JOSEPH C. SPERO, United States Magistrate Judge.
This is a putative class action brought by Plaintiffs Arley and Valerie Leghorn ("Plaintiffs") against Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ("WFB"), Wells Fargo Insurance, Inc. ("WFI") (WFB and WFI are referred to collectively as "Wells Fargo"), QBE Insurance Corporation ("QBEC"), and QBE First Insurance Agency, Inc. ("QBEF") (QBEC and QBEF are referred to collectively as "QBE") (collectively, "Defendants") for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, violation of California's Unfair Competition Law ("UCL"), and unjust enrichment/restitution Two Motions are presently before the Court: (1) Wells Fargo's Motion to Dismiss Class Action Complaint and to Strike ("Wells Fargo Motion"); and (2) QBE's Motion to Dismiss the Complaint ("QBE Motion"). A hearing on the Motions was held on June 14, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. For the reasons stated below, the Court DENIES Defendants' Motions.
In their Complaint, Plaintiffs allege as follows. Mortgage lenders and servicers generally have the right to force-place flood insurance where the property securing the loan falls in a Special Flood Hazard Area ("SFHA"). Complaint, ¶ 2. WFB systematically abused their rights by (1) purchasing backdated policies; (2) charging borrowers for expired or partially expired coverage; and (3) arranging for kick-backs
In December, 2008, Plaintiffs obtained a mortgage loan from Wachovia Mortgage, FSB ("Wachovia") in the amount of $417,000 secured by a deed of trust on their homestead in San Mateo, California. Id. at ¶ 17 and Ex. 1. WFB acquired Wachovia later that month and is the current lender-in-interest to Plaintiffs' mortgage. Id. at ¶ 18. Plaintiffs' mortgage loan is serviced through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of WFB. Id.
Under the National Flood Insurance Act ("NFIA") lenders are required to ensure that any improved property in a SFHA that secures a loan or line of credit is covered by flood insurance in an amount at least equal to the outstanding principal balance of the loan or the maximum limit of coverage made available under the NFIA ($250,000), whichever is less. Id. at ¶ 19 (citing 42 U.S.C. § 4012a(b)(1)). If the required amount of insurance is not maintained, the NFIA authorizes mortgage lenders and servicers to purchase flood insurance for the borrower in the required amount. Id. at ¶ 20 (citing 42 U.S.C. § 4012a(e)(1)-(2)). The NFIA does not authorize lenders and servicers to purchase backdated insurance coverage or to enrich themselves by accepting kickbacks and commissions in connection with force-placed insurance policies. Id.
Plaintiffs' deed of trust also allows the lender to force-place flood insurance if Plaintiffs fail to maintain the amount of coverage required by the lender. Id. at ¶ 21 and Ex. 1 at ¶ 5. The deed of trust does not provide authority to purchase backdated insurance coverage or allow the lender to arrange for kickbacks, commissions, or other compensation for itself or its affiliates in connection with the force-placement of insurance coverage. Id. (citing Ex. 1 ¶¶ 9, 14, 16).
Plaintiffs' property was located in a SFHA from the date they originated their loan until October 16, 2012, when the Federal Emergency Management Agency implemented a map revision for the San Mateo area. Id. at ¶ 22. Plaintiffs continuously maintained $250,000 worth of flood insurance coverage on their property from the origination of their mortgage loan through October 16, 2012. Id. at ¶ 23. This met the requirements of NFIA and WFB. Id. WFB had notice of Plaintiffs' flood insurance coverage. Id. at ¶ 24. Even so, on January 30, 2012, WFB sent Plaintiffs a form letter claiming that they did not have proper insurance in the period beginning on December 12, 2009 and advising Plaintiffs' that it had procured a flood insurance binder from QBEC covering a 90-day period beginning on that date. Id. at ¶ 24 and Ex. 2. On March 6, 2012, WFB sent Plaintiffs a letter indicating that it had purchased a one-year flood insurance policy from QBEC for the period from December 12, 2009 to December 12, 2010. Id. at ¶ 25 and Ex. 3. The premium for the policy was $2,250. Id. at ¶ 26. The insurance was obtained with the assistance of WFI, an affiliate of WFB, which received a commission. Id. at ¶ 26 and Ex. 3. Both policies were worthless because Plaintiffs suffered no flood losses and had no flood-related claims during that time period. Id. at ¶¶ 24-25.
Plaintiffs disputed the placement of flood insurance with WFB. WFB's computer records indicated that Plaintiffs' had flood insurance coverage during the relevant time period, but WFB misplaced the physical policy documents and could not locate them. Id. at ¶ 33. Plaintiffs were able to provide physical documentation of their flood insurance coverage between December 12, 2009 and December 12, 2010. Id. As a result, WFB refunded the premium on the policy procured to cover that time period, $2,250. Id. at ¶ 34. The charges for the second policy were never refunded, and Plaintiffs were ultimately forced to pay for that policy to avoid adverse credit consequences or foreclosure. Id. at ¶¶ 34-36.
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"), policies should not be back-dated to collect premiums for a time period that has already passed because insurance is prospective in nature. Id. at ¶ 40 (citing Ex. 13 at 2). Moreover, the Office of the Comptroller of Currency ("OCC") has stated that "The ability to impose the costs of force placed flood insurance on a borrower commences 45 days after notification to the borrower of a lack of insurance or of inadequate insurance coverage. Therefore, lenders may not charge borrowers for coverage during the 45-day notice period." Id. at ¶ 41 (quoting Flood Insurance Questions & Answers, 74 Fed.Reg. at 35,934). In addition, several courts have upheld claims that backdating force-placed insurance policies is unlawful. Id. at ¶ 42 (citing cases).
In addition, the commissions paid to WFI, and funneled to WFB, were not legitimately earned Id. at ¶¶ 43-44. Rather, the commission was a kickback that induced Wells Fargo to purchase force-placed flood insurance from QBE. Id. at ¶ 44. Specifically, QBEC paid approximately 40% of the net written premiums to QBEF on each policy. Id. at ¶ 45 (citing Ex. 14). QBEF then paid 11% of the net written premiums to WFI. Id. (citing Ex. 14). WFI passed back a substantial portion of the commissions it received to WFB in connection with Wells Fargo's "soft dollars" program. Id. at ¶ 46.
Numerous courts have found similar kickback schemes give rise to legal claims. Id. at ¶ 50 (citing cases). In addition, a lender or servicer's practice of accepting commissions in connection with force-placed flood insurance is inconsistent with the NFIA, which only allows lenders and servicers to charge the borrower for the costs of premiums and fees incurred by the lender or servicer. Id. at ¶ 51 (citing 42 U.S.C. § 4012(e)(2); 12 C.F.R. § 22.3). Moreover, Fannie Mae issued a Servicing Guide Announcement ("SGA") pertaining to lender-placed insurance on March 14, 2012. Id. at ¶ 52 (citing Ex. 15). In the SGA, Fannie Mae stated that "reimbursement of lender-placed insurance premiums must exclude any lender-placed insurance commission earned on that policy by the servicer or any related entity[.]" Id.
Based on the foregoing, Plaintiffs allege six causes of action on behalf of themselves and various putative classes and subclasses. Id. at ¶¶ 73-131; see also ¶¶ 57-72 (class allegations).
(1) Breach of Contract Against WFB: Plaintiffs' deed of trust, a standard Fannie Mae mortgage, does not authorize WFB to place backdated insurance for periods of time that have already expired or to arrange for commissions on behalf of itself or its affiliates in connection with force-placed insurance. Id. at ¶¶ 74, 76-77. WFB willfully breached the contract by engaging in both activities, causing Plaintiffs to face increased premiums, interest payments, and other charges. Id. at ¶¶ 79-82.
(2) Breach of Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing Against WFB: WFB owed Plaintiffs a duty of good faith and fair dealing by virtue of their contractual relationship. Id. at ¶ 84. WFB breached that duty by improperly placing backdated force-placed insurance policies and arranging for commissions for itself and/or WFI in connection with those policies. Id. at ¶ 85. WFB acted willfully and in bad faith, seeking to maximize its revenue from Plaintiffs by forcing them to procure unnecessary and unauthorized insurance. Id. at ¶¶ 86-87. As a result, Plaintiffs suffered damages in the form of increased premiums, interest payments, and other charges. Id. at ¶ 88.
(3) Violation of the UCL Against WFB and WFI: WFB engaged in unfair business practices prohibited by the UCL by manipulating the force-placed insurance process in force-placing backdated policies, arranging for WFI to be paid commissions, and arranging to have a portion of the commissions passed back to itself. Id. at ¶¶ 91-92. WFB systematically engaged in these practices to Plaintiffs' detriment. Id. at ¶ 95. WFI engaged in unfair business practices prohibited by the UCL by assisting WFB in procuring backdated force-placed insurance coverage, accepting commissions, and passing back a portion of those commissions to WFB. Id. at ¶¶ 91, 93. These practices contravene statutory, regulatory, and legal authority. Id. at ¶ 94. The harm caused by these practices vastly outweighs any legitimate utility that they have. Id. at ¶ 96. Plaintiffs have suffered monetary harm, and seek injunctive relief, restitution, attorneys' fees, and costs. Id. at ¶¶ 97-99.
(4) Violation of the UCL Against QBEC and QBEF: QBEC engaged in unfair business practices prohibited by the UCL by issuing backdated force-placed flood insurance policies and offering Wells Fargo commissions in connection with those policies to obtain business. Id. at ¶¶ 101-02. QBEF engaged in unfair business practices prohibited by the UCL by procuring backdated force-placed insurance policies for WFB, accepting commissions or premium splits in connection with that coverage, and offering Wells Fargo commissions in connection with force-placed insurance issued
(5) Unjust Enrichment/Restitution Against WFI: It would be unjust and inequitable to allow WFI to retain the commissions it received in connection with force-placed flood insurance policies because the commissions (1) were not legitimately earned; (2) distort the force-placed insurance process; (3) are inconsistent with the NFIA; and (4) are inconsistent with other applicable authority. Id. at ¶¶ 111-14. Where the policy is backdated, the injustice is increased because the insurance coverage offers no value to the borrower if the borrower suffered no loss during the applicable period. Id. at ¶ 115. Plaintiffs are entitled to restitution of the commission WFI received in connection with the force-placed flood insurance on their property. Id. at ¶ 120. In addition, WFI knew that its practices were unlawful and is therefore guilty of malice, oppression, and/or fraud through its conscious disregard of Plaintiffs' rights and should therefore be liable for exemplary damages. Id. at ¶¶ 116-119, 121.
(6) Unjust Enrichment/Restitution Against QBEC and QBEF: QBEC received premium payments in connection with fore-placed flood insurance, which it split with QBEF, at Plaintiffs' expense. Id. at ¶¶ 123-25. It would be unjust to allow QBE to retain the premiums paid on backdated insurance coverage because the coverage provides no real value to borrowers and QBE secured these payments by offering kickbacks to Wells Fargo and other mortgage lenders and servicers. Id. at ¶ 126. Plaintiffs are entitled to restitution of the premiums paid to QBE in connection with the backdated force-placed flood insurance policies. Id. at ¶ 130. In addition, QBE knew that its conduct was unjust and unlawful and is guilty of malice, oppression, and/or fraud through its willful and conscious disregard of Plaintiffs' rights and should therefore be liable for exemplary damages. Id. at ¶¶ 127-29, 131.
Wells Fargo argues that Plaintiffs have not stated a claim on which relief can be granted on either their general "backdating" theory or their "kickback" theory. Wells Fargo Motion, 1. Wells Fargo also asserts that the request for exemplary damages on Plaintiffs' unjust enrichment claim is inadequately pled and should be stricken. Id. at 3. For the purposes of this motion only, WFB does not dispute that the individualized claim that WFB breached its contract with Plaintiffs by placing insurance even though Plaintiffs maintained their own insurance at all relevant times is adequately pled. Id.
Wells Fargo contends that the backdating theory is contrary to law and contract. Id. at 5-8. Wells Fargo asserts that, pursuant to federal law and the typical deed of trust, mortgaged property located in a designated flood hazard area must be continuously insured against risk of damage by flood. Id. at 5-6 (citing 42 U.S.C. § 4012a(b)(1)(A), (e)(2)). Wells Fargo states that backdated insurance policies are necessary to insure continuous coverage. Id. Wells Fargo argues that backdated policies insure against any loss that occurred during the lapse in coverage, and relieve the bank of any obligation to determine
Wells Fargo challenges the kickback theory on the bases that it is inadequately pled and precluded by the filed-rate doctrine and the California Insurance Code. Id. at 8-11. Wells Fargo states that this theory rests entirely on the conclusory allegation that the commission Wells Fargo received "was not legitimately earned." Id. at 8 (citing Complaint, ¶ 44). Wells Fargo notes that Plaintiffs do not allege that the commission exceeded the rate authorized by, and on file with, the DOI. Id. As a result, Wells Fargo argues that the claim fails. Id. In any event, Wells Fargo contends that the filed-rate doctrine precludes an action by a consumer where the consumer paid only the rates filed with the regulatory agency. Id. at 8-9 (citing MacKay v. Superior Court, 188 Cal.App.4th 1427, 1448, 115 Cal.Rptr.3d 893 (2010)). Wells Fargo asserts that filed and approved rates are not subject to collateral attack in court. Id. at 9 (citing MacKay, 188 Cal.App.4th at 1448, 115 Cal.Rptr.3d 893). Wells Fargo argues that the challenged commissions were a component of a rate filed and approved by the commissioner of the DOI. Id. (citing Cal. Ins.Code §§ 1861.05(a), 1858.07). In addition, Wells Fargo argues that the California Insurance Code independently bars Plaintiffs' challenge to the preapproved rate. Id. at 10 (citing Cal. Ins.Code § 1860.1). Wells Fargo argues that cases to the contrary have not adequately explained their reasoning. Id. at 10-11 (comparing Lyons v. First Am. Title Ins. Co., 2009 WL 5195866, at *5-*7 (N.D.Cal. Dec. 22, 2009) to Cannon v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 917 F.Supp.2d 1025 (N.D.Cal.2013); Ellsworth v. U.S. Bank, N.A., 908 F.Supp.2d 1063 (N.D.Cal.2012)).
Further, Wells Fargo asserts that all of Plaintiffs' claims are preempted by either the Home Owners' Loan Act ("HOLA") or the National Bank Act ("NBA"). Id. at 11-15. Wells Fargo contends that Plaintiffs seek to apply state law to prohibit lenders or their affiliates from receiving commissions in connection with force-placed insurance and ensuring that collateral is continuously insured by placing policies for periods during which the lender later learns that the borrower did not maintain adequate coverage. Id. at 13. Wells Fargo argues, to the extent the HOLA applies, that Plaintiffs are attempting to regulate the lender's ability to obtain insurance to protect collateral, the terms of credit, loan-related fees, and servicing of mortgage loans and their claims are thus preempted Id. at 12-13 (citing 12 C.F.R. §§ 545.2, 560.2). In the alternative, to the extent the NBA applies, Wells Fargo argues that Plaintiffs' claims are preempted because they are attempting to use state law to interfere with banking activities. Id. at 14 (citing Barnett Bank of Marion County, N.A. v. Nelson, 517 U.S. 25, 32, 116 S.Ct. 1103, 134 L.Ed.2d 237 (1996); 12 C.F.R. §§ 7.4002, 34.4). Wells Fargo that HOLA should apply because the loan originated with Wachovia, a federal savings bank, but, alternatively, the NBA applies because Wells Fargo is a national bank regulated by the NBA. Id. at 11 n. 11 (citing Appling v. Wachovia Mortg., FSB, 745 F.Supp.2d 961, 971 (N.D.Cal.2010)).
Next, Wells Fargo argues that WFB was authorized to undertake the challenged practices by the DOT. Id. at 15-16.
Finally, Wells Fargo contends that Plaintiffs' request for exemplary damages against WFI pursuant to the unjust enrichment/restitution cause of action should be stricken as an end run around the absence of exemplary damages under the UCL. Id. at 17-19. Moreover, Wells Fargo argues that Plaintiffs have not, and cannot, allege that WFI engaged in conduct with the required degree of culpability. Id. at 18-19 (citing Cal. Civ.Code § 3294(a)).
The QBE Motion raises arguments that cover some of the same ground as those in the Wells Fargo Motions. The Court only highlights relevant differences.
First, regarding the filed-rate doctrine, QBE asserts that QBEIC is an admitted insurance carrier in California whose flood lender-placed insurance rates have been filed with and approved by the DOI pursuant to the California statutory scheme. QBE Motion, 6 (citing QBEIC California Rate Filing; Cal. Ins.Code §§ 1861.05(a)(b), 1857.7(11)). QBE argues that Plaintiffs' claims against QBEIC and QBEF are premised on the sole allegation that Plaintiffs were forced to overpay for flood insurance. Id. at 7. QBE contends that these claims are precluded by the filed-rate doctrine. Id.
Second, QBE asserts that the filed-rate doctrine bars Plaintiffs' UCL claim because payment of premiums based on field rates is not an injury. Id. at 9. In addition, QBE argues that Plaintiff have not alleged conduct that violates the UCL. Id. at 9-16. To the extent that Plaintiffs UCL claim is tethered to a violation of the NFIA, QBE contends that the NFIA does not apply to it and does not forbid any of the alleged practices and instead requires the continuous flood coverage provided by retroactive placement of flood insurance. Id. at 10-12 (citing 42 U.S.C. § 4012a; 12 C.F.R. § 22.3). Moreover, QBE argues that Plaintiffs cannot succeed under any balancing required by the UCL because they have suffered no cognizable injury. Id. at 13-15. In addition to its previous arguments concerning the filed-rate doctrine, QBE also asserts that backdated flood insurance has utility because it insures against liability for any loss that occurred during a lapse in coverage regardless of when the loss occurred in the absence of a backdated policy. Id. at 13-14. QBE argues that this utility has been recognized by federal law, the DOT, government-sponsored investors in the secondary mortgage market, insurance regulatory support organizations, and the courts. Id. at 14-15. Last, QBE asserts that Plaintiffs cannot satisfy the Camacho test because they could have avoided the force-placement of insurance by obtaining their own coverage. Id. at 16 (citing Camacho v. Auto. Club of S. Cal., 142 Cal.App.4th 1394, 48 Cal.Rptr.3d 770, 777 (2006)).
Third, QBE argues that Plaintiffs' unjust enrichment/restitution claim is barred as duplicative of its UCL claim, is barred
Fourth, QBE argues that Plaintiffs have not alleged conduct that would entitle them to exemplary damages. Id. at 20.
Plaintiffs filed Oppositions to each Motion to Dismiss. First, Plaintiffs argue that their claims are not barred by the filed-rate doctrine or the California Insurance Code. Opposition to Wells Fargo Motion ("Opposition to Wells"), 23-24; Opposition to QBE Motion ("Opposition to QBE"), 19-22. As to Wells Fargo, Plaintiffs argue that the filed-rate doctrine does not apply because it does not file rates with the DOI. Opposition to Wells, 23. As to QBE, Plaintiffs argue that there is no common law filed-rate doctrine in California. Opposition to QBE, 19 (citing Ellsworth, 908 F.Supp.2d at 1080-81). Turning to the Insurance Code, Plaintiffs state that section 1861.03 proves that "[t]he business of insurance shall be subject to the laws of California applicable to any other business, including, but not limited to ... unfair business practices laws[.]" Opposition to Wells, 23-24; Opposition to QBE, 20 (citing Wahl v. Am. Sercurity Ins. Co., 2010 WL 4509814, at *2 (N.D.Cal. Nov. 1, 2010) ("Wahl II") (quoting Cal. Ins.Code § 1861.03(a))). Plaintiffs recognize that section 1860.1 creates a limited exception for a claim that directly challenges a rate, but argue that the exception is very narrow. Opposition to Wells, 24; Opposition to QBE, 20 (citing Wahl II, 2010 WL 4509814, at *2). Plaintiffs assert that they are challenging the manipulation of the force-placed insurance process, not any rates filed with the DOI. Opposition to Wells, 24; Opposition to QBE, 20. They argue that their backdating allegations have nothing to do with the rate. Opposition to Wells, 24; Opposition to QBE, 20. They also argue that their kickback allegations are not the same as a challenge to the rate, incorporating the reasoning of several district court opinions. Opposition to Wells, 24; Opposition to QBE, 20-21 (collecting cases in support of the proposition that they are not challenging the rate itself, but Defendants' practices of receiving kickbacks).
Second, Plaintiffs argue that their claims against Wells Fargo are not preempted. Opposition to Wells, 16-22. Plaintiffs assert that the NBA, not the HOLA, is the applicable statute. Id. at 17 (distinguishing Appling, cited by Wells Fargo, on the ground that, in that case, the plaintiffs asserted claims against Wells Fargo as the successor-in-interest to Wachovia based on allegedly wrongful conduct by Wachovia, whereas here Plaintiffs assert direct claims arising out of Wells Fargo's conduct) (citing Avila v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 2012 WL 2953117, at *11 (N.D.Cal. July 19, 2012); Ramirez v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 2011 WL 1585075, at *7 (N.D.Cal. Apr. 27, 2011)). Plaintiffs contend that their claims are not preempted because they assert contract or tort claims of general applicability not targeted at banking activity that, in addition, fall within the exemption for laws that "the OCC determines to be applicable to national banks." Id. at 18-20 (citing 12 C.F.R. § 34.4; Barnett Bank, 517 U.S. at 33, 116 S.Ct. 1103, 134 L.Ed.2d 237). Plaintiffs specify that they are not challenging Wells Fargo's ability to force place insurance, only the manner in which Wells Fargo exercised that ability. Id. at 19. Plaintiffs also address HOLA preemption, arguing that their claims are contract and tort claims that only incidentally affect lending operations, and thus are not preempted. Id. at 21-22 (citing 12 C.F.R. § 560.2(c)(1), (4), (6); Gibson v. World Sav. & Loan Ass'n, 103 Cal.App.4th 1291, 128 Cal.Rptr.2d 19 (2002)).
Fourth, Plaintiffs argue that each of their causes of action is well-pled, as follows:
(1) Breach of Contract Against WFB: Plaintiffs argue that Wells Fargo exceeded its authority to force place insurance, provided by paragraph 5 of the DOT, because the contract does not authorize backdating or kickbacks. Opposition to Wells, 5-6 (citing McNeary-Calloway v. JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., 863 F.Supp.2d 928, 955-56 (N.D.Cal.2012)). Moreover, Plaintiffs argue that Wells Fargo exceeded its authority to "do and pay for whatever is reasonable and appropriate to protect Lender's Interest in the Property and rights under [the] Security Instrument," provided by paragraph 9 of the DOT, because such language could be held as explicitly restricting lender's discretion to force-place insurance. Id. at 6-10 (citing McNeary, 863 F.Supp.2d at 956). Plaintiffs assert that they have adequately alleged that the kickbacks scheme and backdating were not reasonable or appropriate. Id. at 7-10. As to backdating, Plaintiffs contend that it is not reasonable and appropriate to charge borrowers for coverage that applies before a notice of deficiency was ever provided. Id. at 9 (citing Lane v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 2013 WL 1758878, at *2 (N.D.Cal. Apr. 24, 2013) ("Lane II"); Ellsworth, 908 F.Supp.2d at 1080-81). To the extent Wells Fargo relies on the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act, Plaintiffs states that it did not become effective until January 1, 2013, and was not in effect at the time of the alleged backdating. Id. at 10 (citing Lane II, 2013 WL 1758878, at *3).
(2) Breach of Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing Against WFB: Plaintiffs argue that the alleged kickbacks and backdating violate the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Id. at 11-13 (citing McNeary, 863 F.Supp.2d at 956-59, 962).
(3) Violation of the UCL Against WFB and WFI: Plaintiffs state that a number of courts have refused to dismiss UCL claims based on similar allegations. Id. at 13-14 (collecting cases).
(4) Violation of the UCL Against QBEC and QBEF: Plaintiffs contend that they have satisfied each of the three tests for unfairness, although they need only satisfy one. Opposition to QBE, 7-15. First, they assert that their kickback allegations satisfy the tethering test because the alleged kickback scheme is inconsistent with (1) the NFIA; (2) the regulations of the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA"); (3) a March 14, 2012 Fannie Mae SGA; (4) a March 6, 2012 Fannie Mae RFP; (5) criticism of such arrangements by DOI; (6) statements by the New York Department of Financial Services ("NYDFS"); and (7) a consent order entered between NYDFS and QBE on April 18, 2013 and attached to the Opposition. Id. at 8-11. Second, Plaintiffs argue that their backdating allegations satisfy the same test because the relying on (1) a recent statement from NAIC that policies "should not be back-dated to collect premiums
(5) Unjust Enrichment/Restitution Against WFI: Plaintiffs argue that their unjust enrichment/restitution claim is valid and is not duplicative of their UCL claim because each has separate elements and because it is inappropriate at this stage of the litigation to determine which remedies available to Plaintiffs are adequate. Opposition to Wells, 15 (citing Nordberg v. Trilegiant Corp., 445 F.Supp.2d 1082, 1100-01 (N.D.Cal.2006); Keilholtz v. Superior Fireplace Co., 2009 WL 839076, at *5 (N.D.Cal. Mar. 20, 2009)). Further, Plaintiffs argue that their claim is not precluded by contract because they have no contract with WFI and, even if they did, the contract does not authorize the alleged conduct and they should be allowed to plead this claim in the alternative. Id. at 16.
(6) Unjust Enrichment/Restitution Against QBEC and QBEF: Plaintiffs make similar arguments, at more length, in support of their unjust enrichment/restitution claim against QBE. Opposition to QBE, 15-19. Plaintiffs add that this claim against QBE is not duplicative of their UCL claim against QBE for the additional reason that this claim is alleged on behalf of a nationwide class, as opposed to a class limited to California residents. Id. at 17.
First, Wells Fargo argues that backdated insurance policies are necessary to protect lenders from risks associated with lapses in flood insurance and authorized by the NFIA, CFPB, and contract. Wells Fargo's Reply in Support of Wells Fargo Motion ("Wells Fargo Reply"), 1-4 (citing Webb, 2008 WL 2230696, at *19; Schilke, 820 F.Supp.2d at 834). Second, Wells Fargo asserts that Plaintiffs' kickback claims are precluded by the filed-rate doctrine and the California Insurance Code. Id. at 4-7 (citing Roberts v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 2013 WL 1233268, at *12-*13 (S.D.Ga. Mar. 27, 2013); Lyons, 2009 WL 5195866, at *5-*7; Roussin v. AARP, Inc., 664 F.Supp.2d 412 (S.D.N.Y.2009) aff'd, 379 Fed.Appx. 30 (2d Cir.2010)). Third, Wells Fargo contends that either HOLA or the NBA preempt Plaintiffs' claims because Plaintiffs seek to prevent banks from obtaining collateral-protection insurance during periods of lapse and limit banks' ability to set or assess fees. Id. at 7-9 (citing Martinez v. Wells Fargo Home Mortg., Inc., 598 F.3d 549 (9th Cir.2010); Mellon Bank, N.A. v. Foster, 1990 WL
First, QBE argues that Plaintiffs' kickback claims are barred by the filed-rate doctrine and the California Insurance Code. QBE's Reply in Support of QBE Motion ("QBE Reply"), 2-6 (citing MacKay, 188 Cal.App.4th 1427, 115 Cal.Rptr.3d 893; Kunzelmann v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 2013 WL 139913, at *12 (S.D.Fla. Jan. 10, 2013); Roberts, 2013 WL 1233268, at *13). Second, QBE contends that Plaintiffs have not stated a claim under the UCL's unfair prong because they have not established an injury in fact or alleged unfair conduct under any pertinent test. Id. at 6-10. Third, QBE reiterates its arguments challenging Plaintiffs' unjust enrichment/restitution claim and Plaintiffs' request for exemplary damages. Id. at 10-14.
The standard for judicial notice is set forth in Rule 201 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, which allows a court to take judicial notice of an adjudicative fact not subject to "reasonable dispute," either because it is "generally known within the territorial jurisdiction of the trial court" or it is "capable of accurate and ready determination by resort to sources whose accuracy cannot reasonably be questioned." Fed.R.Evid. 201. As a general rule, the court "may not consider any material beyond the pleadings in ruling on a Rule 12(b)(6) motion." U.S. v. Corinthian Colleges, 655 F.3d 984, 998-99 (9th Cir.2011) (quoting Lee v. City of Los Angeles, 250 F.3d 668, 688 (9th Cir.2001)). However, the court may consider unattached evidence on which the complaint "necessarily relies" if: "(1) the complaint refers to the document; (2) the document is central to plaintiff's claim; and (3) no party questions the authenticity of the document." Id. at 999 (citing Marder v. Lopez, 450 F.3d 445, 448 (9th Cir.2006)). In addition, the court may take judicial notice of "matters of public record," but not facts that may be "subject to reasonable dispute." Id. (citing Lee, 250 F.3d at 689).
QBE requests judicial notice of the QBEC rate filing as a matter of public record. QBE Motion, 7 n. 6. Plaintiffs oppose judicial notice as an improper attempt to introduce evidence outside the pleadings. Opposition to QBE, 22. Plaintiffs make no attempt to dispute that QBEC rate filing. Indeed, Plaintiffs concede that QBEC included commissions and brokerage expenses in their filings with CA-DOI. Id. The Court takes judicial notice of the QBEC rate filing as a matter of public record that is not subject to reasonable dispute.
A complaint may be dismissed for failure to state a claim for which relief can be granted under Rule 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6). "The purpose of a motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6) is to test the legal sufficiency of the complaint." N. Star Int'l v. Ariz. Corp. Comm'n, 720 F.2d 578, 581 (9th Cir.1983). Generally, a plaintiff's burden at the pleading stage is relatively
In ruling on a motion to dismiss under Rule 12, the court analyzes the complaint and takes "all allegations of material fact as true and construe[s] them in the light most favorable to the non-moving party." Parks Sch. of Bus. v. Symington, 51 F.3d 1480, 1484 (9th Cir.1995). Dismissal may be based on a lack of a cognizable legal theory or on the absence of facts that would support a valid theory. Balistreri v. Pacifica Police Dep't, 901 F.2d 696, 699 (9th Cir.1990). A complaint must "contain either direct or inferential allegations respecting all the material elements necessary to sustain recovery under some viable legal theory." Bell Atl. Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 562, 127 S.Ct. 1955, 167 L.Ed.2d 929 (2007) (citing Car Carriers, Inc. v. Ford Motor Co., 745 F.2d 1101, 1106 (7th Cir.1984)). "A pleading that offers `labels and conclusions' or `a formulaic recitation of the elements of a cause of action will not do.'" Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937, 173 L.Ed.2d 868 (2009) (quoting Twombly, 550 U.S. at 555, 127 S.Ct. 1955). "Nor does a complaint suffice if it tenders `naked assertion[s]' devoid of `further factual enhancement.'" Id. (quoting Twombly, 550 U.S. at 557, 127 S.Ct. 1955).
The factual allegations must be definite enough to "raise a right to relief above the speculative level." Twombly, 550 U.S. at 555, 127 S.Ct. 1955. However, a complaint does not need detailed factual allegations to survive dismissal. Id. Rather, a complaint need only include enough facts to state a claim that is "plausible on its face." Id. at 570, 127 S.Ct. 1955. That is, the pleadings must contain factual allegations "plausibly suggesting (not merely consistent with)" a right to relief. Id. at 545, 127 S.Ct. 1955 (noting that this requirement is consistent with Fed.R.Civ.P. 8(a)(2), which requires that the pleadings demonstrate that "the pleader is entitled to relief").
As discussed below, the Court concludes that preemption is properly analyzed under the NBA. Further, the Court concludes that the NBA does not preempt Plaintiffs' claims in this case.
The Court concludes that the issue of preemption is governed by the NBA in this case because Plaintiffs' claims arise entirely out of Wells Fargo's conduct occurring after Wells Fargo merged with Wachovia.
Federal savings associations, including federal savings banks, are subject to HOLA and regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS"). 12 U.S.C. § 1464; Silvas v. E*Trade Mortg. Corp., 514 F.3d 1001, 1005 (9th Cir.2008). In contrast, federally chartered banks are subject to regulation by the OCC under the NBA. See Bank of America v. City and County of San Francisco, 309 F.3d 551, 561-62 (9th Cir.2002). Several district courts have addressed whether the preemption provisions of the HOLA or the NBA apply to claims brought against Wells Fargo, a national bank regulated under the NBA, where the underlying mortgage agreement was made between Plaintiffs and Wachovia, a federal savings bank regulated under the HOLA.
A number of courts in this district concluded that HOLA preemption applies to all loans originated by a federal savings bank which was therefore subject to the requirements set forth in HOLA and OTS regulations. See Appling, 745 F.Supp.2d
In Scott, the court reasoned that any actions taken after Wachovia merged with Wells Fargo were taken by Wells Fargo, a national bank whose dealings are governed by the NBA, not HOLA. Scott, 2011 WL 3837077, at *5. Here, Plaintiffs claims rely on conduct by Wells Fargo that began in 2012, well after Plaintiffs alleged that Wells Fargo acquired Wachovia. The parties do not dispute that Wells Fargo is a national bank governed by the NBA. Finding the cases relying on the timing of the challenged conduct persuasive, the Court concludes that the preemption provisions of the NBA apply to this case.
"The [NBA] vests nationally chartered banks with enumerated powers, such as the power to make contracts, receive deposits, and to make loans, together with `all such incidental powers as shall be necessary to carry on the business of banking.'" Gutierrez v. Wells Fargo Bank, NA, 704 F.3d 712 722 (9th Cir.2012) (quoting 12 U.S.C. § 24 (Seventh)). "States are permitted to regulate the activities of national banks where doing so does not prevent or significantly interfere with the national bank's or the national bank regulator's exercise of its powers." Watters v. Wachovia Bank, N.A., 550 U.S. 1, 12, 127 S.Ct. 1559, 167 L.Ed.2d 389
The OCC "has the power to promulgate regulations and use its rulemaking authority to define the `incidental powers' of national banks beyond those specifically enumerated in the statute." Martinez, 598 F.3d at 555 (citing 12 U.S.C. § 93(a) (OCC authorized to "prescribe rules and regulations to carry out the responsibilities of the office")). "OCC regulations possess the same preemptive effect as the [NBA] itself." Id.
The NBA and OCC regulations do not preempt the entire field of banking. Id. "Federally chartered banks are subject to state laws of general application in their daily business to the extent that such laws do not conflict with the letter or the general purposes of the act." Watters, 550 U.S. at 11, 127 S.Ct. 1559, 167 L.Ed.2d 389.
Pursuant to OCC regulations:
12 C.F.R. § 34.4.
In addition, "[s]tate laws purporting to regulate national bank fees and charges that do not constitute interest are addressed in 12 C.F.R. 7.4002". 12 C.F.R. § 34.4(a)(12) n. 1. Section 7.4002 provides that "[t]he establishment of non-interest charges and fees, their amounts, and the methods of calculating them are business decisions to be made by each bank, in its discretion, according to sound banking judgment and safe and sound banking principles" guided by the bank's consideration of several enumerated factors, among others. 12 C.F.R. § 7.4002(b)(2). "The OCC applies preemption principles derived from the United State Constitution, as interpreted through judicial precedent, when determining whether State laws apply that purport to limit or prohibit charges and fees described in this section." 12 C.F.R. § 7.4002(d).
The Ninth Circuit again addressed NBA preemption of UCL claims in Gutierrez. That case involved Wells Fargo's (1) policy of posting debit transactions from high-to-low so as to maximize overdraft charges; (2) failure to disclose its policy to consumers; and (3) misleading statements to the effect that debit transactions would be posted in the order they made by the consumer. Gutierrez, 704 F.3d at 723-28. The district court found that the NBA did not preempt the plaintiffs' UCL claims as to any of this conduct. Id. at 723, 725. The Ninth Circuit reversed in part and affirmed in part, holding that the first two theories were preempted and the third theory was not. Id. at 723-28. In relevant part, the court held that 12 C.F.R. § 7.4002(b) preempted the plaintiffs' challenge to Wells Fargo's high-to-low posting order. Id. at 723-24.
Several recent decisions in this district have addressed whether the NBA and related OCC provisions preempt kickback and backdating allegations closely analogous to those in this case. See Ellsworth, 908 F.Supp.2d at 1076-81 (both kickback and backdating claims not preempted), Cannon, 917 F.Supp.2d at 1048-51 (both kickback and backdating claims not preempted), Lane v. Wells Fargo Bank N.A., 2013 WL 269133, at *13 (N.D.Cal. Jan. 24, 2013) (kickback claims not preempted, did not reach question of whether backdating claims were preempted).
In Ellsworth, the court began by rejecting the defendant national bank's argument that the plaintiff's kickback allegations were contrary to its fee setting power. Ellsworth, 908 F.Supp.2d at 1078-80. Following Martinez, the Ellsworth court looked to whether the challenged
Ellsworth also held that the plaintiff's backdating allegations were not preempted. Ellsworth, 908 F.Supp.2d at 1080-81. In reaching this result, the court rejected Defendant's argument that the claims interfered with its ability to obtain insurance for collateral by reasoning that the defendant's argument that the NFIA's continuous coverage requirement authorized backdated insurance was "not ... unassailable." Id. (citing 12 C.F.R. §§ 22.3, 22.7, 34.4(a)(2)).
Lane, decided after the Ninth Circuit's opinion in Gutierrez, reached the same result as the court in Ellsworth as to the kickback claims.
In Cannon, the court simultaneously rejected the defendant's preemption argument as applied to both kickback and backdating theories. Cannon, 917 F.Supp.2d at 1048-51. First, the court held that 12 C.F.R. § 34.4 was inapplicable because the defendant merely serviced the plaintiffs' loan. Id. at 1049-50. Second, the court concluded that there was no preemption under 12 C.F.R. § 7.4002 because the plaintiffs did not challenge the defendant's authority to force-place insurance or the fees charged but the defendant's manipulation of the force placement process. Id.
Under the NFIA and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended, the OCC is charged with promulgating regulations that require lending institutions and
The NFIA permits lenders to force-place flood insurance in areas with special flood hazards after providing notice to the borrower. 42 U.S.C. § 4012a(e)(1). In the version of the statute applicable to this case provided: "If the borrower fails to purchase such flood insurance within 45 days notification ... the lender or servicer for the loan shall purchase the insurance on behalf of the borrower and may charge the borrower for the cost of the premiums and fees incurred by the lender or servicer for the loan in purchasing insurance." 42 U.S.C. § 4012a(e)(2) (2012).
This statute, however, neither requires nor expressly permits the lender to backdate force-placed insurance. In late 2011, the OCC and various other banking agencies issued a new guidance regarding continuous coverage of force-placed insurance. Interagency Questions and Answers Regarding Flood Insurance, 76 Fed.Reg. 64175, 64180 (Oct. 17, 2011). The guidance stated that a servicer may charge a borrower for expired insurance during the notice period "if the borrower has given... its servicer the express authority to charge the borrower for such coverage as a contractual condition of the loan being made." Id. Thus, the agency interpretation appears to have been that the statute did not require backdated flood insurance. Moreover, it only allowed backdated flood insurance covering the notification period where the parties agreed to such backdated policies by contract.
Wells Fargo urges the Court to consider the current version of the statute, which went into effect in January 2013 and expressly allows backdating. 42 U.S.C. § 4012a(e)(2). Citing House Report No. 112-102 (2011), Wells Fargo asserts that the statute did not change the law, but clarified existing law. But in Lane II, a court in this district persuasively rejected that argument noting that the House Report was part of a different bill that never passed the Senate and never became law, and therefore has little persuasive value in interpreting the law that Congress did enact, much less the previous law. See Lane II, 2013 WL 1758878, at *3.
Wells Fargo also argues that a recent comment from the Consumer Financial Protection Board ("CFPB") that permits retroactive force-placement of hazard insurance policies should guide interpretation of the relevant statute. See Mortgage Servicing Rules, 78 Fed.Reg. 10696, 10891-92 (Feb. 14, 2013). As pointed out persuasively in Lane II, the comment will not go into effect until January 2014 and does not clarify past law. See Lane II, 2013 WL 1758878, at *3.
Based on the foregoing, the court in Lane II held that federal law did not require backdating of insurance during the time period relevant to this case. See id. Likewise, in Ellsworth, the court held that backdating force-placed flood insurance policies may be inconsistent with the relevant statutory regime. See Ellsworth, 908 F.Supp.2d at 1080-81, 1089-90. This Court concludes, as a matter of law, that the NFIA did not require lenders to backdate force-placed flood insurance policies, nor did it authorize them to do so by its express terms.
In line with the persuasive opinions addressing analogous claims in this district, the Court holds that Plaintiffs' claims based on their kickback and backdating theories are not preempted.
Wells Fargo asserts that the claims brought under the kickback theory will interfere with its ability to receive any commissions related to the force-placement of insurance. Wells Fargo Motion, 13; Wells Fargo Reply, 8. In support of this argument, Wells Fargo notes only that Plaintiffs seek, in their prayer for relief, an injunction prohibiting it from receiving any "so-called `commissions' or other compensation" in connection with the force-placement of insurance coverage. See Complaint, ¶ 132(j). The Court recognizes the breadth of the prayer for relief. But the Court does not now decide whether certain remedies would give rise to NBA preemption. Rather, the Courts concern is whether the claims raised in the Complaint are preempted. See Gutierrez, 704 F.3d at 727-28 (affirming district court's ruling that the plaintiff's claim for violation of the fraudulent prong of the UCL was not preempted by the NBA, and that pursuant to that claim the district court may provide injunctive relief and restitution, but cautioning that certain injunctions would be so invasive as to be preempted by the NBA).
The Court construes the allegations in the Complaint as follows: Plaintiffs are seeking to enforce the terms and covenants agreed to by the parties by challenging Wells Fargo's alleged practice of arranging for kickbacks in return for force-placing insurance policies. See Lane, 2013 WL 269133, at *13; Ellsworth, 908 F.Supp.2d at 1079-80. Accordingly, as in Ellsworth and Lane, the challenged activity, Wells Fargo's selection of an insurance provider, is wholly distinct from its price setting. Indeed, the NFIA, not state law, limits any fee Wells Fargo can charge related to the force-placement of insurance to the costs it incurred in purchasing the insurance. See 42 U.S.C. § 4012a(e)(2). Moreover, as the courts in Ellsworth and Lane noted, Wells Fargo has not identified any reason why it could not agree, by contract, to limit its discretion in areas protected by the NBA. See Lane, 2013 WL 269133, at *13; Ellsworth, 908 F.Supp.2d at 1078-79. Plaintiffs kickback theory is not preempted by the NBA.
As to the backdating theory, Wells Fargo raises the additional argument that Plaintiffs' claims interfere with their ability to obtain collateral protection insurance. Wells Fargo Reply, 8; 12 C.F.R. § 34.4(a)(2).
As discussed below, the Court concludes that the kickback allegations are not barred by the California Insurance Code or the filed-rate doctrine.
California law requires property and casualty insurance premiums, including flood insurance, to be approved by the commissioner of the California Department of Insurance prior their use. See Cal. Ins.Code § 1861.01(c). "No rate shall be approved or remain in effect which is excessive, inadequate, unfairly discriminatory or otherwise in violation of this chapter." Cal. Ins.Code § 1861.05(a). Members of the public can challenge rates both before and after approval in administrative proceedings from which judicial review is available. See Cal. Ins.Code §§ 1858, 1858.6, 1861.05(c). Once an insurance rate is approved, an insurer must charge the approved rates or face substantial penalties. Cal. Ins.Code. §§ 1858.07(a), 1861.07(c).
Section 1860.1 of the California Insurance Code provides: "No act done, action taken or agreement made pursuant to the authority conferred by this chapter shall constitute a violation of or grounds for prosecution or civil proceedings under any other law of this State heretofore or hereafter enacted which does not specifically refer to insurance." On the other hand, section 1861.03(a) provides: "The business of insurance shall be subject to the laws of California applicable to any other business including, but not limited to, the Unruh Civil Rights Act ..., and the antitrust and unfair business practices laws ..."
Recognizing "this apparent contradiction," the California Court of Appeal has "harmonize[d]" the statutes by holding:
MacKay, 188 Cal.App.4th at 1442-43, 115 Cal.Rptr.3d 893 (emphasis in original). Thus, "Insurance Code section 1860.1 precludes a challenge to an approved rate brought under laws outside the Insurance Code." Id. at 1448, 115 Cal.Rptr.3d 893; see also Walker v. Allstate Indem. Co., 77 Cal.App.4th 750, 756, 92 Cal.Rptr.2d 132 (2000) ("If section 1860.1 has any meaning whatsoever (which under the accepted rules of statutory construction it must), the section must bar claims based upon an insurer's charging a rate that has been approved by the commissioner pursuant to the amended McBride Act"). However,
As to the filed-rate doctrine, California Courts of Appeal have disagreed over whether California recognizes such a doctrine to preclude challenges to rates filed pursuant to the Insurance Code. Compare Fogel v. Farmers Group, Inc., 160 Cal.App.4th 1403, 1418, 74 Cal.Rptr.3d 61 (2008) (refusing to apply federal filed rate doctrine in the context of an insurance rate approved by a state regulatory agency); Walker, 77 Cal.App.4th at 757 n. 4, 92 Cal.Rptr.2d 132 (stating that its holding, based on statutory construction, is consistent with the federal filed rate doctrine to the extent that the doctrine is relevant at all); to MacKay, 188 Cal.App.4th at 1448-49, 115 Cal.Rptr.3d 893 (relying on out of state precedent and Walker to expressly disagree with Fogel and hold that the filed-rate doctrine applies to California insurance rates). To the extent California courts recognize such a doctrine in this context, "[t]he filed rate doctrine provides that rates duly adopted by a regulatory agency are not subject to collateral attack in court." MacKay, 188 Cal.App.4th at 1448, 115 Cal.Rptr.3d 893. In MacKay, the court held that "the filed rate doctrine supports our conclusion[,]" reached by way of statutory construction as described above, "that there is no tort liability for charging a rate that has been approved by the commissioner." Id. at 1449, 115 Cal.Rptr.3d 893.
Neither the filed-rate doctrine nor the California Insurance Code bars the kickback allegations against Wells Fargo, even assuming those protections could apply. Plaintiffs' kickback claims against Wells Fargo boil down to an attack on Wells Fargo's decision to purchase insurance from QBE as opposed to any other insurer from which it could have obtained a more favorable rate. See Complaint ¶ 48 (premiums on QBE policy substantially exceeded premiums charged by other insurers). The challenge is not to the lawfulness of QBE's rate—but to Wells Fargo's decision to choose QBE in order to obtain a kickback. See Cannon, 917 F.Supp.2d at 1038 ("if insurance were available from a number of carriers at different rates—all subject to filed-rates—the filed-rate doctrine would not protect a loan servicer who chooses a carrier and a policy with a rate higher than others simply to receive a kickback not available from other carriers"). Because Plaintiffs are not challenging QBE's rate in making their claim against Wells Fargo, the filed-rate doctrine and the relevant provisions of the California Insurance Code are inapplicable.
For similar reasons, the filed-rate doctrine and the California Insurance Code do not bar the allegations against QBE. This is a closer question, as one reading of Plaintiffs' Complaint would likely be subject to the filed-rate doctrine. That is, should the Complaint be construed as setting forth the theory that Plaintiffs were harmed by payment of QBE's premiums because those premiums were improperly inflated by the commissions it paid to Wells Fargo, then the Complaint would be a challenge to the charged rate
The causes of action asserted against QBE in the Complaint cannot be read to rely on that theory. Both claims rely on QBE's manipulation of the force-placement process, which, as to the kickback theory, is described as "[o]ffering Wells Fargo and other mortgage lenders/servicers and/or their affiliates kickbacks or so-called `commissions' in connection with force-placed flood insurance... to gain their business and secure premium payments that [QBE] would not otherwise have received." Complaint, ¶ 102; see also, Complaint, ¶¶ 103, 126. Put another way, Plaintiffs' theory is that QBE secured business that would otherwise have gone to other insurers by offering Wells Fargo, among others, kickbacks. As a result, Wells Fargo chose to purchase insurance policies from QBE. As with Plaintiffs' claim against Wells Fargo, this does not amount to a challenge to QBE's rate but to a challenge to QBE's manipulation of Wells Fargo's purchasing decision. "Just because the damages are based on increased costs incurred as a result of the alleged kickback scheme does not transform a challenge to conduct and practices into a challenge to premiums." Ellsworth, 908 F.Supp.2d at 1083. The filed-rate doctrine and the California Insurance Code do not bar Plaintiffs' claims against QBE.
As explained below, Wells Fargo's Motion to Dismiss the breach of contract and implied covenant claims against WFB is denied.
The elements of a cause of action for breach of contract in California are: (1) the existence of the contract; (2) performance by the plaintiff or excuse for nonperformance; (3) breach by defendant; and (4) damages. First Commercial Mortg. Co. v. Reece, 89 Cal.App.4th 731, 745, 108 Cal.Rptr.2d 23 (2001). "There is implied in every contract a covenant by each party not to do anything which will deprive the other parties thereto of the benefits of the contract." Harm v. Frasher, 181 Cal.App.2d 405, 417, 5 Cal.Rptr. 367 (1960). A breach of contract may be established on the basis of either an express provision of the contract or on the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. See Storek & Storek, Inc. v. Citicorp Real Estate, Inc., 100 Cal.App.4th 44, 55, 122 Cal.Rptr.2d 267 (2002) ("every contract imposes upon each party a duty of good faith and fair dealing in the performance of the contract such that neither party shall do anything which will have the effect of destroying or injuring the right of either party to receive the fruits of the contract"). An implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing cannot contradict the express terms of a contract. Id. (citing Carma Developers (Cal.), Inc. v. Marathon Dev. Cal., Inc., 2 Cal.4th 342, 374, 6 Cal.Rptr.2d 467, 826 P.2d 710 (1992)). Further, because "the implied covenant operates to protect the express covenants or promises of [a] contract... [it] cannot impose substantive duties or limits on the contracting parties beyond those incorporated in the specific terms of [the parties'] agreement." McClain v. Octagon Plaza, LLC, 159 Cal.App.4th 784, 805, 71 Cal.Rptr.3d 885 (2008).
A court may resolve contractual claims on a motion to dismiss if the terms of the contract are unambiguous. Barrous v. BP P.L.C., 2010 WL 4024774, at *4 (N.D.Cal. Oct. 13, 2010). By contrast, what the parties intended by an ambiguous contract is a factual determination. United States v. Plummer, 941 F.2d 799, 803 (9th Cir. 1991). Thus, "[w]here the language `leaves doubt as to the parties' intent,' the motion to dismiss must be denied." Monaco v. Bear Stearns Residential Mortg. Corp., 554 F.Supp.2d 1034, 1040 (C.D.Cal.2008) (quoting Consul Ltd. v. Solide Enters., Inc., 802 F.2d 1143, 1149 (9th Cir.1986); see also Trustees of Screen Actors Guild-Producers Pension and Health Plans v. NYCA, Inc., 572 F.3d 771, 777 (9th Cir.2009)).
Plaintiffs' alleged contract with WFB is the DOT. In relevant parts, the DOT provides:
Complaint, Ex. 1, ¶¶ 5, 9 (emphasis added).
Recent decisions in this district have held that plaintiffs that make substantially the same kickback and backdating claims made here stated a claim for breach of almost identical contract provisions. Ellsworth, 908 F.Supp.2d at 1084-86; McNeary-Calloway, 863 F.Supp.2d at 955-56 (force-placed hazard insurance); Lane, 2013 WL 269133, at *9-*10 (kickback only); Lane II, 2013 WL 1758878, at *2-*4 (backdating only).
This Court follows Ellsworth, Lane, and McNeary-Calloway in concluding that Plaintiffs have stated a claim on the kickback theory. In both Ellsworth and McNeary-Calloway, the courts reasoned
WFB argues that the kickback theory is flawed because it relies only on the lack of express authorization in the contract, and thus asks the Court to read into the DOT a categorical ban on the receipt of commissions. Wells Fargo Motion, 8. The Court's holding is not so broad. At this early stage in the litigation, the Court holds only that the ambiguous contract can be read to limit WFB's discretion to preclude the alleged kickback scheme. See Lane, 2013 WL 269133, at *10 ("Self-dealing by Wells Fargo in the procurement of insurance ... may exceed the authorization and discretion provided by the parties' agreement").
The Court follows Ellsworth, McNeary-Calloway, and Lane II in concluding that Plaintiffs have also stated a claim on the backdating theory. The reasoning above pertaining to the kickback theory is equally applicable here. However, WFB raises additional arguments attacking the backdating theory. First, WFB argues that the alleged backdating practices were consistent with and authorized by its contractual right to ensure continuous coverage to protect its collateral. Wells Fargo Motion, 5-6. But WFB points to, and the Court finds, no such unambiguous provision in the contract.
Second, WFB argues that the theory is improperly premised on the contention that backdated insurance policies are worthless because they provide coverage during a time period in which no loss occurred. Wells Fargo Motion, 7; see also Complaint, ¶ 24. WFB asserts that it nevertheless properly placed the policies because there was no way it, as a national lender, can be aware of any damage that occurred on the property during that period. Wells Fargo Motion, 7. WFB states that the backdated insurance policies will provide coverage against such damage, as well as latent damage caused during the coverage period and therefore has value. Wells Fargo Reply, 2. These assertions go beyond the allegations made in the Complaint. In essence, WFB asks the Court to conclude, in light of these factual considerations, it acted within the discretion under the contract. This factual inquiry is improper in the context of a motion to dismiss.
Third, WFB argues that its practices cannot be challenged because they comply with the NFIA. In Lane II, the court performed a detailed analysis in rejecting the same arguments WFB presses here.
The court in Lane II rejected as unpersuasive WFB's arguments relying on legislative history of the amended version of the statute, which now appears to allow servicers to engage in the challenged backdating practices. Id. at *3. Wells Fargo argued that the legislative history indicates that the statute merely clarifies preexisting law, citing House Report No. 112-102(2011). Id. The court found that the House Report was worthy of little weight, as it was part of a different bill that never passed the Senate and never became law. Id. In addition, Wells Fargo cited a comment from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau permitting retroactive force-placement of hazard insurance policies. Id. (citing Mortgage Servicing Rules, 78 Fed.Reg. 10696, 10891-92 (Feb. 14, 2013)). The court noted that the comment does not go into effect until January 2014 and rejected the notion that the comment clarified existing law. Id.
Fourth, WFB cites three district court decisions reading mortgage agreements to permit charging borrowers for backdated force-placed flood insurance. Again, the court in Lane II rejected the same argument pressed here. Id. (distinguishing Webb, 2008 WL 2230696, at *6, as it was decided on summary judgment, distinguishing LaCroix v. U.S. Bank, N.A., 2012 WL 2357602, at *5 (D.Minn. June 20, 2012), appeal dismissed (Oct. 16, 2012), because it relied on Webb and the plaintiff's failure to show an intent to deceive, a required element under Connecticut law, and disagreeing with Schilke, 820 F.Supp.2d at 834, while collecting cases that have done so). The court reiterated that the dispute as to the interpretation of the mortgage language rendered a determination of the issue on a motion to dismiss inappropriate. Id.
This Court agrees with and adopts the Lane II court's analysis of WFB's third and fourth arguments. Accordingly, Plaintiffs have stated a claim for breach of contract against WFB on both their kickback and their backdating theories.
"The covenant of good faith finds particular application in situations where one party is invested with a discretionary power affecting the rights of another. Such power must be exercised in good faith." Carma, 2 Cal.4th at 372, 6 Cal.Rptr.2d 467, 826 P.2d 710; see Perdue v. Crocker Nat'l Bank, 38 Cal.3d 913, 923, 216 Cal.Rptr. 345, 702 P.2d 503 (1985) ("Where a contract confers on one party a discretionary power affecting the rights of the other, a duty is imposed to exercise that discretion in good faith and in accordance with fair dealing") (internal quotations omitted).
Plaintiffs allege that WFB improperly exercised its purported discretion to force-place flood insurance under both the backdating and kickback theories. Complaint, ¶ 85. Following Ellsworth and McNeary-Calloway, the Court concludes that Plaintiffs have stated a claim for breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. In Ellsworth, the court adopted the following reasoning from McNeary-Calloway:
Ellsworth, 908 F.Supp.2d at 1087 (quoting McNeary-Calloway, 863 F.Supp.2d at 958). That reasoning applies equally in this case. See Complaint, ¶¶ 85-86 (alleging Defendants abused their discretion under the contract by engaging in the alleged conduct in bad faith). Wells Fargo's Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing claims is denied.
A claim for unfair competition under the UCL may be brought "by a person who has suffered injury in fact and has lost money or property as a result of the unfair competition." Cal. Bus. & Prof.Code § 17204. Therefore, to establish standing under the UCL a plaintiff must "(1) establish a loss or deprivation of money or property sufficient to qualify as injury in fact, i.e., economic injury, and (2) show that that economic injury was the result of, i.e., caused by, the unfair business practice... that is the gravamen of the claim." Kwikset Corp. v. Superior Court, 51 Cal.4th 310, 337, 120 Cal.Rptr.3d 741, 246 P.3d 877 (2011).
The UCL prohibits "unfair competition," which is defined as any "unlawful, unfair or fraudulent business act or practice." Cal. Bus. & Prof.Code § 17200. To establish a violation of the UCL, a plaintiff may establish a violation under any one of these prongs. Here, Plaintiffs rely entirely on the "unfair" prong.
While there is disagreement among California courts regarding the definition of "unfair" business practices, three tests
2011 WL 302803, at *16 (E.D.Cal. Jan. 27, 2011).
Plaintiffs bring causes of action pursuant to the UCL under the "unfair" prong against all Defendants. Defendants argue that Plaintiffs lack standing and that they have failed to state a claim under any of the three tests for unfairness.
Plaintiffs have sufficiently alleged standing. Plaintiffs allege that they paid increased insurance premiums as a result of Defendants' scheme through which Wells Fargo purchased force-placed insurance policies from QBE, as opposed to other insurance carriers, because QBE provided a kickback to Wells Fargo. Further, Plaintiffs allege that they paid wholly inappropriate insurance premiums as a result of Defendants' scheme to force-place backdated insurance policies. Plaintiffs have sufficiently pled economic injury.
Because the Court cannot say, as a matter of law, that Defendants alleged conduct would not violate any of the three tests for unfair conduct, Defendants' Motions to Dismiss the UCL claim are denied.
Although there is some disagreement among California courts as to whether unjust
To state a claim for restitution, a plaintiff "must plead `receipt of a benefit and the unjust retention of the benefit at the expense of another.'" Walters v. Fidelity Mortg. of Cal., 2010 WL 1493131, at *12 (E.D.Cal. Apr. 14, 2010) (quoting Lectrodryer v. SeoulBank, 77 Cal.App.4th 723, 726, 91 Cal.Rptr.2d 881 (2000)). "Even when a person has received a benefit from another, he is required to make restitution `only if the circumstances of its receipt or retention are such that, as between the two persons, it is unjust for him to retain it.'" Ghirardo v. Antonioli, 14 Cal.4th 39, 51, 57 Cal.Rptr.2d 687, 924 P.2d 996 (1996) (quoting Restatement of Restitution, § 1, cmt. c). To prevail on a claim for restitution, a plaintiff need not establish bad faith on the part of the defendant, so long as the recipient of the funds was not entitled to the funds. See Lectrodryer, 77 Cal.App.4th at 726, 91 Cal.Rptr.2d 881.
Plaintiffs assert restitution claims against WFI and QBE. Plaintiffs have no contract with any of those parties. Plaintiffs have pled that WFI and QBE unjustly received and retained a benefit from Plaintiffs in the form of they insurance premiums Plaintiffs paid. Complaint, ¶¶ 111, 113, 123-26. The Court follows Lane, Ellsworth, and McNeary-Calloway, in allowing Plaintiffs' to proceed on their unjust enrichment claims. See Lane, 2013 WL 269133, at *10-*11; Ellsworth, 908 F.Supp.2d at 1086-88; McNeary-Calloway, 863 F.Supp.2d at 964.
Defendants argue that Plaintiffs' restitution claim should be barred because restitutionary relief is provided for by their UCL cause of action. "[A]lthough plaintiffs' restitution claim ... may ultimately be superfluous to their restitution claim under section 17200, it is inappropriate at the motion to dismiss stage to make that determination, as plaintiffs may prevail in one cause of action but not in the other." Nordberg, 445 F.Supp.2d at 1101. In line with the numerous closely analogous cases allowing both UCL and restitution claims to proceed on backdating and kickback theories, Defendants' Motions to Dismiss the restitution claims are denied.
Plaintiffs seek exemplary damages in connection with their restitution claims against WFI and QBE. See Complaint, ¶¶ 121, 131, 132(m). WFI and QBE move to strike Plaintiffs' request for exemplary damages. WFI and QBE argue that Plaintiffs have not alleged conduct that would entitle them to punitive damages.
Under Rule 12(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the court may strike from any pleading "any insufficient defense or any redundant, immaterial, impertinent or scandalous matter." Motions to strike are generally disfavored. 5C Charles Alan Wright & Arthur R. Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure § 1380 (3d ed. 2004). "The function of a 12(f) motion to strike is to avoid the expenditure of time and money that must arise from litigating spurious issues by dispensing with those issues prior to trial ..." Whittlestone, Inc. v. Handi-Craft Co., 618 F.3d 970, 973 (9th Cir.2010) (internal quotations omitted; citations omitted).
For the foregoing reasons, Defendants Motions are denied.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
