ANTHONY W. ISHII, Chief Judge.
This is an insurance coverage case that arises out of the death of cattle. Plaintiffs Ted and Sheri Gaylord ("Plaintiffs") brought suit against Defendants Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company ("Nationwide") and Amco Insurance Company ("Amco") (collectively "Defendants") because Defendants refused to cover the loss and defend Plaintiffs against the claims of a third party. Plaintiffs allege claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and declaratory relief. Defendants now move for summary judgment on all claims. For the reasons that follow, Defendants' motion will be granted in part, and denied in part.
Plaintiffs own and operate a livestock operation known as J & T Cattle Co., whereby they raise beef cattle owned by them as well as beef cattle owned by others. PUMF 1; see also DUMF 4. Plaintiffs' livestock operation is principally located at 27552 Lake Road, La Grange, California. PUMF 2.
Nationwide issued a farm-owners insurance policy ("the Farm Policy") to Plaintiffs on March 26, 2008. JUMF 1. Plaintiffs' livestock operation at 27552 Lake Road is listed as an insured location, and J & T Cattle Company is listed as an additional insured. PUMF 4, 5. The Farm Policy states in part, "You should read your policy and review your declarations page for complete information on the coverages you are provided." JUMF 2. Similarly, Coverage E of the Farm Policy reads in part, "Various provisions of this policy restrict coverage. Read the entire policy carefully to determine rights, duties, and what is and is not covered." JUMF 3.
The Farm Policy also includes two "Farm Property Schedules," but neither schedule lists "livestock." JUMF 5, 6. The term "farm personal property" is defined to include "livestock," and "livestock" is defined to include "cattle." See JUMF 7; Davis Dec. Ex. A at p. 60. Coverage E of the Farm Policy states that Nationwide "will pay for direct physical loss of or damage to Covered Property at the `insured location' described in the Declarations. . . caused by or resulting from any COVERED CAUSES OF LOSS." PUMF 6. Coverage E also states in part, "All of the following are Covered Property under Coverage E of this Coverage Form, provided a limit of insurance is shown in the Declarations for the specific type of property. . . (b) `livestock,' `poultry,' and other animals covered against BROAD Covered
JUMF 9.
Coverage E's "Loss Settlement Conditions" page for "Scheduled Farm Personal Property" states in pertinent part: "d. Livestock, Poultry, Bees, Fish, Worms, and Other Animals . . . With respect to `livestock,' . . . the term loss means death or destruction caused by, resulting from, or made necessary by a covered cause of loss." JUMF 10.
The Farm Policy contains a "Form Liability Coverage Form" for claims made by third parties against the insureds, which is Coverage H. See JUMF 12. Like Coverage E, Coverage H states in part, "Various provisions in this policy restrict coverage. Read the entire policy carefully to determine rights, duties, and what is or is not covered." Id. Under the "Insuring Agreement," Coverage H states: "We will pay those sums that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of `bodily injury' or `property damage' to which this insurance applies. However, we will have no duty to defend the insured against any `suit' seeking damages for `bodily injury' or `property damage' to which this insurance does not apply." JUMF 13. Coverage H's "Exclusions" provide in part: "
The Farm Policy does not contain a "custom care and feeding" endorsement. DUMF 3. However, as part of Coverage H, there is a broad endorsement entitled "Livestock Operations Coverage Endorsement." PUMF 8. That endorsement states that it "modifies the insurance provided" under the "Farm Liability Coverage Form," and continues: "In consideration of the premium charged for this endorsement, the liability coverage of this policy applies to your livestock operations.
The Farm Policy has a clause regarding legal actions that states: "
Also on March 26, 2008, AMCO issued a farm umbrella policy ("the Umbrella Policy") to Plaintiffs. JUMF 16. The Umbrella Policy in part provides that it will not apply if the "underlying insurance" does not cover the "loss" for reasons other than exhaustion of an aggregate limit of insurance. See JUMF 17. The Umbrella Policy also adopts the exclusions of the "underlying insurance" as follows: "The exclusions applicable to the `underlying insurance' also apply to this insurance." See JUMF 18. Like the Farm Policy, the Umbrella Policy includes an exclusion for "Contractual Liability" and "Custom Feeding of Livestock." See JUMF 19. "Custom Feeding" is defined as "the raising or feeding of livestock for others on an `insured location' on an underlying policy." Id.
When Plaintiffs purchased the policies, they believed Brian Stewart ("Stewart") was their broker. PUMF 9. Stewart is identified as the agent on the subject policies. PUMF 10. Plaintiffs had a long-standing professional relationship with Stewart, who handled all of Plaintiffs' personal and business insurance needs since about 1998, and Stewart's father before him since about 1996. PUMF 11. Plaintiffs considered Stewart to be in a position of trust and confidence with them. PUMF 12. Stewart was very familiar with Plaintiffs' personal and business needs, having procured insurance for all of Plaintiffs' needs from medical and tenant insurance to the comprehensive farm-owner's package at issue in this case. PUMF 13. Plaintiffs relied entirely on Stewart to provide adequate and agreed upon coverage for Plaintiffs. PUMF 14. Plaintiffs relied entirely on Stewart to inform them of any contrary provisions in the policies. PUMF 15. Plaintiffs believed Stewart was responsible for explaining the policies to Plaintiffs. See PUMF 16. From March 1996 to March 2007, Plaintiffs purchased their farm policies from Fireman's Fund, which was selected and procured by Stewart and his father before him. PUMF 17.
During the 2006 heat wave, Plaintiffs suffered loss when they had to reimburse a client for the heat-related deaths of about 147 cattle at Plaintiffs' livestock operation. PUMF 18. Stewart informed Plaintiffs that their then existing insurance policy did not provide coverage for losses resulting from acts of God, like the heat wave. See PUMF 19.
When Stewart sought to renew Plaintiffs' policies in March 2007, he advised Plaintiffs to switch to the Nationwide policy because it provided better coverage for Plaintiffs' operation. PUMF 20. Plaintiffs expressed to Stewart their concerns about losses related to contaminated feed, since a local dairy suffered substantial loss after feeding cattle hay tainted with botulism. See PUMF 21. Plaintiffs discussed with Stewart that if such an event occurred on their livestock operation, they would not be able to sustain the losses, and therefore needed adequate coverage. See PUMF 22. Plaintiffs understood, based on Stewart's representations to that effect, that Stewart was researching the most suitable policy for Plaintiffs based on their needs and concerns. PUMF 23. Stewart specifically advised Plaintiffs to switch to Nationwide because, according to Stewart, Nationwide's Farm Policy would cover the damage to cattle excluded under the Fireman's Fund, including damage from consumption of poisonous or contaminated feed.
Stewart did not disclose or explain to Plaintiffs the meaning or existence of the terms "custom care and feeding" in the Policies or that the Policies contained a "custom care and feeding" exclusion, and neither did Defendants. PUMF 26. Nor did Stewart or Defendants inform Plaintiffs that there was a specific exclusion in the Policies for losses resulting from Plaintiffs' "business pursuits" or for harm assumed by Plaintiffs pursuant to a contract. PUMF 27. Nor did anyone, including Stewart, advise Plaintiffs of any "custom care and feeding coverage endorsement." PUMF 28. The only additional coverage that Stewart mentioned to Plaintiffs prior their purchase of the Policies was a catchall-type endorsement that Stewart said would cover every other eventuality no typically covered, but that such a policy was expensive ($5,000 to $6,000 per month), more typical for mid-western states, and was not something Plaintiffs really needed. PUMF 29.
Parvis Kamangar was a client of Plaintiffs. JUMF 22. Between March 18, 2008, and May 8, 2008, Plaintiffs and Kamangar purchased 1,154 Holstein steer calves, with an average weight of 290 lbs. per head. See DUMF 5; PUMF 30. The cattle were branded with Kamangar's cattle brand. DUMF 6. The 1,154 head of cattle were transported to Plaintiffs' livestock operation on the insured premises for care and feeding. See DUMF 7; PUMF 31. Kamangar paid Plaintiffs "for care and feeding" of the cattle. DUMF 8.
Around June 2008, some of the cattle began dying suddenly, and cattle were dying at alarming rates by September and October 2008. PUMF 32. When the cattle initially started dying, the death rates were still not above the normal rates for Plaintiffs' operation for the time of year. PUMF 35. Around July 2008, cattle that Plaintiffs were raising for Kamangar at Plaintiffs' feed yard became ill, and many of the cattle died. JUMF 23. Plaintiffs believe the death and illness of the cattle was the result of feed that was purchased locally and fed to the cattle in May 2008. JUMF 24. Plaintiffs immediately began trying to save any potentially infected animals while investigating the cause of the harm. PUMF 34. Plaintiffs immediately sought medical attention for the sick and dying animals and had four of carcases evaluated by a veterinarian. PUMF 36.
Plaintiffs were actively investigating the cause of their progressive cattle loss and began receiving necropsy reports in September
By November 2008, nearly 2,000 head of cattle had been affected, of which about 320 died and 810 were sent to early slaughter at a low butcher price. PUMF 37. Three-quarters of the affected animals were contracted for sale at specified prices and were expected to be slaughtered in Spring/Summer 2009 at an average weight of 1,312 lbs. PUMF 38. Plaintiffs observed damage to older cattle (weighing 800 to 900 lbs.) in November 2008. PUMF 39. Sixteen animals owned by Jason Roth died, and Plaintiffs reimbursed him about $16,000. PUMF 40. The cattle suffered a continuing and deteriorating type of injury. PUMF 47. Plaintiffs' contend that their damages did not become appreciable until they determined there was no way to stop the deaths, forcing them to slaughter a majority of the cattle as calves in November 2008, at below market cost and well below their target weight. See PUMF 48. Plaintiffs were still trying to treat and save any infected animals through November 2008. PUMF 50.
On October 2, 2008, Plaintiffs made a claim with Nationwide under the Farm Policy for the loss of cattle under Plaintiffs' care. JUMF 25; PUMF 41. Plaintiffs informed Nationwide that they were still investigating the damage and the cause of death, but that they believed that the loss was due to the ingestion of contaminated feed. PUMF 42, 43.
On October 3, 2008, Nationwide sent a letter to Plaintiffs denying the first party property claim on the grounds that injury to cattle is not covered unless the cattle are specifically scheduled in the declarations page. JUMF 26; Davis Dec. Ex. C. Nationwide's letter stated that, "if you believe that our understanding of the facts underlying the claim is incorrect, or should you have any additional information that you feel may alter our decision, please advise our office immediately." PUMF 44. The letter also informed Plaintiffs that Coverage E contained a one year limit to file a lawsuit challenging the claim determination. See JUMF 27. Nationwide specifically informed Plaintiffs that they had until May 21, 2009, in which to file a legal action against Nationwide. See JUMF 28; PUMF 45. The May 21, 2008 accrual date used by Nationwide does not correspond to when the cattle began to show signs of injury. See PUMF 46.
Despite denying Plaintiffs' first party claim, Nationwide continued to investigate
In addition to the two letters identified above, Nationwide left telephone messages with Plaintiffs' counsel on October 15, October 16, October 28, November 14, and December 2, 2008, seeking the same information as the two letters. See DUMF 9-14. It does not appear that Plaintiffs' counsel responded to these telephone message. See id. In 2009, Nationwide again attempted to obtain information and left telephone messages with Plaintiffs' counsel on January 21, February 5, and February 20. See DUMF 15-17.
On March 25, Stewart left a voice-mail with Nationwide that requested Nationwide forward to him any correspondences that Nationwide had sent to Plaintiffs' counsel in order to assist Nationwide in gathering information. See DUMF 18. Nationwide e-mailed the correspondences to Stewart. See DUMF 19.
On April 1, 2009, Plaintiffs filed suit against Associated Feed & Supply and Stokes Ranch. PUMF 57.
On April 6 and 7, 2009, Nationwide left voice-mail messages for Plaintiffs' counsel. See DUMF 20, 21.
On April 9, 2009, Plaintiffs' attorney told Nationwide that Plaintiffs were in the process of suing the supplier and grower of the feed that caused injury to the cattle. JUMF 33.
On April 13, 2009, Nationwide conducted a telephone interview of Ted Gaylord and obtained a recorded statement (Gaylord's attorney was present). See JUMF 34.
Between October 2, 2008, and April 13, 2009, Plaintiffs were compiling information in preparation for their lawsuit against the feed suppliers, which included not only examination of the dead and dying animals, but also investigation, tracing, and sampling (among other things) of the feed. PUMF 58. Promptly upon completion of the investigation and the filing of the lawsuit against the feed suppliers, Ted Gaylord submitted to the recorded telephone interview on April 13, 2009. See PUMF 59. Plaintiffs were engaged in extensive fact-gathering up to and including April 2009 and beyond. See id.
On April 29, 2009, Nationwide sent a correspondence to Plaintiffs that denied Kamangar's liability claim on the grounds that the injury to the cattle was excluded from coverage under both the Farm Policy and the Umbrella Policy. JUMF 35. The letter included a statement that Defendants "will reconsider its coverage position based on the allegations of the suit and any additional and/or different information provided to [Defendants] at that time." PUMF 60.
On September 11, 2009, Kamangar filed a lawsuit against Plaintiffs in state court. See JUMF 36.
On October 29, 2009, Plaintiffs made a tender of defense and request for indemnity to Defendants regarding Kamangar's lawsuit. See DUMF 22.
On November 6, 2009, Nationwide acknowledged receipt of Plaintiff's request and mailed a letter to Plaintiffs' counsel. DUMF 23. The same day, Defendants asked an attorney to review the Farm Policy and the Umbrella Policy in order to
On January 12, 2010, an attorney for Defendants sent Plaintiffs' counsel a twenty-two page letter advising that Plaintiffs' tender of defense and indemnity for the Kamangar claim was not covered under the policies. JUMF 37.
On March 4, 2010, Plaintiffs filed this lawsuit. JUMF 29.
Summary judgment is appropriate when it is demonstrated that there exists no genuine issue as to any material fact, and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c); Adickes v. S.H. Kress & Co., 398 U.S. 144, 157, 90 S.Ct. 1598, 26 L.Ed.2d 142 (1970); Fortyune v. American Multi-Cinema, Inc., 364 F.3d 1075, 1080 (9th Cir.2004). The party seeking summary judgment bears the initial burden of informing the court of the basis for its motion and of identifying the portions of the declarations (if any), pleadings, and discovery that demonstrate an absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986); Soremekun v. Thrifty Payless, Inc., 509 F.3d 978, 984 (9th Cir.2007). A fact is "material" if it might affect the outcome of the suit under the governing law. See Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248-49, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986); Thrifty Oil Co. v. Bank of America Nat'l Trust & Savings Assn., 322 F.3d 1039, 1046 (9th Cir.2002). A dispute is "genuine" as to a material fact if there is sufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to return a verdict for the non-moving party. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505; Long v. County of Los Angeles, 442 F.3d 1178, 1185 (9th Cir.2006).
Where the moving party will have the burden of proof on an issue at trial, the movant must affirmatively demonstrate that no reasonable trier of fact could find other than for the movant. Soremekun, 509 F.3d at 984. Where the non-moving party will have the burden of proof on an issue at trial, the movant may prevail by presenting evidence that negates an essential element of the non-moving party's claim or by merely pointing out that there is an absence of evidence to support an essential element of the non-moving party's claim. See James River Ins. Co. v. Schenk, P.C., 523 F.3d 915 (9th Cir.2008); Soremekun, 509 F.3d at 984; Nissan Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Fritz Cos., 210 F.3d 1099, 1105-06 (9th Cir.2000). If a moving party fails to carry its burden of production, then "the non-moving party has no obligation to produce anything, even if the non-moving party would have the ultimate burden of persuasion." Nissan Fire, 210 F.3d at 1102-03. If the moving party meets its initial burden, the burden then shifts to the opposing party to establish that a genuine issue as to any material fact actually exists. See Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586, 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986); Nissan Fire, 210 F.3d at 1103. The opposing party cannot "`rest upon the mere allegations or denials of [its] pleading' but must instead produce evidence that `sets forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.'" Estate of Tucker v. Interscope Records, 515 F.3d 1019, 1030 (9th Cir.2008) (quoting Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 56(e)).
The evidence of the opposing party is to be believed, and all reasonable inferences that may be drawn from the facts placed before the court must be drawn in favor of the opposing party. See Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255, 106 S.Ct. 2505; Matsushita, 475 U.S. at 587, 106 S.Ct. 1348; Stegall v. Citadel Broadcasting, Co., 350 F.3d 1061, 1065 (9th Cir.2003). Nevertheless, inferences
With respect to the first party claim under Coverage E only, Defendants argue that the Farm Policy has a one year limitation period in which Plaintiff could sue to enforce the policy. Plaintiff realized that they had a claim beginning in May 2008. Plaintiff made a claim with Nationwide, Nationwide investigated, and denied the claim. By the terms of the Policy, Plaintiff had until May 2009 in which to bring a suit, and Nationwide expressly informed Plaintiff in October 2008 of the one year limitation and the May 2009 deadline. Further, any claim of equitable tolling has no merit. At the latest, any such tolling would have ended on October 3, 2008, when Nationwide sent the letter to Plaintiff that unequivocally denied the first party claim. Once there is an unequivocal denial, there is no longer any basis for tolling.
Gaylord is presumed to have read the Policy, and he did not object to the Farm Policy once he received it. Under such circumstances, an insured cannot claim that he did not read a policy or know its terms, and cannot make a claim that contradicts that clear terms of a policy. Gaylord's first party property claim and third party liability claim contradict the clear language of the Farm Policy. There is no coverage under Coverage E because no cattle were listed by Gaylord in the declarations. Also, Coverage E provides coverage for particular enumerated losses, and injury due to poisoned or contaminated feed is not one of the enumerated losses. There is no coverage under Coverage H for Kamangar's claims/lawsuit because there are exclusions for the "custom feeding of livestock," which is defined as the raising and feeding of cattle for others, and for damages resulting from contractual liability. There is no dispute that Gaylord was raising and feeding the cattle for Kamangar. As such, there is no indemnity provided by Coverages E and H. Further, because there is no coverage under the
Plaintiffs argue that their first party claim is not time barred because they are entitled to equitable tolling. First, Plaintiffs argue that Defendants are using an arbitrary date of May 21, 2008, to begin the limitations period. This date appears to coincide with the date the cattle were fed the contaminated feed, but does not coincide with a date in which Plaintiffs sustained appreciable losses. The limitations period begins to run when a claimant suffers appreciable damage, and when appreciable damage occurs is a question of fact. The damages in this case were continuing and deteriorating, and the majority of Plaintiffs' damages did not occur until November 2008. It is a question for the jury to determine when the statute began to run, but at the earliest, it began on October 3, 2008.
Second, to begin the limitations period, Defendants were required to unequivocally deny Plaintiffs' claim. However, the denial letter, which was sent the very next day after the claim was submitted, was not unequivocal. The letter indicated that Plaintiffs could either make a claim or present further/additional information to be reviewed by May 21, 2009. Plaintiffs presented additional information to Defendants on April 13, 2009, when Ted Gaylord gave a taped interview to Nationwide.
Third, the limitations period was tolled while Defendants investigated the claims. Although the denial letter of April 29, 2009, focused on the third party claim, Plaintiffs believed Defendants were still investigating the first party claims as well, since the two claims were based on the same course of events. The April 29, 2009, letter also referenced Plaintiffs 50% equity interest in the lost cattle. The letter also told Plaintiffs that Nationwide would reconsider the coverage decision based on the allegations of Kamangar's lawsuit and any additional or different information submitted.
In sum, Plaintiffs contend that the statute was tolled from October 2, 2008, to April 29, 2009, then ran for 6 months, then was tolled again on October 29, 2009 (when Defendants granted Plaintiffs reconsideration and reopened the claim) to the final and unequivocal denial on January 10, 2010. Because Plaintiffs filed suit on March 10, 2010, the suit is timely and there are at least disputed issues of material fact that make summary judgment improper.
With respect to coverage, Plaintiffs argue inter alia that there is coverage under the Farm Policy through the "Livestock Operations Endorsement." Plaintiffs contend that the endorsement should be given the meaning that a lay person would ascribe, which would be a cattle operation like Plaintiffs' where cattle are fed and raised for a fee. Under this understanding of a livestock operation, the endorsement would control over the exclusions because it is well settled that special endorsements will govern over general exclusions in a policy. Also, at the time the Farm Policy was purchased, Plaintiffs believed that they were purchasing comprehensive farm insurance that would cover their personal and business needs. It would be anomalous for Plaintiffs to purchase a policy that excluded their business pursuits in feeding and raising livestock.
It has been held that "a covenant shortening the period of limitations is a valid provision of an insurance contract and cannot be ignored with impunity as long as the limitation is not so unreasonable as to show imposition or undue advantage." Prudential-LMI Com. Ins. v. Superior
"While insurance contracts have special features, they are still contracts to which the ordinary rules of contractual interpretation apply." Powerine Oil Co., Inc. v. Superior Court, 37 Cal.4th 377, 390, 33 Cal.Rptr.3d 562, 118 P.3d 589 (2005); Bank of the West v. Superior Court, 2 Cal.4th 1254, 1264, 10 Cal.Rptr.2d 538, 833 P.2d 545 (1992). "[The] goal in construing insurance contracts, as with contracts generally, is to give effect to the parties' mutual
"To further ensure that coverage conforms fully to the objectively reasonable expectations of the insured, the corollary rule of interpretation has developed that, in cases of ambiguity, basic coverage provisions are construed broadly in favor of affording protection, but clauses setting forth specific exclusions from coverage are interpreted narrowly against the insurer." Minkler, 49 Cal.4th at 322, 110 Cal.Rptr.3d 612, 232 P.3d 612; see MacKinnon v. Truck Ins. Exchange, 31 Cal.4th 635, 648, 3 Cal.Rptr.3d 228, 73 P.3d 1205 (2003). The mere fact that a term is not defined in the policy does not make the term ambiguous. Powerine, 37 Cal.4th at 390, 33 Cal.Rptr.3d 562, 118 P.3d 589. Language in a contract must be construed in the context of that instrument as a whole, and in the circumstances of that case, and cannot be found to be ambiguous in the abstract. Powerine, 37 Cal.4th at 390-91, 33 Cal.Rptr.3d 562, 118 P.3d 589; Bank of the West, 2 Cal.4th at 1265, 10 Cal.Rptr.2d 538, 833 P.2d 545. "Extrinsic evidence is admissible to interpret the instrument, but not to give it a meaning to which it is not reasonably susceptible." City of Manhattan Beach v. Superior Court, 13 Cal.4th 232, 238, 52 Cal.Rptr.2d 82, 914 P.2d 160 (1996); Parsons v. Bristol Development Co., 62 Cal.2d 861, 866, 44 Cal.Rptr. 767, 402 P.2d 839 (1965).
"An endorsement modifies the basic insuring forms of the policy and is an integral part of the policy." Frontier Oil Corp. v. RLI Ins. Co., 153 Cal.App.4th 1436,
Generally, the interpretation of an insurance policy is a question of law. Ameron, 50 Cal.4th at 1378, 118 Cal.Rptr.3d 95, 242 P.3d 1020; Garcia v. Truck Ins. Exchange, 36 Cal.3d 426, 439, 204 Cal.Rptr. 435, 682 P.2d 1100 (1984). However, when the interpretation of the contract turns upon the credibility of extrinsic evidence, that credibility determination and the interpretation of the contract are questions of fact that may be resolved by the jury. City of Hope National Medical Center v. Genentech, Inc., 43 Cal.4th 375, 395, 75 Cal.Rptr.3d 333, 181 P.3d 142 (2008); Garcia, 36 Cal.3d at 439, 204 Cal.Rptr. 435, 682 P.2d 1100.
There is a problem with the timeliness of Plaintiffs' first party property claims.
As indicated above, the Farm Policy has a one year limitations period to bring suit over a coverage decision. See JUMF 11. Also as discussed above, that one year limitations period began to run when the damage became sufficiently "appreciable" to Plaintiffs that they would know to contact Nationwide.
With respect to the May 21, 2008, date, the uncontradicted evidence is that the cattle were not dying in any unusual or abnormal numbers until September/October 2008. See PUMF 32. It is uncontradicted that when the cattle started to suddenly die in June 2008, the death rates were not above the normal death rates for that time of year. See PUMF 35. In the process of raising cattle, it is to be expected
With respect to the November 2008 date urged by Plaintiffs, that date focuses on when the damages/loss became the most acute. By Plaintiffs' own admission, November 2008 is when Plaintiffs sent to early slaughter over 800 head of infected cattle. See PUMF 37. However, the standard is when the damage became "appreciable," the standard is not when the full extent of the damage became known. See Campanelli v. Allstate Life Ins. Co., 322 F.3d 1086, 1094 (9th Cir.2003); Hill v. Allstate Ins. Co., 962 F.Supp. 1244, 1248 (C.D.Cal.1997); Doheny Park, 132 Cal. App.4th at 1086, 34 Cal.Rptr.3d 157; Magnolia Square Homeowners Assn. v. Safeco Ins. Co., 221 Cal.App.3d 1049, 1059-60, 271 Cal.Rptr. 1 (1990). There is no doubt that Plaintiffs were aware that the cattle were infected or suffering from some terminal condition before November 2008. See PUMF 32. Damage was appreciable, that is, Plaintiffs knew that the significantly abnormal loss was occurring, prior to the deaths of 320 head of cattle and the early slaughter of over 810 head in November 2008.
It is clear that Plaintiffs knew that there was a problem with the cattle prior to November 2008, because Plaintiffs admit that the cattle started dying in "alarming rates" in September and October 2008. PUMF 32. Plaintiffs contacted veterinarians and investigated and tried to save the cattle. See PUMF's 36, 49. When Plaintiffs believed that the cattle had consumed poison feed, they contacted Nationwide and told them about the deaths and about their suspicion that the cause of death was tainted feed. See PUMF's 41,42. The point at which it became apparent that cattle were dying in abnormal or "alarming" numbers is the point in time in which Plaintiffs' loss became appreciable because that is the time when the typical course of events became so unusual. See Prudential, 51 Cal.3d at 687, 274 Cal.Rptr. 387, 798 P.2d 1230; PUMF's 32, 35. Sometime in September or October 2008, which happens to coincide with the date that Plaintiffs contacted Nationwide (October 2, 2008) is when the loss became appreciable. See id.
The Court cannot say for certain at what point Plaintiffs' loss became appreciable. Generally, determining when a loss becomes appreciable is a question of fact for a jury. However, the dates urged by the parties are unreasonable and contrary to law. The evidence shows that Plaintiffs' losses became appreciable in September or October 2008. Taking the evidence in the light most favorable to Plaintiffs, the Court assumes that the damage became appreciable on the day Plaintiffs contacted Nationwide and informed Nationwide of their suspicion of tainted feed—October 2, 2008. See PUMF's 41, 42. Using October 2, 2008, as the date that the one year limitation period began, see JUMF 11, absent tolling, Plaintiffs had until October 2, 2009, in which to bring suit on their first party claim.
Plaintiffs argument that the October 3, 2008, letter from Nationwide is equivocal is not persuasive. Plaintiffs are correct that the limitations period was tolled from the date Nationwide received notice of Plaintiffs' claim (October 2, 2008) until the date Nationwide unequivocally denied the claim in writing. See Prudential, 51 Cal.3d at 687, 274 Cal.Rptr. 387, 798 P.2d 1230; Ashou, 138 Cal.App.4th at 757, 41 Cal.Rptr.3d 819; Doheny Park, 132 Cal.App.4th at 1088, 34 Cal.Rptr.3d 157.
Plaintiffs contend that the letter is equivocal or ambiguous based on the sentence that appears immediately following the quotation of the one year limitation provision. That sentence reads: "Based upon this Condition [i.e. the one year limitation], and the time allowed to investigate your claim, you would have until May 21, 2009, to bring action or submit new information to be reviewed. Any claims made or paperwork received after this date may be denied." See id. (emphasis added). Plaintiffs contend that the use of the May 21, 2009, date corresponds to nothing and creates an ambiguity, and the sentence creates an option of either bringing suit or submitting new information. Because new information was submitted on April 13, 2009, Plaintiffs argue that they chose an option which continued the review process.
The Court agrees that use of the May 21, 2009, date appears arbitrary, or at least based on an incomplete investigation. However, identifying the wrong deadline does not make the October 3 letter equivocal. The deadline upon which to bring suit has nothing to do with whether the claim has been denied, and the letter states several times that the claim is denied and handling of the claim has concluded.
With respect to the "option" that the October 3 letter allegedly created, the Court cannot agree. The sentence indicates a willingness to review additional information if submitted by May 21, 2009. The sentence does not indicate that the investigation remains on-going or that the submission of additional information will cause a re-opening of the case. The October 3 letter expressly stated that coverage was denied and that the letter "concludes the handling of the first party property claim." See id. At best, "the evidence suggests that [Nationwide] was willing to reconsider its denial upon receipt of further pertinent information. A statement of willingness to reconsider does not render a denial equivocal." Migliore, 97 Cal. App.4th at 605, 118 Cal.Rptr.2d 548; see TIG Ins. Co. v. ACE Am. Ins. Co., 236 Fed.Appx. 336, 337 (9th Cir.2007); Heighley, 257 F.Supp.2d at 1257; Singh, 63 Cal. App.4th at 147-48, 73 Cal.Rptr.2d 546. The October 3, 2008, letter is an unequivocal denial of first party liability, despite expressing a willingness to consider additional information.
Finally, Plaintiffs rely on the April 29, 2009, denial letter. Citing PUMF 58,
Additionally, Nationwide sent a correspondence to Plaintiffs' counsel dated October 30, 2008. See Davis Dec. Ex. D. The letter identifies the insureds as the Gaylords and the claimant as Kamangar. See id. The letter requests information, including copies of any contracts between the insured and the claimant, so that the claim can be evaluated. See id. The letter clearly is in relation to the claims of Kamangar. There is nothing in the October 30, 2008, letter that indicates that the first party claims were still under consideration. See id.
Further, the text of the April 29, 2009, letter makes clear that it relates to the third party claims of Kamangar. See Davis Dec. Ex. H. The April 29 letter identifies the insureds as the Gaylords, identifies the claimant as Kamangar, and states investigation and analysis have been completed concerning "coverage for claims of loss by Par Kamangar . . . due to poisoning of cattle that were being raised at our insured's feed lot." Id. No first party provisions of the Farm Policy appear to be referenced in the April 29 letter, rather, the referenced terms appear to relate to Coverage H for third party claims. See id. The Court sees nothing about the April 29 letter that would indicate that the first party property claims had been investigated up until April 29, 2009.
Defendants rely on two exclusions to argue that there is no coverage: the contractual damages exclusion and the custom feeding exclusion. Kamangar's complaint includes a claim for negligence and a claim for breach of oral agreement, and both claims are based on Plaintiffs' failure to properly care for and feed Kamangar's cattle. See Court's Docket Doc. No. 23 at Ex. A at ¶¶ 7-12, 16-19. The custom feeding exclusion excludes damages arising out of the feeding, or the failure to feed, the livestock of others. See JUMF's 13, 15, 19. This is precisely what Kamangar alleges, and is also part of Plaintiffs' normal business operations. See JUMF 21; PUMF 1. As for the contractual liability exclusion, Plaintiffs do not contest Defendants' contention that Kamangar's claim represents damages that Plaintiffs are obligated to pay by reason of assumption of liability in a contract or agreement. See JUMF's 13, 19. In the absence of an argument to the contrary by Plaintiffs regarding the contractual liability exclusion, for purposes of this motion, the Court will view both the custom feeding and contractual liability exclusions as encompassing the causes of action in Kamangar's complaint. Cf. Court's Docket Doc. No. 23 at Ex. A at ¶¶ 7-12, 16-19 with JUMF's 13, 15, 19.
However, that the exclusions appear to apply to Kamangar's complaint does not end the inquiry. Plaintiffs have pointed to the Livestock Operations Endorsement ("LOE") to support their claim of coverage. Due to the operation of the LOE, there is an ambiguity in Coverage H.
As noted above, the LOE in bold letters states that it "changes the policy" and instructs the insured to "please read it carefully." Davis Dec. Ex. A-1 at 94. The LOE then states that it "modifies insurance provided" under Coverage H. Id. Next the LOE states, "In consideration of the premium charged for this endorsement, the liability coverage of this policy applies to your livestock operations." Id. (emphasis added). The LOE concludes by stating that "all terms and conditions of this policy apply unless modified by this endorsement." Id.
Applying the rules for interpreting ambiguous policies/contracts to Coverage H and the LOE would normally lead to the conclusion that the Farm Policy covers both claims in Kamangar's complaint through operation of the LOE. Although the LOE states that it modifies and changes the policy, it does not explain how it changes the policy. The words of the endorsement state that "your livestock operation" is covered. See Davis Dec. Ex. A-1 at 94. The "your" in the LOE obviously refers to Plaintiffs, and thus has the effect of providing coverage under Coverage H to Plaintiffs' specific livestock operation. It is undisputed that Plaintiffs' particular livestock operations entails the caring for, and feeding of, the cattle of others as per contracts. See JUMF 21; PUMF 1. Given the nature of Plaintiffs' particular livestock operation, as well as the rule that coverage provisions are interpreted broadly, the plain meaning that a layperson would give the LOE is that it overrides both the contractual liability and custom feeding operations exclusions as applied to Plaintiffs' particular operation. Moreover, it is undisputed that Plaintiffs believed that they were obtaining comprehensive coverage for both their personal and business interests. Plaintiffs are correct that it would be counterintuitive for them to purchase insurance that would not cover such a significant portion of their livestock operation. In other words, the reasonable expectations of Plaintiffs would support their interpretation that the LOE overrides the exclusions at issue. Finally, even if the expectations of Plaintiffs did not resolve the ambiguity, Nationwide created the ambiguity. It inserted an endorsement that expanded coverage, yet failed to define the endorsement's parameters or explain the endorsement's effect.
However, the third party liability claim cannot be resolved on the above analysis. There is a genuine disputed material fact created by extrinsic evidence. In opposition to this motion, Ted Gaylord declared that, based on an incident involving a local dairy, he told Stewart in March 2007 that he wanted an insurance policy that would cover the death of cattle due to contaminated feed. See Ted Gaylord Dec. ¶ 8.
Gaylord's declaration and Stewart's declaration are wholly incompatible. If Stewart's declaration is believed, then Gaylord knew well that the death of other's cattle from contaminated feed would not be covered. For there to be such coverage, Gaylord would have known from his conversation with Stewart that a special custom feeding endorsement was required, and Gaylord expressly declined that endorsement. See Stewart Dec. ¶¶ 3-4. With the knowledge that the Farm Policy did not cover death due to contaminated feeding and that Gaylord actually declined coverage, then Gaylord never intended to obtain coverage and he could not have reasonably expected to have such coverage under the Farm Policy. In other words, under Stewart's version of events, there would be no coverage for Kamangar's claims. On the other hand, Gaylord's declaration indicates that he expressly told Stewart that he wanted coverage for cattle death related to contaminated feed, Stewart recommended changing to the Farm Policy, and Stewart expressly said that the Farm Policy actually covered cattle death due to contaminated feed. See Ted Gaylord Dec. ¶¶ 8-9; Sheri Gaylord Dec. ¶¶ 8-9. Under Gaylord's version, he would not necessarily be on notice that cattle death due to contaminated feed was not covered. The ambiguity of the LOE, combined with Gaylord's version of what Stewart said and
The Court cannot resolve the conflict between Stewart's and the Gaylords' respective declarations. Under California law, it is for the trier of fact to resolve both the conflicting extrinsic evidence and to interpret the ambiguous policy. See City of Hope, 43 Cal.4th at 395, 75 Cal.Rptr.3d 333, 181 P.3d 142; Garcia, 36 Cal.3d at 439, 204 Cal.Rptr. 435, 682 P.2d 1100. Summary judgment on the third party coverage claim will be denied.
Defendants argue that there is insufficient evidence of bad faith. First, the one year limitations period applies to any bad faith connected to the denial under Coverage E. Second, there is no indication that benefits were withheld unreasonably and without proper cause. Defendants argue that they promptly investigated and repeatedly tried to gather information from Plaintiffs' attorney. The reasons for denial were reasonably based on the Farm Policy's coverages and exclusions. Once Kamangar's third party claim was submitted, Defendants hired an attorney to analyze whether coverage existed. Mere disagreement with a coverage decision, or a mere erroneous decision, are insufficient to support a bad faith claim. Third, there was a "genuine dispute" whether coverage existed. The existence of a genuine dispute precludes a bad faith claim. Here, a genuine dispute existed because Plaintiffs' own cattle were not included in the declarations of Coverage E and the cause of loss was not included under Coverage E. For the third party claim, a genuine dispute exists regarding the application of Coverage H's exclusions for custom feeding and contractual liability. Defendants attempted to investigate, sought to communicate with Plaintiffs' counsel, hired an attorney to research and provide an opinion, and Stewart told Nationwide that he had offered custom feeding coverage to Gaylord, but Gaylord declined.
Plaintiffs argue that there are triable issues of fact whether the cattle were covered under the Policies. Further, the October 3, 2008, denial letter was issued just 24 hours after receiving notice of Plaintiffs' claim, despite knowing that Plaintiffs were still trying to find the cause of death and attempting cure the problem. The 24 hour investigation was inadequate. Further, the letter included an arbitrary date of loss (May 21, 2008) which was intended to trigger the running of the limitations period prematurely. Where such facts exists, summary judgment on bad faith claims is improper. Also, the "genuine dispute doctrine" is only proper when it is indisputable that the basis for the insurer's denial was reasonable. When the duty to defend is at issue, the genuine dispute doctrine does not apply.
"The law implies in every contract, including insurance policies, a covenant of good faith and fair dealing," which "requires each contracting party to refrain from doing anything to injure the right of the other to receive the agreement's benefits." Wilson v. 21st Century Ins. Co., 42 Cal.4th 713, 720, 68 Cal.Rptr.3d 746, 171 P.3d 1082 (2007); Egan v. Mutual of Omaha Ins. Co., 24 Cal.3d 809, 818, 169 Cal.Rptr. 691, 620 P.2d 141 (1979). "When the insurer unreasonably and in bad faith withholds payment of the claim of its insured, it is subject to liability in tort." Wilson, 42 Cal.4th at 720, 68 Cal.Rptr.3d 746,
Plaintiffs' complaint for bad faith is based on Defendants' denial of all liability "under the Policies," including the refusal to undertake the defense of Kamangar's lawsuit. Complaint at ¶¶ 30, 33. The bases of the bad faith cause of action includes Defendants' resolution of Plaintiffs' first and third party coverage claim.
Plaintiffs' bad faith claim with respect to denial of coverage under Coverage E (the first party property claim) is time barred. A contractual limitations period will act to bar both breach of contract and tort claims when the claims are "on the insurance policy," meaning that the suit seeks to recover policy benefits or is grounded upon a failure to pay policy benefits. Campanelli v. Allstate Life Ins. Co., 322 F.3d 1086, 1096-97 (9th Cir.2003); Shugerman v. Allstate Ins. Co., 594 F.Supp.2d 1131 (C.D.Cal.2009); Jang v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 80 Cal.App.4th 1291, 1300-01, 95 Cal.Rptr.2d 917 (2000); CBS Broadcasting, Inc. v. Fireman's Fund, Ins. Co., 70 Cal.App.4th 1075,
With respect to Plaintiffs' bad faith claim based on denial of coverage and defense under Coverage H (the third party liability claim), the Court must first address the Harbison case. Plaintiffs are correct that a case from the Eastern District of California has questioned whether the "genuine dispute" doctrine can ever apply when the duty to defend is at issue. See Harbison v. American Motorists Ins. Co., 636 F.Supp.2d 1030, 1040 (E.D.Cal. 2009). However, at this point, the Court cannot follow Harbison. First, the Ninth Circuit has applied the "genuine dispute doctrine" when the duty to defend was at issue. See Lunsford v. American Guar. & Liab. Ins. Co., 18 F.3d 653, 654, 656 (9th Cir.1994). In Lunsford, the insurer refused to defend a counterclaim against the insured for abuse of process. See id. at 654. The Ninth Circuit found the insurance policy ambiguous and resolved the ambiguity in favor of the insureds, thus mandating that the insurer cover the defense costs. See id. at 654-56. Despite finding a breach of the duty to defend, the Ninth Circuit held, "Because [the insurer] investigated the insureds' claim and based its refusal to defend on that information and a reasonable construction of the policy, [the insurer] did not act in bad faith, and we conclude that [the insurer] was entitled to summary judgment on the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing claim." Id. at 656. Second, several district courts have acknowledged and/or have applied the genuine dispute rule in cases involving the duty to defend. See Sell v. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 2010 WL 4720882, *3-4, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 121513, *9-*11 (E.D.Cal. Nov. 17, 2010) (recognizing that the insurer did not act unreasonably in its interpretation of an ambiguous provision); Vaid-Raizada v. Lexington Nat'l Ins. Co., 2009 WL 2486467, *2, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 76314, *4-*5 (C.D.Cal. Aug. 12, 2009) ("Courts have consistently applied the `genuine dispute' rule in assessing bad faith tort claims on the duty to defend.. . ."); Larkin v. ITT Hartford, 1999 WL 459351, *10, 1999 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9960, *28, 1999 WL 459351 (N.D.Cal. June 29, 1999) ("Second, an insurer generally does not act in bad faith if there exists a genuine dispute as to the insurer's duty to defend."). Third, a prominent California Insurance treatise has taken the position that, while factual disputes preclude application of the "genuine dispute doctrine" in duty to defend cases, legal disputes do not preclude application of the "genuine dispute doctrine." H. Walter Croskey, et al., California Practice Guide: Insurance Litigation (The Rutter Group 2010) §§ 12:618.5, 12:618.6, 12:618.10 (hereinafter "Croskey"). "[W]here the insurer refuses to defend a claim against its insured based on a legal dispute over coverage . . . a `genuine dispute' may preclude bad faith liability." Id. at § 12.618.10 (emphasis in original). In duty to defend cases, a "potential coverage cannot be based on an unresolved dispute concerning policy interpretation or other purely legal questions that are ultimately resolved in favor of the insurer." Id. at § 7:529; see also Griffin Dewatering Corp. v. Northern Ins. Co. of N.Y., 176 Cal.App.4th 172, 209, 97 Cal.Rptr.3d 568 (2009). In light of these of authorities, the Court must respectfully disagree with Harbison's conclusion that the "genuine dispute doctrine" cannot apply in all bad faith duty to defend cases.
It is true that in May 2009 Kamangar's attorney wrote a letter to Defendants, and the letter indicated that Plaintiffs had a reasonable expectation of coverage through operation of the LOE. See Davis Dec. Ex. I. The Court has found potential merit to this very position. However, the interpretation of a policy, and whether an ambiguity exists, are legal disputes that can support application of the "genuine dispute doctrine." See Guebara, 237 F.3d at 993; American Cas. Co. v. Krieger, 181 F.3d 1113, 1123 (1999); Wilson, 42 Cal.4th at 723, 68 Cal.Rptr.3d 746, 171 P.3d 1082; Griffin Dewatering, 176 Cal.App.4th at 208-09, 97 Cal.Rptr.3d 568; Croskey at
Summary judgment in favor of Defendants on Plaintiffs' bad faith claims is appropriate.
Defendants argue that there is not clear and convincing evidence of fraud, malice, or oppression. Nationwide argues that it investigated the claim, made a reasonable determination based on the information possessed, and later gave the claim to an outside counsel to review. The claims handling was reasonable and not worthy of punitive damages.
Plaintiffs' argument is essentially identical to their arguments with respect to their bad faith claims. Where triable issues of fact exist as to whether coverage exists, and thus whether the insurer acted in bad faith, there are also triable facts as to whether the insurer acted with malice, oppression, or fraud. The same facts that preclude summary judgment on the bad faith claim preclude summary judgment on the punitive damages claim.
Under California law, punitive damages "may be available in actions not arising from contract, where fraud, oppression, or malice is proved." Moradi-Shalal v. Fireman's Fund Ins. Cos., 46 Cal.3d 287, 305, 250 Cal.Rptr. 116, 758 P.2d 58 (1988); Jordan v. Allstate Ins. Co., 148 Cal.App.4th 1062, 1080, 56 Cal.Rptr.3d 312 (2007). "Malice" is defined as intentional injury or "despicable conduct which is carried on by the defendant with a willful and conscious disregard of the rights or safety of others." Cal. Civ.Code § 3294(c)(1); Roby v. McKesson Corp., 47 Cal.4th 686, 712, 101 Cal.Rptr.3d 773, 219 P.3d 749 (2009). "Oppression" is defined as "despicable conduct that subjects a person to cruel and unjust hardship in conscious disregard of that person's rights." Cal. Civ. Code § 3294(c)(2); Roby, 47 Cal.4th at 712, 101 Cal.Rptr.3d 773, 219 P.3d 749. The plaintiff must prove fraud, oppression, or malice by "clear and convincing evidence." Cal. Civ.Code § 3294(a); Roby, 47 Cal.4th at 712, 101 Cal.Rptr.3d 773, 219 P.3d 749; Jordan, 148 Cal.App.4th at 1080, 56 Cal.Rptr.3d 312. The "clear and convincing evidence" standard applies at trial and at summary judgment. Gathenji v. Autozoners, LLC, 703 F.Supp.2d 1017, 1036 (E.D.Cal.2010); Spinks v. Equity Residential Briarwood Apts., 171 Cal.App.4th 1004, 1053, 90 Cal.Rptr.3d 453 (2009). A mere violation of the duty of good faith and fair dealing is by itself insufficient to support punitive damages. Silberg v. California Life Ins. Co., 11 Cal.3d 452, 462-63, 113 Cal.Rptr. 711, 521 P.2d 1103 (1974); Jordan, 148 Cal.App.4th at 1080, 56 Cal.Rptr.3d 312; see PPG Industries, Inc. v. Transamerica Ins. Co., 20 Cal.4th 310, 319, 84 Cal.Rptr.2d 455, 975 P.2d 652 (1999). Rather, an insurance company's breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing must be coupled with clear and convincing evidence of malice, fraud, or oppression in order to justify punitive damages. PPG Industries, 20 Cal.4th at 319, 84 Cal.Rptr.2d 455, 975 P.2d 652; Jordan,
Initially, the Court has determined that summary judgment is appropriate as to Plaintiffs' bad faith claims. "If the insurer did not act in bad faith, punitive damages are unavailable. . . ." American Cas. Co. v. Krieger, 181 F.3d 1113, 1123 (9th Cir.1999); Lunsford, 18 F.3d at 656.
Similarly, with respect to punitive damages based on conduct involving the first party property claim, the one year limitations period bars both Plaintiffs' breach of contract and tortious bad faith claims based on this conduct. "There is no separate cause of action for punitive damages—they are only ancillary to a valid cause of action." Caira v. Offner, 126 Cal.App.4th 12, 39 n. 20, 24 Cal.Rptr.3d 233 (2005). As such, Defendants' conduct with respect to the first party property claim cannot support punitive damages.
Alternatively, with respect to the third party claim, for similar reasons that summary judgment on Plaintiffs' bad faith claim was appropriate, summary judgment on the punitive damages request is appropriate. Again, Defendants made multiple attempts to contact Plaintiffs (through their counsel) in order to investigate the claim, Defendants identified an express exclusion, the plain language of which encompasses Kamangar's claims, Defendants were willing to reconsider or re-review the claim once Kamangar filed suit, and Defendants sent the case for independent evaluation by an attorney. Plaintiffs have not shown that the investigation for Coverage H purposes was inadequate or that reliance on the reviewing attorney's opinion was unreasonable. Sending the case for review by the attorney indicates an awareness of rights, it does not indicate oppression or a disregard of rights. That Defendants found exclusions applicable, especially the custom feeding exclusion, does not in and of itself show fraud, malice, or oppression. In short, Plaintiffs have presented no evidence that would support punitive damages by clear and convincing evidence. See PPG Industries, 20 Cal.4th at 319, 84 Cal.Rptr.2d 455, 975 P.2d 652; Jordan, 148 Cal.App.4th at 1080, 56 Cal.Rptr.3d 312.
Summary judgment on Plaintiffs' punitive damages request is appropriate.
Defendants move for summary judgment on Plaintiffs' breach of contract, bad faith, and punitive damages claims.
As to Plaintiffs breach of contract claims regarding first party property coverage under Coverage E, summary judgment in favor of Defendants is appropriate because Plaintiffs did not file suit within the Farm Policy's one year limitations period. The evidence establishes that, at the latest, Plaintiffs became aware of "appreciable" damage to the cattle on October 2, 2008 (when Plaintiffs first submitted their claims). However, this suit was not filed until March 4, 2010. Even considering tolling, this lawsuit was filed after the one year limitations period expired.
As to Plaintiffs' breach of contract claims regarding third party liability coverage, summary judgment is not appropriate. There is an ambiguity in Coverage H due to the LOE. Normally, this ambiguity would have been interpreted to provide coverage for Plaintiffs. However, the respective declarations of the Gaylords and Stewart are conflicting and irreconcilable. The Gaylords' declarations show that they requested coverage for cattle death due to tainted feed and that Stewart told them that the Farm Policy provided that coverage. Stewart's declaration shows that he told Ted Gaylord that coverage for custom
As to Plaintiffs' bad faith claim related to the first party property coverage decision, summary judgment is appropriate. This claim seeks damages for the failure to pay benefits/seeks to recover policy benefits. The claim is therefore "on the policy." Because the claim is "on the policy," the one year limitations period bars the claim.
As to Plaintiffs' bad faith claim related to the third party liability claim, summary judgment is appropriate. The evidence indicates that Defendants acted reasonably because they investigated the claim and embraced a reasonable interpretation of the Farm Policy.
Finally, summary judgment on Plaintiffs' request for punitive damages is appropriate because there is not clear and convincing evidence of fraud, malice or oppression, and because Plaintiffs' bad faith claims fail.
Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:
1. Defendants' motion for summary judgment on Plaintiffs' breach of contract cause of action related to first party property coverage is GRANTED;
2. Defendants' motion for summary judgment on Plaintiffs' breach of contract cause of action related to third party liability coverage is DENIED;
3. Defendants' motion for summary judgment on Plaintiffs' bad faith claims is GRANTED; and
4. Defendants motion for summary judgment on Plaintiffs' request for punitive damages is GRANTED.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
