Land Escape Outdoor Maintenance LLC v. Insurance Advisors Inc ( 2015 )

STATE OF MICHIGAN
COURT OF APPEALS
LAND ESCAPE OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE, UNPUBLISHED
L.L.C., August 13, 2015
Plaintiff-Appellant,
v No. 321859
Oakland Circuit Court
INSURANCE ADVISORS, INC., LC No. 2013-132302-CZ
Defendant-Appellee.
Before: RONAYNE KRAUSE, P.J., and GLEICHER and STEPHENS, JJ.
PER CURIAM.
Land Escape Outdoor Maintenance (LEOM) filed suit against Insurance Advisors (IA),
the independent insurance agency through which it procured the insurance necessary to cover its
business needs, for misrepresenting the level of coverage available for a particular dump truck
under a commercial automobile policy. In its complaint, LEOM raised challenges based solely
on an erroneous statement in a General Change Endorsement issued by Secura Insurance
Company on December 22, 2010. Because Secura, not IA, made the particular
misrepresentation, the circuit court correctly dismissed LEOM’s complaint, and we affirm that
decision.
However, the circuit court improperly denied LEOM the opportunity to amend its
complaint based on evidence gathered through discovery that an IA representative had earlier
misrepresented the scope of coverage available under the policy’s comprehensive-coverage
section. Accordingly, we reverse that portion of the circuit court’s order and remand for further
proceedings in that regard.
I. BACKGROUND
LEOM is a landscaping company. For a decade, LEOM employed IA to secure the type
of insurance it needed to cover its business needs. In the beginning of this relationship, LEOM’s
owner and operator, Chris Yatooma, informed his IA agent that his company placed several
pieces of equipment into storage each winter and wanted to reduce their insurance coverage
during those months. The agent recommended purchasing a policy through Secura. For the next
ten years, Yatooma or a member of his staff would contact IA in the fall with a list of vehicles
and equipment to place on storage-level coverage. Each spring, they would contact IA to return
to full coverage. IA, in turn, dealt with Secura to ensure the transactions occurred smoothly.
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On June 20, 2011, an LEOM-owned dump truck was involved in a motor vehicle
accident, and the other party filed suit. Secura defended LEOM, but reserved its rights,
contending that the vehicle did not have liability coverage at that time. On November 24, 2010,
LEOM had requested through IA that coverage on the vehicle be reduced to comprehensive only.
Secura erroneously prepared the General Change Endorsement involved in this change request,
and indicated that only liability insurance had been maintained on the vehicle. Other documents
accompanying the endorsement revealed that liability coverage had actually been eliminated.
Based on the General Change Endorsement alone, Yatooma had determined that no change was
required in the spring of 2011, and he did not contact IA to restore any coverages. Secura filed a
declaratory judgment action to determine its duties and rights.
During the course of Secura’s declaratory judgment action, LEOM filed suit against IA.
LEOM factually asserted that the “coverage was provided by Secura,” but averred that IA “sent”
LEOM a “General Change Endorsement” indicating that the F800 “was amended ‘to liability
only coverage.’ ” LEOM accused IA of “represent[ing] that the liability coverage would be in
effect until August 10, 2011.” LEOM relied upon that information and “renewed the registration
for” the dump truck “with the Michigan Secretary of State.” After describing Secura’s
declaratory judgment action, LEOM stated, “If the Court rules in favor of Secura in the
Declaratory Action, [IA’s] ‘mistake’ will cost [LEOM] potentially hundreds of thousands of
dollars.” LEOM accused IA of fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation in relation to the
statement in the General Change Endorsement. LEOM also accused IA of negligence in
“breach[ing] its duty to use reasonable care in ensuring that its customers have the insurance
coverage that [IA] tells them they do by incorrectly informing [LEOM] that the F800 had
liability coverage from November 24, 2010 through August 10, 2011.”
While the complaint centered on the December 22, 2010 General Change Endorsement,
information gathered during discovery centered on a conversation Yatooma had with an IA
representative in approximately 2000 regarding the level of coverage available for a vehicle
placed “in storage.” Specifically, Yatooma testified at his deposition that “when [he] initiated
insurance with [IA], I specifically discussed the elements of the storage insurance, what we refer
to as storage insurance. And it was my understanding very clearly that I would be covered from
liability resulting of [sic] a claim.”
Yatooma described:
[I]t was specifically discussed that I was covered from any liability
resulting from a claim, a covered loss, meaning if the - - and one thing we had
talked about was like if it got hit by lightning and it blows up, you know, it’s
covered because it’s in storage and it’s a covered loss, but of course, you’re
thinking of a vehicle blowing up, thinking of a fuel tank, thinking of injuries and
damage to a surrounding area. And I specifically discussed would I be covered
for something like that, and the answer was yes.
Yatooma further believed a certain level of liability coverage would apply if the vehicle was
stolen while in storage:
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A. . . . If the vehicle was stolen, the - - that was covered, that was covered
even under the storage insurance, and so not only would I be covered for the loss
of the equipment, but the resulting liability.
Q. I see. So you believe that you have coverage in this case - -
A. Either way.
Q. Because - - either way. One, because you had liability coverage and
you believed you have liability coverage and you’ve explained that, correct?
A. Yes, absolutely.
Q. And two, . . . as I, Chris Yatooma, propose, because it was stolen and
it got into an accident, then I had coverage even if it had just storage coverage on
it?
A. That’s correct. . . . I know we talked about theft was covered, what we
specifically talked about was the resulting liability from a covered loss. And if I
took it out and drove it and got in an accident, that would not be covered. But I’m
pretty sure we discussed if it was driven and stolen and got - - you know, you
think of someone taking a dump truck to steal it, I mean, there’s a good chance
that they’re - - people don’t - - dump trucks aren’t high in the desire to be stolen.
So if someone’s stealing a dump truck, they might be joy riding, they might be
high, there’s a good chance there would be resulting liability from that theft.
Q. Okay.
A. And the question - - the discussion we had, that that would be covered
from the resulting liability just as we have here.
The inquiry continued:
Q. All right. But I think from your testimony a moment ago, you realized
that while vehicles were in storage, that did not mean to you that you had
coverage while vehicles were being operated on public highways except perhaps
other than for whatever minimum coverage might be?
A. Yeah, so my understanding was that if I was driving the vehicle, if it
was in storage, you know, and I or someone on behalf of the company, if it was
stolen, it would be covered or if it wasn’t, it wouldn’t be, or there would be very
minimum coverage.
***
Q. . . . I just want to clarify what your understanding was. Your
understanding was that if a vehicle was in storage, someone stole a vehicle, took it
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out on a highway and got in an accident, that [LEOM] would have full liability
coverage as if the vehicle had never been put in storage?
A. Correct, that was my understanding.
***
Q. Again, sir, my question, though, and I don’t believe you’ve answered
it, do you have a recollection of discussing at the time of this conversation the
specific scenarios such as the claims involved in this case, someone stealing a
vehicle that’s in storage and taking it out on the highway and getting involved in
an accident?
A. The fact that we discussed that specific scenario, I’m not sure.
Honestly I believe so, but I’m not positive.
Overall, Yatooma understood that storage coverage meant comprehensive coverage. As
defined in the Secura insurance policy, comprehensive coverage includes:
1. We will pay for “loss” to a covered “auto” or its equipment under:
a. Comprehensive Coverage
From any cause except:
(1) The covered “auto’s” collision with another object; or
(2) The covered “auto’s” overturn.
A “loss,” in turn, is defined as “direct and accidental loss or damage.” However, Yatooma
explained that because of his conversation with an unidentified IA representative, he thought the
scope of coverage he was purchasing included an element of liability coverage, separate from the
general liability provision in the Secura contract.
Following discovery, IA filed a motion for summary disposition. IA first contended that
an insurance agent is a member of a state licensed profession and therefore actions against such
an agent must be brought within the two-year statute of limitations of MCL 600.5838(1), (2) and
MCL 600.5805(6). IA processed LEOM’s change request on December 9, 2010. Therefore,
LEOM’s 2013 complaint was time barred. IA further contended that LEOM failed to create a
genuine issue of material fact that IA made either a fraudulent or negligent misrepresentation as
the error in the General Change Endorsement was made by Secura.
LEOM retorted that a six-year statute of limitations applied to its claims. It challenged
that IA had made the statement in the General Change Endorsement. LEOM continued that there
still remained a question of fact whether the independent contractor driving the dump truck at the
time of the accident had stolen the vehicle. If the truck was stolen, Yatooma’s belief based on a
conversation with an IA representative that full coverage would apply would come into play.
Until that determination was made, LEOM contended, summary disposition would be premature.
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The circuit court granted IA’s motion, not on statute-of-limitations grounds, but on MCR
2.116(C)(10) grounds:
As to [IA], the Court finds that summary disposition is appropriate. There
is no evidence that [IA] made any fraudulent or negligent representations to
[LEOM]. The “General Change Endorsement” was not prepared or issued by
[IA]. Because the Court has already determined that any reliance only that
document was not reasonable, amending the Complaint would be futile.
This appeal followed and was submitted with the consolidated appeals in Docket Nos. 320943,
321190, and 321856.
II. STANDARD OF REVIEW
We review de novo a circuit court’s resolution of a summary disposition motion. Zaher v
Miotke, 300 Mich. App. 132, 139; 832 NW2d 266 (2013).
A motion under MCR 2.116(C)(10) “tests the factual support of a
plaintiff’s claim.” Walsh v Taylor, 263 Mich. App. 618, 621; 689 NW2d 506
(2004). “Summary disposition is appropriate under MCR 2.116(C)(10) if there is
no genuine issue regarding any material fact and the moving party is entitled to
judgment as a matter of law.” West v Gen Motors Corp, 469 Mich. 177, 183; 665
NW2d 468 (2003). “In reviewing a motion under MCR 2.116(C)(10), this Court
considers the pleadings, admissions, affidavits, and other relevant documentary
evidence of record in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party to
determine whether any genuine issue of material fact exists to warrant a trial.”
Walsh, 263 Mich. App. at 621. “A genuine issue of material fact exists when the
record, giving the benefit of reasonable doubt to the opposing party, leaves open
an issue upon which reasonable minds might differ.” West, 469 Mich. at 183.
[Zaher, 300 Mich. App. at 139-140.]
We review unpreserved issues, such as LEOM’s claims based on IA’s inaccurate
description of comprehensive coverage, for plain error. “Plain error occurs at the trial court level
if (1) an error occurred (2) that was clear or obvious and (3) prejudiced the party, meaning it
affected the outcome of the lower court proceedings.” Durray Development, LLC v Perrin, 288
Mich. App. 143, 150; 792 NW2d 749 (2010).
III. ANALYSIS
The circuit court properly dismissed LEOM’s claims based on the statement in the
General Change Endorsement that liability insurance had been added for the vehicle. Secura
made that statement, not IA. However, during discovery, LEOM presented evidence that an IA
representative had misrepresented the scope of coverage available under comprehensive
coverage, leading Yatooma to believe that liability coverage would be available in certain
situations. The circuit court should have permitted LEOM to amend its complaint to raise such a
claim. Accordingly, although we affirm the grant of summary disposition in IA’s favor, we
reverse the order denying LEOM the opportunity to amend its complaint and remand for further
proceedings.
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A. FRAUDULENT AND NEGLIGENT MISREPRESENTATION CLAIMS
The first two claims dismissed by the circuit court sounded in fraudulent and negligent
misrepresentation and were based on the General Change Endorsement’s notation that liability-
only coverage had been added to the policy for the subject dump truck. To establish either
claim, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant made a representation that proved to be false.
See Barclae v Zarb, 300 Mich. App. 455, 476; 834 NW2d 455 (2014).
Here, LEOM failed to rebut IA’s evidence that Secura prepared the General Change
Endorsement and made the erroneous notation. Specifically, the December 9, 2010 policy
change request submitted by IA to Secura reveals that IA directed Secura to implement the level
of coverage desired by LEOM. Jennifer Medwid, the IA representative then handling LEOM’s
account, testified at her deposition that Secura “writ[es]” “whatever coverages” LEOM requested
through IA, and that IA had no role in the insurance writing process. Medwid further indicated
that Secura prepared the General Change Endorsement and mailed it directly to LEOM.
Regarding the erroneous notation on the General Change Endorsement, Medwid testified that
“the processing person who keyed it, keyed the endorsement request properly, but their one
sentence summary is inaccurate.” Medwid was referring to a Secura employee.
LEOM never countered Medwid’s testimony that Secura prepared and mailed the
General Change Endorsement, rather than IA. Therefore, LEOM cannot establish even the
threshold element of a fraudulent or negligent misrepresentation claim. Accordingly, the circuit
court correctly granted summary disposition in IA’s favor.
B. NEGLIGENCE
LEOM raised a separate negligence claim in its complaint, asserting that IA had “a duty
to exercise reasonable care to ensure that its customers actually have the insurance coverage that
[IA] represents to the customers that they have.” LEOM asserted that IA breached its duty “by
incorrectly informing [LEOM] that the F800 had liability coverage from November 24, 2010
through August 10, 2011.” The claim suggests two things: (1) it repeats the earlier claim that IA
negligently misrepresented to LEOM that it had liability coverage, and (2) it faults IA for not
reviewing its copy of the General Change Endorsement and notifying LEOM of the error.
As noted, IA did not make the representation in the General Change Endorsement and
therefore the circuit court properly dismissed LEOM’s claim in that regard. In relation to its
claim that IA bore a duty to review the finished insurance documents forwarded by Secura and
inform LEOM of the error, LEOM cites no legal authority. In fact, LEOM has made no
argument whatsoever in its appellate brief regarding this issue. Accordingly, LEOM has
abandoned its claim. Yee v Shiawassee Co Bd of Comm’rs, 251 Mich. App. 379, 406; 651 NW2d
756 (2002).
C. NEGLIGENT PROCUREMENT
On appeal, LEOM contends that IA made negligent or fraudulent misrepresentations
about the scope of coverage available to a car placed “in storage.” Based on a conversation that
occurred in approximately 2000 with a former IA representative, Yatooma claimed to believe
that any liability arising out of an event included in comprehensive coverage would also be
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covered. Yatooma was certain the agent told him that liability to third parties caused by a fire or
explosion involving a vehicle in the storage yard would be covered. He was not as certain
whether the agent specifically discussed coverage for liability to third parties caused by a thief
who stole a stored vehicle and drove it on the road. However, Yatooma expressed that based on
the agent’s representation, he “honestly believed” that liability coverage would be available for a
stolen stored vehicle.
If the IA agent made these statements, they were erroneous. Under the policy as quoted
above, comprehensive and liability coverage are separate and distinct and do not overlap.
According to the plain language of the policy, there is no liability coverage for a comprehensive-
covered event unless the insured has also secured liability coverage.
Beyond the current policy, it is generally accepted that liability coverage is distinct from
“comprehensive” coverage. Comprehensive coverage is a type of property coverage. 11 Couch,
Insurance § 156.1, § 156.19. “Automobile property insurance coverages are unique forms of
insurance that have some relationship” to other types of property insurance. 11 Couch,
Insurance, § 156.4, p 156-10. While possession of liability insurance is strongly favored “to
protect the public at large,” automobile property insurance protects the owner’s investment.
Therefore, there is no public policy mandate for automobile property insurance, such as
comprehensive coverage. Id., pp 156-10 – 156-11.
As LEOM failed to raise this claim in its complaint, the question is whether the court
should have allowed LEOM to amend its complaint to add this count after discovery. MCR
2.116(I)(5) demands that if a court finds summary disposition appropriate under MCR
2.116(C)(10), the court must allow the plaintiff the opportunity to amend its complaint “unless
the evidence then before the court shows that amendment would not be justified.” Through
Yatooma’s deposition, LEOM had placed evidence before the circuit court that supported a
negligent advice or procurement claim. And the circuit court should have allowed LEOM the
opportunity to amend its complaint to raise this claim.
LEOM continues to characterize his claim as one for negligent or fraudulent
misrepresentation, claiming that the IA representatives made false statements about the level of
coverage available to a vehicle in storage. The claim goes deeper than that. LEOM contends
that it desired a certain level of coverage, IA represented that such coverage could be obtained
through Secura, and then IA secured a policy on LEOM’s behalf that did not provide the level of
coverage represented. This claim sounds in negligent advice or procurement. Courts are not
bound by the labels a party applies to its claims. Stephens v Worden Ins Agency, LLC, 307 Mich
App 220, 228-229; 859 NW2d 723 (2014). Instead, we must look to “the gravamen” of the
complaint. Id. at 229.
In Harts v Farmer Ins Exch, 461 Mich. 1, 7; 597 NW2d 47 (1999), our Supreme Court
noted that an agent who works for an insurance company is an agent of the company, not the
insured. As a general rule, such agents have no duty to advise an insured regarding the adequacy
of coverage. Id. This is because generally “the agent functions as simply an order taker for the
insurance company.” Id. at 9. This situation “is subject to change when an event occurs that
alters the nature of the relationship between the agent and the insured.” Id. at 9-10. A “special
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relationship” is formed, creating a duty on the insurance agent’s part when certain conditions
exist:
[T]he general rule of no duty changes when (1) the agent misrepresents the nature
or extent of the coverage offered or provided, (2) an ambiguous request is made
that requires a clarification, (3) an inquiry is made that may require advice and the
agent, though he need not, gives advice that is inaccurate, or (4) the agent
assumes an additional duty by either express agreement with or promise to the
insured. [Id. at 10-11.]
As noted by this Court in Zaremba Equipment, Inc v Harco Nat’l Ins Co, 280 Mich. App. 16, 28;
761 NW2d 151 (2008) (Zaremba I), “When a special relationship exists, an agent assumes a duty
to advise the insured regarding the adequacy of insurance coverage.”
Here, Yatooma allegedly inquired whether LEOM would be covered for any liability
arising from a comprehensive-covered event. Yatooma described that the IA agent gave advice
on this matter. And that advice turned out to be inaccurate. Accordingly, LEOM has established
facts that could support claim against IA based on the advice given in procuring the Secura
policy.
That Yatooma could have discovered that no liability coverage flowed with
comprehensive coverage by reading the policy is not fatal. First, unlike the plaintiff in Zaremba
I, Yatooma never indicated that he did not read the insurance policy. See id. at 33. The
descriptions of liability and comprehensive coverage were found in the body of the contract, a
contract which was renewed annually for a decade. Yatooma only admitted that he had not read
certain new endorsements and forms issued in December 2010. Second, even if Yatooma later
admits that he failed to read the policy, that failure would amount to comparative negligence that
could be considered by the jury. See id.
Accordingly, we reverse that portion of the circuit court’s order finding that amendment
of the complaint would be futile and remand the matter to the circuit court for further
proceedings.
D. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
In the alternative, IA contends that the circuit court could have dismissed the claims
against it based on the statute of limitations for professional malpractice claims. We address this
issue because it would also apply to the timeliness of any claims raised in an amended complaint.
Exactly one week after IA filed its appellate brief, this Court issued a published opinion rejecting
that insurance advisors are “professionals” for purposes of the malpractice statute of limitations.
In connection with a negligent procurement and advice lawsuit, this Court noted that the
Legislature did not intend to make every licensed profession subject to malpractice liability.
Stephens, 307 Mich. App. at 231-232. Rather, the statute of limitations found in MCL
600.5805(6) applies only to those professions that were subject to malpractice liability under the
common law in 1915, when the statute was first enacted. This included physicians, attorneys,
surgeons, and dentists. Id. at 232.
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This Court found no Michigan case law and little case law from around the nation
supporting the application of malpractice liability to insurance agents. Id. at 233.
Declining to extend malpractice liability is also consistent with the role of
insurance agents. To become licensed as an insurance agent, a person must
complete either 20 or 40 hours of instruction through an accredited home study
course, an insurance trade association program, an authorized insurer, or an
educational institution. MCL 500.1204a(1). At the conclusion of that instruction,
the applicant must pass a licensing exam. MCL 500.1204. Such limited
educational and licensing requirements are not commensurate with the
professions generally deemed subject to professional negligence liability, i.e.,
malpractice. As described in Garden v Frier, 602 So 2d 1273, 1275 (Fla, 1992), a
vocation is considered a profession subject to professional malpractice if a higher
level of education, such as a graduate degree, is required before a license may be
granted. Similarly, in Plaza Bottle Shop v Al Torstrick Ins Agency, 712 S.W.2d
349, 350-351 (Ky App, 1986), the Kentucky Court of Appeals reasoned that entry
into an occupation had to be more strenuous than simple licensure provisions
before professional malpractice liability could attach. To hold otherwise would
have created malpractice actions against such unintended fields as cosmetology
and realty. The Kentucky court held that insurance agents “who need have no
more education than a high school diploma to qualify for a license” could not be
held to a professional standard of care. Id. at 351. The Michigan Supreme Court
has even refused to extend malpractice liability to some professions with high
educational requirements for licensure, such as mortuary science. See Dennis [v
Robbins Funeral Home, 428 Mich. 698, 704-705; 411 NW2d 156 (1987)]. [Id. at
233-234.]
That insurance agents do not require the type of training consistent with licensed professionals
subject to malpractice liability is supported by Medwid’s own testimony. When asked about her
educational background, Medwid indicated, “My education isn’t really relevant, but I went to
Florida Atlantic University,” where “I majored in English and education.”
Here, LEOM raised tort claims against the insurance agency—fraudulent and negligent
misrepresentation, negligence, and negligent procurement and advice. IA’s potential tort liability
does not lie in professional malpractice, but in ordinary tort principles. Accordingly, IA would
not be entitled to summary disposition on statute of limitations grounds.
We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for further proceedings consistent with this
opinion. We do not retain jurisdiction.
/s/ Amy Ronayne Krause
/s/ Elizabeth L. Gleicher
/s/ Cynthia Diane Stephens
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