HILLMAN, District Judge.
Before the Court are a motion for partial summary judgment and cross-motion for summary judgment filed by plaintiff and counter-defendant Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's of London ("Lloyd's"), a motion for partial summary judgment against Lloyd's filed by defendant, crossclaimant, and counterclaimant GMAC Mortgage and Ally Bank Corporation (collectively "GMAC"), and a motion for partial summary judgment against Salvatore Alesi ("Alesi") filed by GMAC. For reasons explained below, Lloyd's motion for partial summary judgment against Alesi will be granted in its favor as to the personal contents claim, the lost rental income claim, and Alesi's bad faith claim. Lloyd's motion will be granted in part and denied in part as to its claim of violation of the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act. Lloyd's motion regarding its requests for admissions directed to Alesi will be denied. GMAC's motion for partial summary judgment against Lloyd's will be denied, and Lloyd's cross-motion for summary judgment will be granted with regard to GMAC's claim to the insurance proceeds for the property claim. GMAC's motion against Alesi on grounds that Alesi agreed to "net zero" on the sale of the premises including the insurance proceeds will be denied due to the ambiguity of the agreement.
This declaratory judgment matter involves a dispute over an insurance claim for damage sustained to real property located at 7608 Bayshore Drive, Margate, New Jersey ("premises"). In or about May 2002, Salvatore Alesi purchased the premises in cash for more than $300,000, and then borrowed money to make improvements. In 2005, Alesi married Sherri Krasner ("Krasner") and the two lived in the premises together. In July 2007, the couple began divorce proceedings. Although the couple reconciled, Krasner later sought and was awarded a temporary restraining order against Alesi. In or about October 2007, Alesi executed a mortgage in favor of defendant GMAC.
During that same month, on October 25, 2007, Alesi filed a police report concerning certain items that he represented were stolen from the premises, including Rolex watches (Submariner and DateJust), his wedding band, a television, a DVD player, a Gibson guitar, an Erté painting, a bronze dolphin, a Japanese "Block" painting, an ivory statue and an "oriental dancer."
In or about February 2008, Alesi obtained homeowner's insurance from Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's of London ("Lloyd's"). Alesi and Krasner again attempted
By this time, Alesi had defaulted on his mortgage with GMAC and was approximately one year in arrears on his payments.
Sometime during November 30-December 1, 2008, the Margate City Police were dispatched to the premises after a neighbor reported that water was running out of the front door. The police found the interior of the premises extensively damaged. Certain fixtures such as sinks, countertops, and toilets were destroyed, the walls and ceiling were damaged, and the ceiling seemed in danger of collapse as a result of the water damage. On December 1, 2008, Alesi was notified of the damage by the police. Alesi and his father inspected the premises and found that all the faucets in the house had been turned and left on.
Alesi and GMAC submitted insurance claims to Lloyd's. David M. O'Brien ("O'Brien") was retained by Lloyd's as the adjuster. Within two or three days, O'Brien contacted Alesi and on December 10, 2008, O'Brien met with Alesi to review the damage. Alesi provided O'Brien with a preliminary, handwritten contents list of personal items that Alesi represented were either removed or damaged as a result of the loss. O'Brien estimated that the costs necessary to repair the building would be $69,023, and that Alesi could claim $11,000 more if other repairs were completed. Alesi submitted a building estimate from Brindisi Builders for repairs, first in the amount of $210,000, and then later in the amount of $154,176. Alesi also claimed a loss of personal contents in an amount more than $100,000, and lost rental income of $9,000.
On December 28, 2008, O'Brien sent Alesi an email reminding him to get in touch with him and to submit a final claim for contents. Alesi responded on January 14, 2009 that he had about 75% of the receipts and on February 8, 2009 stated to O'Brien that he needed to get in touch with Krasner before he could complete his contents list. On March 8, 2009, O'Brien sent Alesi an email asking him to present his contents claim "ASAP." The parties dispute whether a contents list was provided at that time or not until September 2009, although both Lloyd's and Alesi acknowledge that Alesi needed to speak with Krasner about what items had been in the house, and that Alesi's efforts were hampered by the retraining order against him.
During her deposition, Krasner testified that a washer and dryer contained on Alesi's contents list were given to her by her father and removed to a tanning salon where she worked after Alesi turned off the water supply to the premises. She testified Alesi knew of the removal of the washer and dryer. Krasner also testified
Alesi admits Krasner provided this testimony, but argues that her testimony should be barred because Krasner asserted her Fifth Amendment privilege and refused to testify to matters regarding: whether she removed property from the premises when she left in November 2008; her knowledge or information about the damage to the premises; who knew that she was leaving and who helped her move; and the condition of the premises when she left and whether the water had been turned on.
Alesi also submitted a lost rent claim of $9,000 based on a lease with his cousin's son, Chris Brindisi, for rental of the premises in the summer of 2008. The premises could not be leased, however, because Krasner was residing at the property at that time and had a restraining order in effect against Alesi. Alesi maintains that the property could have been rented after Krasner left if the property had not been destroyed.
After filing a complaint in mortgage foreclosure in January 2008, GMAC agreed to permit Alesi to sell the premises "as is" in a short sale in exchange for full and final payment of the mortgage. In or about March 2010, the premises was sold to a third party for $325,000, an amount substantially less than the amount owed on the mortgage.
On April 8, 2010, Lloyd's filed this action seeking declaratory relief that it did not owe insurance coverage to defendants for damages sustained to the premises because such damage was caused by Alesi or his estranged wife, or both, and because Alesi misrepresented facts to its investigator. Alesi filed an answer and counterclaim against Lloyd's alleging breach of contract and bad faith for failing to pay the insurance claim. Lloyd's filed an amended complaint on June 3, 2010, adding a claim against Alesi under the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act ("IFPA"), N.J.S.A. § 17:33A-1 to 30. GMAC filed a counterclaim against Lloyd's seeking insurance coverage for damage to the premises, and a cross-claim against Alesi arguing that any insurance payments paid to Alesi belong to GMAC.
Plaintiff alleges that this Court has jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332 because there is complete diversity of citizenship between the parties and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000, exclusive of interest and costs. The plaintiff, Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's of London, is incorporated under the laws of the United Kingdom, and has a principal place of business in London, England. Defendant, GMAC Mortgage, is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with its principal place of business in Pennsylvania. Defendant, Ally Bank Corporation, is incorporated in the State of Utah with its principal place of business in Michigan. Defendant, Salvatore Alesi, is an individual and citizen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Summary judgment is appropriate where the Court is satisfied that "`the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law.'" Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986) (quoting Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(C)).
An issue is "genuine" if it is supported by evidence "such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the nonmoving party." Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986). A fact is "material" if, under the governing substantive law, a dispute about the fact might affect the outcome of the suit. Id. "In considering a motion for summary judgment, a district court may not make credibility determinations or engage in any weighing of the evidence; instead, the non-moving party's evidence `is to be believed and all justifiable inferences are to be drawn in his favor.'" Marino v. Indus. Crating Co., 358 F.3d 241, 247 (3d Cir.2004) (quoting Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255, 106 S.Ct. 2505).
Initially, the moving party has the burden of demonstrating the absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Celotex, 477 U.S. at 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548. Once the moving party has met this burden, the nonmoving party must identify, by affidavits or otherwise, specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. Id. at 324, 106 S.Ct. 2548. Thus, to withstand a properly supported motion for summary judgment, the nonmoving party must identify specific facts and affirmative evidence that contradict those offered by the moving party. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 256-57, 106 S.Ct. 2505. A party opposing summary judgment must do more than just rest upon mere allegations, general denials, or vague statements. Saldana v. Kmart Corp., 260 F.3d 228, 232 (3d Cir. 2001).
In its motion for partial summary judgment, Lloyd's seeks a declaratory judgment that it has no duty to provide insurance coverage for Alesi's alleged personal property losses. Lloyd's argues that an insurance policy may be voided by an insurer for a willful misrepresentation of a material fact and that Alesi made numerous material and willful misrepresentations to Lloyd's investigator.
Alesi has claimed in excess of $100,000 in personal property damage for items he claimed were either destroyed or removed from the premises during the loss. Lloyd's maintains that the list of contents that was provided by Alesi almost eleven months after the loss, despite repeated attempts by their investigator David O'Brien to secure a contents list, contains items that were not in the premises at the time when the property was vandalized during November 30-December 1, 2008. The items Lloyd's disputes on the list are: (1) three Samurai swords
Alesi states that he received a call from the Margate City Police Department that his home had been "annihilated" and that upon arriving at the premises saw that the water faucets had been turned on flooding the premises, and that the countertops, toilets, and other fixtures had all been smashed to pieces. Alesi states that he remained in contact with O'Brien and explained that the delay in providing the contents list was due to his inability to find out from Krasner what items were in the house when she left. Alesi argues that any testimony by Krasner that certain items on his contents list had been previously removed, or known to have been previously removed, by Alesi should be barred because Krasner asserted her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. Alesi argues that it is unfair to rely on Krasner's testimony at this stage of the proceedings because his counsel was deprived of the right to cross-examine her and impeach her testimony. Alesi points out that Krasner was the last person to occupy the premises and the destruction to the premises occurred less than 24 hours after she left.
Alesi has raised some serious concerns regarding Krasner's testimony. Not only did Krasner invoke the protections of the Fifth Amendment and not testify to certain issues, Alesi's counsel was unable to fully cross examine her. However, while the Court cannot weigh the credibility of a witness on summary judgment, see Marino, 358 F.3d at 247, Alesi has not shown that her testimony should be barred at this stage as a matter of law.
The Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination can be raised by a witness in civil proceedings during discovery, and at trial. See McKune v. Lile, 536 U.S. 24, 55, 122 S.Ct. 2017, 2036, 153 L.Ed.2d 47 (2002) (acknowledging that the Fifth Amendment prohibition against self-incrimination allows a witness "not to answer official questions put to him in any other proceeding, civil or criminal, formal or informal, where the answers might incriminate him in future criminal proceedings.") (citations omitted). The court has discretion to fashion an appropriate remedy based on the particular facts of the case, and should do so by balancing the interests of the parties. S.E.C. v. Graystone Nash, Inc., 25 F.3d 187, 192 (3d Cir.1994) (finding that trial court must balance interests of party claiming privilege with adversary's entitlement to equitable treatment); U.S. v. Certain Real Property and Premises Known as 4003-4005 5th Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y., 55 F.3d 78, 84-85 n. 7 (2nd Cir.1995) (finding trial court has discretion stemming from its broad discretion to control and fashion remedies for abuses of the discovery process and may adopt remedial measures or impose sanctions if it appears Fifth Amendment has been used in a way to hinder discovery or obstruct a proceeding) (citations omitted).
We view this issue as one within the Court's discretion, see Graystone, 25 F.3d at 192, and can discern no reason why Krasner's testimony should be barred simply because she invoked the Fifth Amendment with regard to certain aspects of her testimony. We note that, with some exceptions,
In addition, Lloyd's cites to a signed Certification of Salvatore Alesi dated January 18, 2008 filed with the Superior Court of New Jersey as part of his divorce proceedings stating that when he returned to the premises in October 2007 to retrieve his personal belongings, certain items were not at the premises, including: a platinum wedding band, Erté oriental lady painting, bronze "Dolphin in Air," oriental antique, "Brumese (sic) dancer," six dining room chairs, leather couch, kitchenware, dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and a Japanese "block" painting. These items are also listed on Alesi's September 30, 2009 contents list provided to O'Brien as part of his claim for personal losses. Also, Alesi filed another signed certification with the Superior Court of New Jersey dated March 7, 2008, stating that during the week of October 15, 2007, Krasner had the premises "cleared out of all items" and that the premises as of October 2007 "was empty." Alesi further states, "[t]his included all my property as well. To this day, I still have no idea where this property is located and who is watching same." Alesi also states that after he was removed from the premises and allowed to return to retrieve his personal items, that Krasner had "removed and cleared out my home office including, files, my computer, etc."
Krasner also submitted a signed certification to the Superior Court of New Jersey dated March 6, 2008, stating that Alesi removed several pieces of art worth over $20,000 from the premises. Krasner's divorce lawyer, Stephen Patrizio, sent a letter to Craig Sobel, Esquire, dated January 14, 2008, stating that Krasner would vacate the premises and return all of Alesi's personal belongings in exchange for $25,000. The letter also states that Krasner would retain the handbags but that Alesi's watch was in a pawnshop. Lloyd's provided a copy of a signed four month loan receipt from Royal Pawn located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, indicating that Sherri Alesi (Krasner) pawned a gentleman's two-tone Rolex, and that if the merchandise was not redeemed or renewed by January 6, 2008, it would be forfeited. On July 26, 2008, Krasner filed a police report with the Margate City Police Department stating that her husband went back to their home with the police and stole her three Chanel handbags, and driver's license.
Under New Jersey law, insurance "policies should be construed liberally in [the insured's] favor to the end that coverage is afforded `to the full extent that any fair interpretation will allow.'" Longobardi v. Chubb Ins. Co. of New Jersey, 121 N.J. 530, 582 A.2d 1257, 1260 (1990) (citations omitted). "Notwithstanding that premise, the words of an insurance policy should be given their ordinary meaning, and in the absence of an ambiguity, a court should not engage in a strained construction to support the imposition of liability." Id. (citations omitted).
Lloyd's argues that under the insurance policy, Section I. B.9.a. and b., Lloyd's will insure for loss from attempted theft and loss when it is likely the property has been stolen, unless the theft is caused by an "insured." Lloyd's also refers to Section I.-Exclusions.8 which states that Lloyd's does not insure for any loss due to intentional loss "arising out of any act an `insured' commits or conspires to commit with the intent to cause a loss." Lloyd's also states that pursuant to Section I-Conditions.Q, it does not provide coverage to "insureds" who have intentionally concealed or misrepresented any material fact or circumstance, engaged in fraudulent conduct, or made false statements relating to the insurance. Finally, under the "Certificate Provisions"-"Claim Notifications" paragraph 2.a., the policy provides that "[i]f the Named Insured shall make any claim knowing the same to be false, fraudulent, as regards amount or otherwise, this insurance shall become void, and all claims hereunder shall be forfeited." There is no dispute that Alesi and Krasner were "insureds" under the policy.
Despite certain evidentiary problems as noted above, Lloyd's has presented uncontroverted admissible evidence showing that many items claimed by Alesi to have been removed or damaged during the date of loss were, in fact, stolen or removed prior to that time. There is a tortured history surrounding various items being removed by either Alesi or Krasner during a contentious marriage and subsequent divorce proceedings, but there is no evidence from Alesi that any of the items being returned to the premises prior to the date of loss.
Alesi has claimed he lost rental income of $9,000 in connection with the vandalism
Alesi maintains that although he was prohibited by the judge in his divorce proceedings from renting the property in the summer of 2008, there was nothing to prevent him from doing so after Krasner vacated the premises. Lloyd's responds that the premises was in foreclosure and, therefore, Alesi could not rent the premises.
Although, as stated in his March 7, 2008 Certification to the Superior Court of New Jersey, Alesi admits that the premises was in mortgage default since the summer of 2007, and a formal mortgage foreclosure action was filed and served in January 2008, in the amount of $546,000, Lloyd's has not presented any law that precludes an owner from renting a foreclosed property. In fact, it would seem that if Alesi was able to secure a paying tenant after Krasner moved out (assuming the loss had not occurred), he may have been able to negotiate with GMAC. What is more problematic, however, is that Alesi has not furnished any purported lease between him and Mr. Brindisi or anyone else. Lloyd's states that Alesi never provided a copy of the purported lease to Lloyd's during the adjustment period. There is no statement from any party whether a signed lease exists, and no signed lease was submitted to the Court. There is certainly no testimony or other evidence that a lease was entered into after Krasner moved out. Therefore, there is no evidence that shows any intent to rent the premises after Krasner moved out. Thus, given that Alesi was precluded from renting the premises until Krasner moved out, presumably sometime in November 2008, and given that Alesi has no signed leased, or proposed lease, or affidavit from Mr. Brindisi, in support of his claim to rent the premises after Krasner moved out, Lloyd's was justified in denying the loss rental claim under the policy. Accordingly, Lloyd's motion for partial summary judgment as to Count I of its amended complaint regarding Alesi's claim for lost rental income will be granted.
Lloyd's alleges that Alesi violated the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act ("IFPA") sections 17:33-A-4(a)(1),
The applicable burden of proof to prove a violation of the IFPA is a preponderance of the evidence. Land, 186 N.J. at 180, 892 A.2d 1240 (rejecting a clear and convincing evidence standard). This is a lower standard than proving common law fraud which must be proved by clear and convincing evidence. See 539 Absecon Blvd., L.L.C. v. Shan Enterprises Ltd. Partnership, 406 N.J.Super. 242, 269, 967 A.2d 845, 861 (App.Div.2009); Foley, Inc. v. Fevco, Inc., 379 N.J.Super. 574, 585 n. 9, 879 A.2d 1242, 1249 n. 9 (App.Div.2005). Also, "[u]nlike common law fraud, proof of fraud under the IFPA does not require proof of reliance on the false statement or resultant damages ... nor proof of intent to deceive." Lincoln Nat., 2010 WL 3283550, at *16 (citing Land, 186 N.J. at 174-75, 892 A.2d 1240; State v. Nasir, 355 N.J.Super. 96, 106, 809 A.2d 796 (2002), cert. denied, 175 N.J. 549, 816 A.2d 1051 (2003)).
Lloyd's has shown that it is entitled to summary judgment on its claim that Alesi has violated the IFPA. As explained above, Alesi filed signed certifications with the Superior Court of New Jersey stating that certain items had been removed and were not located at the premises. Alesi included some of those same items in his final contents list to O'Brien as part of his insurance claim. Alesi has presented no evidence that any of the items he certified to the state court as removed were ever replaced before the date of loss. Although these facts support a violation of the IFPA, the October 2007 police report filed by Alesi and the testimony of Krasner provides additional evidence that Alesi reported items as part of
Therefore, following the remedial purpose of the IFPA, the uncontroverted facts show that Alesi made statements to Lloyd's knowing that the statements contained false or misleading information. See 17:33-A-4(a)(1).
Alesi filed a counterclaim against Lloyd's for bad faith based on its failure to pay his insurance claim in excess of $155,000 in property damages, in excess of $100,000 in personal property damage, and approximately $9,000 in lost rents. As explained above, judgment will be entered in favor of Lloyd's regarding the personal property and lost rental claims and, therefore, Alesi's bad faith with regard to those two claims will be dismissed.
With regard to Alesi's property damage claim, in order to prove a claim of bad faith under New Jersey law, a plaintiff must prove that: "1) the insurer lacked a `fairly debatable' reason for its failure to pay a claim, and 2) that the insurer knew or recklessly disregarded the lack of a reasonable basis for denying the claim." Ketzner v. John Hancock Mutual Life Ins. Co., 118 Fed.Appx. 594, 599 (3d Cir.2004) (citing Pickett v. Lloyd's, 131 N.J. 457, 621 A.2d 445, 454 (N.J.1993)). "To establish a bad faith claim, plaintiff must be able to establish, as a matter of law, a right to summary judgment on the substantive claim; if plaintiff cannot establish a right to summary judgment, the bad faith claim fails." Id.
Alesi argues that Lloyd's has no evidence to support its claim that Alesi caused the damage to the premises. Alesi states that Krasner left the premises within 24 hours of the damage being discovered and had exercised her Fifth Amendment right and refused to answer questions surrounding the circumstances of her leaving and the condition of the premises when she left. Alesi also states that he provided Lloyd's with information that an individual named Tom Totarro was charged with theft on the premises months before the damage.
Lloyd's responds that its investigator David O'Brien inspected the premises and prepared a repair estimate in the amount of $69,023, and that Alesi could claim approximately $11,000 more if other repairs were completed. Alesi submitted two estimates, both prepared by his cousin, Michael Brindisi, the first showing repair costs in the amount of $210,000, and the second in the amount of $154,176.23. Lloyd's maintains that on numerous occasions over a period of months, it attempted to reconcile the estimates, and spoke with Mr. Brindisi in an attempt to bridge the gap between the estimates. Mr. Brindisi testified that his first estimate of $210,000 was not prepared for insurance claim purposes. He also testified that he included a new heating and air-conditioning system to replace the original electric baseboard heat in the house prior to the loss. Brindisi further testified that he included items in the estimate that Alesi wanted, but that in Brindisi's opinion, would not be acceptable
In light of the above, Lloyd's had a "fairly debatable" reason for its failure to pay Alesi's property claim. There was a large gap between the building estimates produced by Brindisi and that of its investigator, O'Brien. Brindisi told O'Brien that the estimate included new items that Alesi wanted included, not just repairs to the premises. Lloyd's also had serious questions regarding Alesi's contents claim and loss rents claim. In addition, Lloyd's was notified that Alesi was being investigated by the New Jersey Office of Insurance Fraud. Under all of these circumstances, Alesi cannot prove as a matter of law that Lloyd's acted in bad faith in not paying the property claim. Therefore, Lloyd's motion for summary judgment regarding Alesi's bad faith claim will be granted, and Alesi's counterclaim of bad faith will be dismissed.
Lloyd's argues that since Alesi failed to timely respond to its requests for admissions, the requests should be deemed admitted. Alesi admits that the requests were untimely, but asks the Court to excuse his delay and permit his responses to be served nunc pro tunc.
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 36(a)(3) states:
Fed.R.Civ.P. 36(a)(3).
Lloyd's served its requests for admissions on or about June 17, 2010. Alesi did not respond until August 10, 2010, which is past the thirty day deadline. Alesi neither requested an extension from opposing counsel, nor filed a motion to amend or withdraw with the Court. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 36(b), "[a] matter admitted under this rule is conclusively established unless the court, on motion, permits the admission to be withdrawn or amended." Fed.R.Civ.P. 36(b).
"Courts have great discretion in deciding whether to withdraw or amend an admission." U.S. v. Branella, 972 F.Supp. 294, 301 (D.N.J.1997) (citing United States v. Stelmokas, No. 92-3440, 1995 WL 464264, at *4 (E.D.Pa. Aug. 2, 1995), aff'd, 100 F.3d 302 (3d Cir.1996)). "Under Fed.R.Civ.P. 36(b) and case law in this Circuit, the party contesting amendment or withdrawal of the admission must demonstrate that prejudice will result from the amendment or withdrawal." Id. (citing Gerlach v. Volvo Cars of North America, No. 96-1476, 1997 WL 129004, at *7 (E.D.Pa. March 17, 1997)). "The court must also consider whether amendment or withdrawal of the admission will subserve the presentation of the merits of the case." Id.
Alesi responded to the requests for admission well before the discovery deadline and a month before his deposition. Lloyd's has not demonstrated that any prejudice will result if the admissions are withdrawn. Conversely, allowing the admissions will result in summary judgment against Alesi. Although Lloyd's has met its burden for summary judgment on the contents claim and loss rents claim, it has not moved for summary judgment on
GMAC moves for summary judgment on Lloyd's request for a declaratory judgment with regard to Alesi's property claim. GMAC states that Lloyd's seeks a declaratory judgment on the property claim on the grounds that since Alesi committed the vandalism himself, no one is entitled to the proceeds of the policy. GMAC argues that even if Alesi committed the vandalism, that GMAC as mortgagee would still be entitled to the proceeds. GMAC notes that Section I — Exclusions-A.8 of the policy states that Lloyd's will not provide coverage for an "insured" who commits or directs an act with the intent to cause a loss, and that Section I-Conditions-Q, provides that Lloyd's will not provide coverage if the "insured" intentionally conceals or misrepresents a fact. GMAC maintains that the definition of "insured" does not include it, the mortgagee. GMAC argues that the policy contemplates the fact that mortgagees would be beneficiaries on the polices pursuant to Section I Conditions — K, which permits Lloyd's to pay the mortgagee named in the policy and that if Lloyd's denies the claim "that denial will not apply to a valid claim of the mortgagee" if the mortgagee satisfies certain conditions.
GMAC also states that Lloyd's claim that the short sale of the premises extinguished GMAC's rights to the proceeds under the insurance policy was not raised in its amended complaint. GMAC argues that Lloyd's impermissibly raised the argument for the first time on summary judgment. Lloyd's responds that it learned of the "short sale" during discovery and that because GMAC accepted $325,000 as full and final satisfaction of the mortgage, that this "short sale" terminated GMAC's insurable interest in the premises. Lloyd's further argues that since the premises was sold after the loss that it is not entitled to any of the insurance proceeds.
Finally, GMAC argues that the allegations in its counterclaim against Lloyd's should be deem admitted because Lloyd's failed to respond to the counterclaim. Lloyd's argues that GMAC did not file a counterclaim against it.
As a threshold matter, the issue is whether the allegations in GMAC's counterclaim should be deemed admitted. Lloyd's filed its complaint on April 8, 2010, against Alesi and GMAC. GMAC filed their answer on May 19, 2010, which included affirmative defenses, a counterclaim against Lloyd's and a cross-claim against Alesi (No. 13 on Docket). Subsequently, Lloyd's motion to amend its complaint was granted and Lloyd's filed its amended complaint on June 3, 2010. GMAC filed an answer to the amended complaint on June 14, 2010 (No. 19 on Docket). The answer to the amended complaint did not contain any counterclaims or cross-claims or affirmative defenses. The next day, on June 15, 2010, GMAC filed an amended answer to the amended complaint entitled "Answer to Amended Complaint, Cross-claim against Salvatore Alesi" (No. 22 on Docket). The amended answer not only contained a cross-claim against Alesi, it also
According to Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(a)(1)(B), "[a] party must serve an answer to a counterclaim or cross-claim within 21 days after being served with the pleading that states the counterclaim or cross claim." GMAC argues that since Lloyd's did not respond to its counterclaim, pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 8(b)(6),
The next issue is whether Lloyd's was required to amend its complaint in order to properly raise the claim that the short sale of the premises extinguished GMAC's rights to the proceeds under the insurance policy. Lloyd's states that the claim was not included in the amended complaint because it was only made aware of the short sale during the discovery process. Lloyd's maintains that if such an amendment is necessary, that it be granted leave to amend its complaint to add the claim.
Amendments to pleadings are governed by Federal Civil Procedure Rule 15, which provides that the Court "should freely give leave when justice so requires." Fed.R.Civ.P. 15(a)(2). The Third Circuit has shown a strong liberality in allowing amendments under Rule 15 in order to ensure that claims will be decided on the merits rather than on technicalities. Dole v. Arco Chemical Co., 921 F.2d 484, 487 (3d Cir.1990); Bechtel v. Robinson, 886 F.2d 644, 652 (3d Cir.1989). An amendment must be permitted in the absence of undue delay, bad faith, dilatory motive,
GMAC has not shown undue delay, bad faith, dilatory motive, unfair prejudice, or futility of amendment. Therefore, Lloyd's would be permitted to amend its complaint. Rather than engage in a pure procedural exercise, however, another formal amendment of the complaint is not necessary because the facts of the claim are known by the parties. Indeed, the parties have established following facts in their summary judgment briefs. GMAC held a first mortgage on the premises, and held a valid mortgage at the time of the loss. In January 2008, GMAC filed a complaint for foreclosure. In February 2010, GMAC accepted a "short payoff" of the premises in the amount of $325,000 for sale of the premises "as is." On March 8, 2010, Alesi sold the premises for $325,000 to a third party. The issue is whether GMAC, by accepting the "short sale" as full and final satisfaction of the mortgage, after the date of loss, waived its right to collect any insurance proceeds from Lloyd's.
Lloyd's argues that "Whitestone doctrine" has been adopted in New Jersey and applies in this case to bar GMAC from receiving any insurance proceeds. In Whitestone Savings and Loan Assoc. v. Allstate Ins. Co., 28 N.Y.2d 332, 321 N.Y.S.2d 862, 270 N.E.2d 694, 696 (1971), the Court of Appeals of New York held that a mortgagee who bid the full amount of the secured debt at the foreclosure sale in order to obtain the mortgaged property did not retain any insurable interest entitling it to sue on a fire insurance policy under a mortgagee loss payable clause. The court in Whitestone based its ruling on the principle that "a mortgagee is entitled to one satisfaction of his debt and no more," so that "the bidding in of the debt to purchase the mortgaged property" cuts off other lower bidders and constitutes a satisfaction of the debt. Id., 321 N.Y.S.2d 862, 270 N.E.2d at 696. "Thus, when a mortgagee is named as the loss payee of a fire insurance policy, a fire occurs, and thereafter the mortgagee forecloses and receives the full amount of the mortgage, the mortgagee is not entitled to the proceeds of the insurance policy." Amboy Nat. Bank v. Generali-U.S. Branch, 930 F.Supp. 1053, 1057-58 (D.N.J.1996) (citing Whitestone, 321 N.Y.S.2d 862, 270 N.E.2d at 694).
A Court in this District has held that the Whitestone doctrine was "essentially adopted by the New Jersey Supreme Court in 495 Corp. v. New Jersey Ins. Underwriting Assoc., 86 N.J. 159, 167-68, 430 A.2d 203 (1981)." Amboy, 930 F.Supp. at 1058. However, in 495 Corp., the New Jersey Supreme Court distinguished its case from Whitestone and relied instead upon Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Co. v. Wilborn, 291 Ala. 193, 279 So.2d 460 (1973). In 495 Corp., the court held that "where ... a mortgagee acquires title to the mortgaged premises by a conveyance from the defaulting mortgagor in lieu of foreclosure, and a fire occurs thereafter, the mortgagee-owner is entitled to be compensated for its loss, to the extent of available insurance moneys after payment has first been made to the superior mortgagee, if there is one." Id. at 205. Whereas, in Amboy, the court found that the Whitestone doctrine applied to bar the second mortgagee
Based on the case law discussed above, the following principles emerge: (1) a mortgagee who forecloses and acquires title, and then a loss occurs, is entitled to the insurance proceeds up to the amount of the mortgage debt; but (2) a mortgagee who forecloses on the property after the loss is not entitled to insurance proceeds, but may look to the mortgagor for any deficiency.
This case is distinguishable from the above cases because GMAC did not foreclose on the property and receive title. Rather, GMAC accepted a "short sale" for an "as-is" property and title to the premises passed to a third-party. In this respect, GMAC would have even less of a claim to the insurance proceeds than a mortgagee who foreclosed after a loss because GMAC does not hold title to the premises. GMAC agreed, after the loss and destruction to the property, that Alesi could sell property to a third party and agreed to accept $325,000 on the unpaid mortgage debt as satisfaction of the debt. GMAC holds no title and currently holds no mortgage on the premises.
GMAC argues that it accepted the short sale because it was obligated to mitigate damages in the event of a breach of contract claim by Alesi. There is no dispute that the premises was hazardous given the amount of water damage and subsequent growth of mold. If the property was not sold "as is" in March 2010, it is likely that further damage would have occurred due to the mold and disrepair thereby further devaluing the property. Having found a buyer at that time allowed GMAC to mitigate any potential damages for breach of the mortgage and limit potential liability. See Banco di Roma v. Fidelity Union Trust Co., 464 F.Supp. 817, 826 (D.N.J. 1979) ("Even a party injured by a breach of contract is under a duty to mitigate damages."). GMAC's duty to mitigate its damages, however, does not create a right to receive insurance proceeds. GMAC has not presented any law that would support a theory that following a loss to real property, a mortgagee, who agrees to the sale of a property to a third party at a loss and accepts a certain sum in full and final satisfaction of the mortgage indebtedness, maintains an interest in receiving insurance proceeds.
Therefore, GMAC's motion for partial summary judgment against Lloyd's will be denied and Lloyd's cross motion for summary judgment will be granted.
GMAC also seeks partial summary judgment against Alesi arguing that
As stated above, GMAC does not have a right to the insurance proceeds after the sale of the property to a third party. However, the case law cited above contemplates that in the case of a mortgagee who has foreclosed on a property after the loss, the mortgagee may look to the mortgagor for any deficiency. Even though GMAC agreed to a "short sale" instead of a foreclosure, GMAC may look to Alesi should Alesi be entitled to any insurance proceeds.
In March 2010, GMAC permitted Alesi to sell the property for $250,000 less than owed on the mortgage due to poor condition of the premises. The pay-off letter issued by GMAC to Alesi dated February 18, 2010, states that the letter confirms GMAC's acceptance of the short payoff of the premises. GMAC agreed to accept the proceeds generated by the $325,000 "as is" sale as "full and final satisfaction on the first mortgage of indebtedness," subject to certain conditions including "SELLER TO NET ZERO." (all caps in original).
GMAC argues that the letter stating that seller was to net zero shows that Alesi is not entitled to any insurance proceeds. Alesi responds that the letter stating seller to net zero only referred to the short sale of the premises and not to any insurance proceeds. Alesi maintains that the insurance proceeds do not constitute proceeds from the sale of the premises.
In addition, Alesi, seemingly to obtain some assurance that GMAC would not claim any insurance proceeds, requested that GMAC sign a general release of claim whereby GMAC would agree to waive its rights to any insurance proceeds concerning the Lloyd's policy, and the insurance proceeds would be paid directly to Alesi. GMAC did not sign the release. Even so, Alesi testified that he understood that GMAC's acceptance of the sale proceeds satisfied the loan completely and released its claim to the insurance proceeds.
The request by Alesi for GMAC to sign the release shows an intent by Alesi to have GMAC release any right to the insurance proceeds, and the refusal by GMAC to sign it shows an intent by GMAC to maintain any right it may have to the insurance proceeds. Other than that, however, the unsigned release carries no weight and does not grant or deny any rights to either party.
The February 18, 2010 letter, however, does create a triable issue of fact. The letter is clear that the agreement between GMAC and Alesi was subject to certain conditions, including "SELLER TO NET ZERO." The issue is whether this "net zero" condition was understood by the parties to include any insurance proceeds. As such, this ambiguity creates a genuine issue of material fact that must be decided by a jury. See Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., Inc. v. Checchio, 335 N.J.Super. 495, 502, 762 A.2d 1057, 1061 (App.Div. 2000) ("The construction of a written contract is usually a legal question for the court, but where there is uncertainty, ambiguity or the need for parol evidence in aid of interpretation, then the doubtful
Therefore, GMAC's motion for partial summary judgment against Alesi will be denied.
For the aforementioned reasons, Lloyd's motion for partial summary judgment against Alesi will be granted in its favor as to the personal contents claim, the lost rental claim, and Alesi's bad faith claim. Lloyd's motion will be granted in part and denied in part as to its claim of violation of the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act. Lloyd's motion regarding its requests for admissions directed to Alesi will be denied. GMAC's motion for partial summary judgment against Lloyd's will be denied, and Lloyd's cross-motion for summary judgment will be granted with regard to GMAC's claim to the insurance proceeds for the property claim. GMAC's motion against Alesi on grounds that Alesi agreed to "net zero" on the sale of the premises including the insurance proceeds will be denied due to the ambiguity of the agreement.
An Order will be filed consistent with this Opinion.
Additionally, in its reply, Lloyd's states that Officer Costa noted in his report that a neighbor saw a truck parked at the premises, before December 1, 2008, with an advertisement on it that read "We'll buy your used junk." Again, however, Lloyd's does not cite to any police report, does not cite to any deposition testimony by Officer Costa or the neighbor, and does not cite to any other sworn record in support of this claim. Lloyd's further argues that the "testimony" of two witnesses, Joseph F. Hughes, III, and Michael David Lewkowski, show that the premises was empty prior to the date of loss. Attached to the attorney certification were not copies of deposition testimony or sworn statements from these witnesses, but rather typed interviews between Lloyd's investigator and the witnesses that contain no signature line, are not signed, and not sworn to under penalty of perjury. Although the statements do support Lloyd's argument that the premises was virtually empty sometime prior to December 1, 2008 (the dates are not certain), it is essentially hearsay, and is not in a form that can be relied upon at summary judgment.
Inadmissible hearsay may not be considered for purposes of summary judgment. Smith v. City of Allentown, 589 F.3d 684, 693 (3d Cir.2009). While hearsay can be considered on summary judgment if it is presented in a form that is admissible at trial, see Petruzzi's IGA Supermarkets, Inc. v. Darling-Delaware Co., Inc., 998 F.2d 1224, 1235 n. 9 (3d Cir.1993), plaintiff failed to demonstrate here how unsigned transcribed interview notes could be admissible.
