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART.
This action arises out of a claim that plaintiff filed under her Foremost Signature homeowners insurance policy. Plaintiff purchased a manufactured home in Springfield in August 2008 and insured the home with Foremost Signature effective May 4, 2011. Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 2, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-3. Plaintiff filed a petition' for bankruptcy on May 10, 2011, which resulted in discharge and closure of the estate on August 15, 2011. In re Malinda Hoffman, No. ll-62267-fra7 (Bankr.D.Or. 2011). On August 18, 2011, plaintiff contacted her insurance agent and requested to increase her policy limits for the manufactured home from $96,000 to $131,000 and for her personal property from $55,000 to $65,000. Def.’s Concise Statement of Material Fact ¶ 17, ECF No. 18. Defendant extended coverage for plaintiffs personal property but not her manufactured home. On August 22, 2011, plaintiffs manufactured home caught on fire and was subsequently determined to be a total loss. Id. at ¶ 19 & 20. Plaintiff submitted a “Proof of Loss” on February 27, 2011 seeking $115,200
Defendant paid $96,000 toward dwelling coverage, $3,200 toward other structures coverage [payment 13], $65,500
Plaintiff now seeks at least $39,975.65
Table 1
Dwelling_$96,000 $96,000_$0_$0
Replacement Dwelling (20%)_$19,200_$0_$18,927,65 up to $20,00 0
Other Structures_$9,600 $3,200 _$10,600 up to $8,000
Personal Property_$65,000_$65,500_
Additional Living Expenses_$19,200 $7,678,50_at least $3,048_up to $15,000
Debris Removal_$5,000_$5,000_$0
Ordinance & Law Coverage_ $0_$5,400_up to $10,000
Landscape & Miscellaneous_$0_$2,000_up to $2,000
_Total $214,000 $177,378,50 at least $39,975.65 up to $86,000
See Pl.’s Mot. Summ. J. 4, ECF No. 23-1; Pl.’s Resp. to Def.’s Reply to PL’s Mot. Summ. J. 14, ECF No. 32; Compl. 3-4, ECF No. 1.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
The court must grant summary judgment if there are no genuine issues of material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fed. R.Civ.P. 56(a). An issue of fact is genuine “if the evidence is such that a reasonably jury could return a verdict for the nonmoving party.” Villiarimo v. Aloha Island Air., Inc., 281 F.3d 1054, 1061 (9th Cir. 2002) (quoting Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986)). The court views the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party. Allen v. City of Los Angeles, 66 F.3d 1052, 1056 (9th Cir. 1995) (citing Jesinger v. Nevada Fed. Credit Union, 24 F.3d 1127, 1130 (9th Cir. 1994)). If the moving party shows that there are no genuine issues of material fact, the non-moving party must go beyond the pleadings and designate facts showing an issue for trial. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 324, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986); see Fed.R.Civ.P. (56)(c).
DISCUSSION
Defendant contends that: (1) plaintiff is judicially estopped from valuing her manufactured home and personal property at higher raids than in her prior bankruptcy proceeding; (2) plaintiff is precluded from “replacement” dwelling coverage because she failed to replace her dwelling with a dwelling “of like kind and quality” within 365 days; (3) plaintiff is precluded from additional “other structure” coverage because she failed to replace and received actual cash value for these other structures;. (4) plaintiff is precluded from “ordinance or law” coverage because she did not incur any building ordinance or law expenses; and (5) plaintiff is precluded from additional “personal property” coverage because she received her full policy limit. In response and upon her own motion, plaintiff contends that defendant failed to fully compensate her for adjusted living expenses under the contract and violated its duty of good faith and fair dealing.
I. Judicial Estoppel
Defendant contends that plaintiffs claims for damages resulting from loss of
“Judicial estoppel is an equitable doctrine that precludes a party from gaining an advantage by asserting one position, and then later seeking an advantage by taking a clearly inconsistent position.” Hamilton v. State Farm, Fire & Casualty Company, 270 F.3d 778, 782 (9th Cir. 2001). In New Hampshire, the Supreme Court indicated that “several factors typically inform the decision whether to apply the doctrine in a particular case.” 532 U.S. at 750, 121 S.Ct. 1808. “First, a party’s later position must be ‘clearly inconsistent’ with its earlier position.” Id. “Second, courts regularly inquire whether the party has succeeded in persuading a court to accept that party’s earlier position in a later proceeding would create the perception that either the first or the second court was misled.” Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). “A third consideration is whether the party seeking to assert an inconsistent position would derive an unfair advantage or impose an unfair detriment on the opposing party if not estopped.” Id. at 751, 121 S.Ct. 1808. In enumerating these factors, the Supreme Court held that these factors did “not establish inflexible prerequisites” and that “[additional considerations may inform the doctrine’s application in specific factual contexts.” Id.
A. Plaintiff’s Manufactured Home
Under 11 U.S.C. § 521(1), a “debt- or shall file ... a schedule of assets and liabilities.” See also Hamilton, 270 F.3d at 785 (quoting In re Coastal Plains, 179 F.3d 197, 207-08 (5th Cir. 1999)) (internal quotation marks omitted) (“The Bankruptcy Code and Rules impose upon the bankruptcy debtors an express, affirmative duty to disclose all assets.... ”). Plaintiff listed the value
First, this Court recognizes that plaintiff, appearing pro se in her bankruptcy petition, is entitled to additional leniency to the extent that her errors were inadvertent.
B. Plaintiff’s Personal Property
Under Schedule. B, a petitioner is directed to “list all personal property of the debtor of whatever kind.” Chapter 7 Voluntary Petition 13, In re Malinda Hoffman, No. 11-62267-fra7 (Bankr.D.Or. 2011), ECF No. 1; see also 11 U.S.C. § 521(1). Plaintiff listed the value of her “personal property” as $5,000 under Bankruptcy Schedule B and then subsequently valued her personal property at $65,000 or more
First, this Court recognizes the difference between the “current” and the “replacement” value of an item of personal property, i.e., the value difference between used and new items. This distinction is important because plaintiffs “$5,000” figure is a “current value,” and plaintiffs “$142,472” figure is a “replacement cost.” Both parties dispute the significance of the valuation differences between “current” and “replacement” value. From plaintiffs ■ perspective, judicial estoppel should be precluded because of the inherent difference between “current” and “replacement” value. See, e.g., infra § 1(B); Letter from Ronald R. Sticka 1,'ECF No. 39.
From defendant’s perspective, valuation differences can be avoided through a sup
Second, this Court also recognizes that “valuation” differences are not relevant with respect to property plaintiff denied owning in Bankruptcy Schedule B. Thus, plaintiffs claim is restricted to those classes of personal property identified in Schedule B, i.e., clothing, household goods, or furnishings. See Chapter 7 Voluntary Petition 12-14, In re Malinda Hoffman, No. 11-62267-fra7 (Bankr.D.Or. 2011), ECF No. l. For example, plaintiff is precluded from claiming books, item 550, 551 and 552. Deck of Kyle A. Sturm 44, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-18. However, this Court is reluctant to assess and determine whether 1,189 individual items of personal property fall within the scope -of these accepted categories; this is particularly true in light of the fact that many items arguably qualify as “household goods.”
Third, this Court is not persuaded that plaintiff’s earlier representations satisfy New Hampshire's second factor. Under the second factor, this Court assesses whether plaintiff’s representations “create the perception that the Bankruptcy Court or this Court has been misled.” New Hampshire, 532 U.S. at 750, 121 S.Ct. 1808. On August 16, 2013, the United States Trustee, in response to a letter from this Court,
II. Plaintiff’s Claim for “Replacement” Dwelling Coverage
Defendant contends that plaintiff is precluded from additional “replacement” dwelling coverage because plaintiff did not replace her dwelling with a dwelling of “like kind and quality” within 365 days. Defendant’s argument rests on two basic premises; first, that defendant rightfully interpreted the contractual provision “of like kind and quality” to preclude coverage to a “stick-built” home; and second, that plaintiff is precluded from “replacement” dwelling coverage because she failed to replace her dwelling with a dwelling “of like kind and quality” within 365 days.
A. Interpretation of “Like Kind and Quality”
“Interpretation of an insurance policy is a question of law, and our task is to ascertain the intention of the parties to the insurance policy.” Holloway v. Republic Indemnity Co. of America, 341 Or. 642, 649, 147 P.3d 329 (Or. 2006) (citing Hoffman Construction Co. v. Fred S. James & Co., 313 Or. 464, 469, 836 P.2d 703 (Or. 1992)). This Court “determines the intention of the parties based on the terms and conditions of the insurance policy.” Id. at 649-50, 147 P.3d 329 (citations omitted). “If the policy does not define the phrase in question, [this Court resorts] to various aids of interpretation to discern the parties’ intended meaning.” Id. at 650, 147 P.3d 329 (quoting Groshong v. Mutual of Enumclaw Ins. Co., 329 Or. 303, 307-08, 985 P.2d 1284 (Or. 1999)) (internal quotation marks omitted). Under that framework, this Court first considers whether the phrase in question has a plain meaning. Id. (citations omitted). “If the phrase in question has more than one plausible interpretation,” this Court will then “examine the phrase in light of the particular context in which that [phrase] is used in the policy and the broader context of the policy as a whole.” Id. (citations omitted) (internal quotation marks omitted). “If the ambiguity remains after [this Court] has engaged in those analytical exercises, then any reasonable doubt as to the intended meaning of such [a] term[] will be resolved against the insurance company.” Id. (citations omitted) (quoting North Pacific Ins. Co. v. Hamilton, 332 Or. 20, 25, 22 P.3d 739 (Or. 2001)) (internal quotation marks omitted). However, “a term is ambiguous ... only if two or more plausible interpretations of that term withstand scrutiny.” Hoffman, 313 Or. at 470, 836 P.2d 703.
The contract provides, in relevant part:
If you do not replace your dwelling on the same premises, we will pay the Amount of Insurance shown on the Declarations Page.
If you do replace your dwelling on the same premises with a new dwelling of like kind and quality within 365 days of the loss, and if the cost to replace your dwelling exceeds the Amount of Insurance we have already paid to you, we will pay the additional amount that you actually spend for the replacement. But we will not pay any moré than an addi*1080 tional 20% of the Amount of Insurance shown on the Declarations Page.
Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 4, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-14. The contract does not provide an explicit definition for the' phrase of “like kind and quality.” Therefore, this Court “must decide whether that phrase has a plain meaning.” Holloway, 341 Or. at 650, 147 P.3d 329.
This Court first turns to the dictionary definitions. The term “like” is defined as “possessing the characteristics of; resembling closely; similar to.” American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 1014 (4th ed. 2000); see also The Oxford-English Dictionary Vol. VIII, 944 (2d ed. 2001) (“Having the same characteristics or qualities as some other ... thing”). The term “kind” is defined as “[a] natural quality, property or characteristic.” The Oxford-English Dictionary Vol. VIII, 436 (2d ed. 2001); see also American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 964 (4th ed. 2000) (“3. Fundamental, underlying character as a determinant of the class to which a thing belongs.”). The term “quality” is defined as “[a]n inherent or distinguishing characteristic; a property.” American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 1431 (4th ed. 2000); see also The Oxford-English Dictionary Vol. XII, 971 (2d ed. 2001) (“the nature, kind, or character (of something)”). Collectively,these definitions require a replacement dwelling to possess similar qualities and/or characteristics to that of the lost dwelling.
Defendant and plaintiff offer differing plain meaning interpretations of “like kind and quality.” Defendant, in articulating a more restrictive interpretation, argues that an Adair “stickbuilt” home is simply too different from a manufactured home to be of like kind and quality. For example, defendant explains that unlike a manufactured home, a “stick-built” home is subject to a different statutory framework,
In contrast, plaintiff, in articulating a more flexible interpretation, makes two arguments. First, plaintiff contends that an Adair home is sufficiently similar to a manufactured home because both are “single family dwellings with four walls” and “a roof.” Pl.’s Resp. to Defl’s Reply to PL’s Mot. Summ. J. 5, ECF No. 32. Second, plaintiff looks ■ to non-precedential case law
Because both parties offer plausible explanations, this Court next examines these respective arguments “in light of, among other things, the particular context in
Plaintiffs broad interpretation of “of like kind and quality” equates this restriction with the term “dwelling”
B. Dwelling Replacement
Defendant contends that plaintiff is precluded from “replacement” dwelling coverage because she failed to replace ■ her dwelling within 365 days. In response, plaintiff argues first, that a 365 day replacement period- is void under Oregon law, and second, that actual replacement is not required under the contract. Plaintiffs arguments are unpersuasive.
In her first argument, plaintiff directs this Court’s attention to ORS § 742.234. ORS § 742.234, “Insurers options” states: ■
A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “It shall be optional with this company to take all, or any part, of the property at the agreed or appraised value, and also to repair, rebuild or replace the property destroyed or damaged with other of like kind and quality within a reasonable time, on giving notice of its intention so to do within 30 days after the receipt of the proof of loss herein required.”
Or.Rev.Stat! § 742.234 (2011). Plaintiff, relying upon this provision,
In her second argument, plaintiff contends that actual replacement is not required, or in the alternative, that application of this replacement provision to plaintiff would be inequitable because of ongoing negotiations with defendant as to the value of an applicable replacement “dwelling” during the replacement period. Contrary to plaintiffs first assertion, actual replacement is generally considered a prerequisite to recovery under an insurance replacement provision in Oregon. For example, in Higgins, the Oregon Supreme Court held that “since plaintiffs have not expended anything in repairing or replacing the insured building they are not eligible to recover under the ‘Replacement Cost’ extension of the policy.” 256 Or. at 166, 469 P.2d 766; accord Patton v. Mutual of Enumclaw Ins. Co., 238 Or. App. 101, 122, 242 P.3d 624 (Or.App. 2010) (“We conclude that ... in the absence of actual replacement, [defendant] had no duty to pay more than the actual cash value of the destroyed property, up to a maximum of the policy limit....”).
Plaintiff argues that Higgins
As to plaintiffs second assertion, ongoing negotiations between the parties do not make application of the replacement provision inequitable. First, this Court declines to consider ongoing discussion regarding the Adair stick home because the Adahhome is not a dwelling of “like kind and quality” and defendant did not lead plaintiff to believe otherwise. Second, the factual circumstances of plaintiffs claim line up closely with those in Patton. In this case, defendant provided plaintiff with a replacement estimate of between $90,054 and $103,500. Decl. of Malinda Hoffman 1, ECF No. 24-8. Plaintiff, doubting the accuracy of defendant’s estimate, obtained her own estimate of $126,098. Deck of Malinda Hoffman 1, ECF No. 24-10. Defendant, as in Patton, advised plaintiff that her home could be replaced for the lower estimate (“$90,054;00-$103,500.00’’) and that “[t]here could still be an additional payment = once [insurer] verified that- the potential purchase is a like kind and-quality manufactured home to what [plaintiff] had before.” Deck of Malinda Hoffman 1, ECF No. 24-8. Third, plaintiffs reliance, on Great American Ins. Co. of New York v. Jackson County School District is misplaced. 2007 WL 2713894 (D.Or. Sep. 17, 2007). In Great Ameriiúan, the District Court, in ruling against the insurer’s non-replacement affirmative defense, found that “[i]t was impractical for [insured] to proceed with replacement until the parties (or the court) determines the extent of [insurer’s] obligations.. . ’.’ Id. at *5. However, unlike in plaintiffs case, in Great American, the parties agreed upon the type and location of the replacement building but differed as to the specific materials that qualified as “like kind and quality” subject to a modifying provision.
III. Plaintiff’s Claim for Other Structures
Defendant contends that plaintiff is precluded from additional recovery under- “Other Structures” coverage because plaintiff failed to -replace her lost other structures and plaintiff received the actual
Turning first to the insurance contract, “COVERAGE B — OTHER STRUCTURES” provides:
The amount we pay for loss to your other structure will be the lowest of:
1. The replacement cost of the damaged portion of your other structure.
2. The amount actually spent for necessary repair or replacement of the damaged portion to your other structure.
3. The Amount of Insurance shown on the Declarations Page
If the replacement cost for your damaged property is more than $2,500, we will pay no more than the actual cash value of that damage until actual repair or replacement is completed.
Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 4, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-14 (emphasis added). As indicated supra § 11(B), Oregon law requires actual replacement for replacement-based coverage. See, e.g., Higgins, 256 Or. at 166, 469 P.2d 766. Thus, because plaintiff has not replaced her other structures, she is precluded from replacement-based recovery for other structures under the contract.
As to the coverage dispute, plaintiff argues that she lost three
IV. Plaintiff’s Claim for Ordinance and Law Coverage
Defendant contends that plaintiff is precluded from “ordinance or law” coverage because she did not incur any rele
Under the “Ordinance or Law” section, the insurer is obligated to “pay the actual, reasonable and necessary cost” for the increased costs associated with construction, repair, renovation, or demolition of an insured structure or dwelling. Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 10, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-4. To date, plaintiff has not incurred any qualifying ordinance or law expenses. Accordingly, summary judgment is granted to defendant as to this issue.
V. Plaintiff’s Claim for Personal Property
Defendant contends that plaintiff is precluded from further “personal property” recovery because plaintiff received her full policy limits. In response, plaintiff argues that defendant failed to timely pay her full limits under the policy.
Under the “Coverage C — Personal Property” section, plaintiff was presented with two payment methods for insured personal property; the “Replacement Cost. Payment Method” and the “Actual Cash Value Payment Method.” Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 7, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-4. Of these options, plaintiff selected
Defendant and plaintiff now dispute the timeliness of payments made under the policy. Defendant ultimately paid plaintiff the policy limit, $65,500, over five payments. ' Defendant’s first two payments, $2,500 and' $7,500, were characterized as “advances” and paid on August 23, 2011 and February 10, 2012, respectively. Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 2 & 6, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-15. Defendant’s third payment, $38,473.39, paid on March 15, 2012, was characterized as payment “based on [plaintiffs] contents valuation report.” Id. at 8. Defendant’s fourth . payment, $6,526.61, paid on May 9, 2012, corresponds to defendant valuing plaintiffs lost property at an actual cost value of $66,928. Id. at 12; Decl. of Malinda, Hoffman 28, ECF No. 24-3. Defendant’s fifth and final payment, $10,500, was paid September 20, 2012. Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 13, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-15.
VI. Plaintiffs Claim for Additional Living Expenses
Plaintiff contends that defendant failed to fully compensate her for adjusted living expenses under the contract. In response, defendant argues that plaintiff was fully compensated for the time needed to “repair or replace the damaged property.”
Under the “Coverage D — Additional Living Expenses” section, defendant is obligated to “pay the actual, reasonable and necessary increase in [plaintiffs] living expense to maintain [plaintiffs] normal standard of living while [plaintiff] live[s] elsewhere.” Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 9, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-4. Defendant’s financial obligation is limited to “the shortest time needed ... [t]o repair or replace the damaged property.” Id. Defendant paid plaintiff $7,678.50
From defendant’s perspective, the additional living expenses replacement period began on February 10, 2012, when plaintiff received her $95,000 “mobile home” payment under the contract. See Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 6, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-15. Defendant argues that a replacement dwelling of “like kind and quality” could be manufactured and installed within “6-8 weeks.” Decl. of Malinda Hoffman 19, ECF No. 24-3; see also Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 3, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-17 (estimating that a replacement dwelling could be “buil[t] [in] 4-5 weeks”). Thus, according to defendant, the April 30, 2012 deadline, more than 11 weeks after plaintiff’s receipt of her “mobile home” payment, is reasonable under the contract.
From plaintiffs perspective, defendant’s underlying time estimate is based upon an insufficient valuation worksheet and should
Defendant contests plaintiffs $10,727.48 figure. In particular, defendant argues that plaintiffs rental contract ($1,125 per month) is only effective for purposes of the contract from November 23, 2011 until April 30, 2012.
VII. Defendant’s Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
Plaintiff contends that defendant violated its duty of good faith and fair dealing by failing to conduct a reasonable investigation and valuation of plaintiffs lost manufactured home pursuant to ORS § 746.230. Plaintiff argues that this failure resulted in defendant’s refusal to adequately pay under the “replacement” dwelling provision of the contract. Plaintiffs argument is unpersuasive.
Under ORS § 746.230, an insurer is prohibited from “refusing to pay claims without conducting a reasonable investigation based on all available information.” Or. Rev.Stat. § 746.230 (2011). Plaintiff directs this Court’s attention to defendant’s “1/2 page check the box style worksheet,” and argues that this valuation was unreasonable as a matter of law. Even assuming the worksheet was unreasonable as a matter of law, there is no indication that defendant failed to pay because of this failure,
CONCLUSION
For these reasons, defendant’s motion for summary judgment (# 16) and plain
IT IS SO ORDERED.
. Plaintiff sought “$96,000 + 20%.’’ Def.'s Concise Statement of Material Fact ¶ 21, ECF No. 18. Twenty percent of $96,000 is $19,200. Thus, combined, $96,000 and $19,200 amount to $115,200.
. Plaintiff contends that defendant's final payment of $10,500 on September 20, 2012, more than four months after the prior personal property payment on May 9, 2012, constitutes breach of contract as to this additional payment.
. Defendant contends that the additional living expenses payment covers the period from the date of fire (August 22, 2011) until April 30, 2012.
. This figure is derived from Table 1.
. Plaintiff seeks "an award of attorney's fees, and pre-judgment interest at the rate of 9% per annum from August, 2011 until September 20, 2012. PL’s Mot. Summ. J. 4, ECF No. 23-1.
. Plaintiff no longer seeks damages under debris removal coverage and summary judgment is granted for defendant as to this issue. See Pl.'s Mot. Summ. J. 16, ECF No. 23-1.
. Under Schedule A and B, "value" is defined as "current value of debtor’s interest in property without deducting any secured claim or exemption.” 11 U.S.C. § 506(a)(2) further provides that "[w]ith respect to property acquired for personal, family, or household purposes, replacement value shall mean the price a retail merchant would charge for property of that kind considering the age and condition of the property at the time value is determined."
. Plaintiff sought $96,000 + 20%. Def.’s Concise Statement of Material Fact ¶ 21, ECF No. 18.
. See e.g., Wyler Summit Partnership v. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., 235 F.3d 1184, 1190 (9th Cir. 2000) (citing Russell v. Rolfs, 893 F.2d 1033, 1037 (9th Cir. 1990) ("The doctrine of judicial estoppel requires, inter alia, a knowing antecedent misrepresentation by the person or party alleged to be es-topped. ... ”)); Johnson v. State, Oregon Dept. of Human Resources, Rehabilitation Div., 141 F.3d 1361, 1369 (9th Cir. 1998) (citing In re Corey, 892 F.2d 829, 836 (9th Cir. 1989) ("If incompatible positions are based not on chicanery, but only on inadvertence or mistake, judicial estoppel does not apply.”)). In Mil
. In Plaintiff’s "Contents Evaluation Form,” she indicated that the replacement cost for her lost personal property was $142,472. Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 88, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-18.
. As to all other "type[s] of property,” plaintiff indicated by "x” that she had no “property-"
. In all other categories of "Type of Property,” plaintiff indicated that she owned "None.” For example, other “type of property” includes, but is not limited to: "Books; pictures and other art objects; antiques; stamp, coin, record, tape, compact disk, and other collections or collectibles.” Chapter 7 Voluntary Petition 13-15, In re Malinda Hoffman, No. 1 l-62267-fra7 (Bankr.D.Or. 2011), ECF No. 1.
. Defendant asserts that ‘‘[t]hese valuation methods are strikingly similar; each takes into consideration the ‘worth’ of each item giving particular weight to age and condition of each item.” Def.’s Reply to Mot. Summ. J. 6, ECF No. 30.
. For example, is a W II consul considered audio, video or computer equipment or, in the alternative, is a W II consul considered hobby equipment? See Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 2, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-18 (item 1).
. In relevant part, this Court's letter stated "[i]t has come to the attention of this court that a substantial discrepancy exists between plaintiff Malinda Hoffman's Schedule B Personal Property disclosures ... and her subsequent claim for personal property losses arising under insurance contract....” Minute Order, ECF No. 34-1.
. For example, an Adair home is subject to Or.Rev.Stat. § 455 (2011), while a manufactured home is subject to Or.Rev.Stat. § 446 (2011) and the Manufactured .Home Construction and Safety Standards Code. Mem. in Supp. of Def.’s Mot. Summ. J. 13, ECF No. 17.Likewise, a stick-built home is subject to "strict building-codes that govern the inspection, construction, types of materials used and how the stick-built home is appraised for lending purposes.” Id. at 14.
. Plaintiff cites Hess v. North Pacific Ins. Co., 122 Wash.2d 180, 859 P.2d 586, 588 (1993) and Conway v. Farmers Home Mut. Ins. Co., 26 Cal.App.4th 1185, 1192, 31 Cal.Rptr.2d 883 (Cal.Ct.App. 1994). Pl.’s Mot. Summ. J. 7, ECF No. 23-1.
. Plaintiff contends that "the only question is what was lost, not what Plaintiff wants to replace it with.” Pl.’s Mot. Summ. J. 8, ECF No. 23-1.
. The contract does not explicitly define the term "dwelling.” However, per dictionary definition, a "dwelling” is defined as "a place to live in; an abode” or as a "residence.” See American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 558 (4th ed. 2000); see also Webster’s II New Riverside University Dictio-' nary 412 (1988). Moreover, a "residence” is defined as "[t]he place in which one lives; a dwelling." American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 1483 (4th ed. 2000). Thus, theoretically, any replacement that is a "place” to "live” may qualify for reimbursement.
. In Higgins v. Insurance Co. of North America, the Oregon Supreme Court explained “[djepreciation insurance, sometimes called Replacement cost insurance, pays for full replacement cost new of the insured property, without deduction for depreciation. It provides indemnity for the expenditures the insured is obliged to make over and above the amount of the loss covered by full insurance under the standard fire' policy in order to restore the property to its full usefulness as before the loss or damage." 256 Or. 151, 163, 469 P.2d 766 (Or. 1970) (emphasis added).
.Plaintiff subsequently cited ORS § 742.206 for the argument that the 365 day replacement period is unreasonable.
. Plaintiff initially argued that ORS § 742.234 created a "replacement” right for plaintiff (the insured). However, plaintiff's interpretation of ORS § 742.234 is incorrect. The provision, titled "Insurers options,” provides that it is "optional with this company” to replace within a reasonable time, on "giving notice of its intention to do so.” The pronoun "its” must refer to "the company” because no other noun is referenced in the provision.
. "742.206 Insuring agreement. A fire insurance policy shall contain provisions as follows .... repair or replace the property with material of like kind and quality within a reasonable time after such loss." Or.Rev.Stat. § 742.206 (2011).
. See, e.g., Higgins, 256 Or. at 164, 469 P.2d 766 (citations omitted) ("it is usual to provide that repairs or replacements shall be completed with due diligence and dispatch, ordinarily within 12 months.”); Bourrie v. U.S. Fidelity and Guar. Ins. Co., 75 Or.App. 241, 246-47, 707 P.2d 60 (Or.App. 1985) (construing “ambiguity” in the contract against the drafter, but indicating that the insurer could have provided clear language (180 days) to make the provision enforceable); see also, Patton, 238 Or.App. at 106 & 120, 242 P.3d 624 (upholding two-year replacement period).
.In Higgins, the insurer refused to pay the insured under the policy because the insurer believed that the insured lacked an insurable interest. 256 Or. at 155, 469 P.2d 766. The insurer also argued that because the insured did not replace the property that the insured should be limited to the value of the property at the time of loss ($6,500) instead of the policy limit of $17,000. Id. at 160, 469 P.2d 766. There is no indication that a dispute as to the replacement cost ever arose.
. The relevant modifying provision provided that ‘‘[t]he replacement cost of the property or any part thereof identical with such prop- ' erty and intended for the same occupancy and use.” 2007 WL 2713894 at *2. (emphasis added). The insurer argued that the former "barrel-dome roof” of an ornate and elaborate design (valued at $719,280) could be replaced using a simple truss design and cheaper materials (valued at $193,000). In response, the insured argued that the "identical” modifier ■ precluded interpreting "like kind and quality” as'"functional equivalent.” Id. at *2.
. In plaintiff's deposition, she stated "there w[ere] two separate structures____ There's the porch and the shed." Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 6, May 14, 2013, ECF.No. 19-7. Yet, in her motion, plaintiff claim’s that "[t]here were three unattached structures.” Pl.’s Mot. Summ. J. 6, ECF No. 23-1.
. In Decl. of Malinda Hoffman 4, ECF No. 24-14, the photograph appears to depict an attached storage shed, i.e., a storage shed not separated from . plaintiff's manufactured home.
. There is no indication that plaintiff replaced or repaired lost personal property.
. Defendant was obligated to pay the "lowest of” (1) actual cash value, (2) amount actually expended on repair or replacement, (3) amount of insurance shown in declarations page, or (4) applicable special amount of insurance on certain property. Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 7, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-4. Provision (2) is not applicable because repair or replacement did not occur. Likewise, provision (4) is not applicable under the circumstances. Thus, because the actual cash value exceeded the amount of insurance shown, plaintiff is entitled to her policy limit.
. Plaintiff is awarded prejudgment interest at the rate of nine percent per annum. See Or.Rev.Stat. § 82.010 (2011).
. Plaintiff's recovery of attorney fees is limited to those fees related to her personal property claim under the contract that arose between May 9, 2012 and September 20, 2012.
.Defendant paid plaintiff $2,500 on August 23, 2011, $2,500 on September 14, 2011, $347.39 on January 3, 2012, $781.11 on March 8, 2012, and $1,550 on March 15, 2012. Decl. of Kyle A. Sturm 2-3, 5 & 7-8, May 14, 2013, ECF No. 19-15.
. The lease is dated November 23, 2011. Pl.’s Mot. Summ. J. 1, ECF No. 23-4.
. Plaintiff includes an "additional living expense worksheet” as exhibit 20. Plaintiff’s exhibit includes an additional living expenses figure of $2,447.39 for costs incurred between August 22, 2011 and October 3, 2011. Pl.’s Response to Def.’s Reply to Mot. Summ. J. 1-2, ECF No. 32-1. If this figure is a correct assessment under the contract, then even under defendant’s rent figure ($5,625), defendant underpaid by at least $393.89 (i.e., the difference between $8,072.39 and $7,678.50).
.For example, plaintiff received her policy limit ($96,000) for total loss of her dwelling.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Malinda HOFFMAN v. FOREMOST SIGNATURE INSURANCE COMPANY
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Published