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IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
MIRTHAANGARITA, individually, DIVISION ONE Respondent, No. 70201-7-1
ALLSTATE INDEMNITY COMPANY, UNPUBLISHED OPINION a foreign insurance company,
Appellant,
PERLA VILLANUEVA, JEFFREY BUTLER, OLYMPIC PROPERTIES, INC., a Washington corporation
Defendants. FILED: July 7, 2014
Dwyer, J. — In Washington, automobile insurance (unlike almost all other
forms of insurance) is mandatory. The purpose of mandatory automobile
insurance is to protect not only the insured drivers, but also other persons using
public roadways. Accordingly, automobile insurance cannot be examined without
consideration of public policy. In this case, public policy does not allow an
insurer to void coverage for all insureds after only one named insured commits
fraud.
Perla Villanueva and Mirtha Angarita were involved in a two-car
automobile collision that resulted in both seeking treatment from a chiropractor.
Villanueva filed a claim with Allstate Indemnity Company, her insurer, but falsely No. 70201-7-1/2
told Allstate that she did not know the identity of the driver whose vehicle struck
her vehicle from behind. Angarita, a passenger in Villanueva's vehicle at the
time of the collision, also filed a claim under Villanueva's insurance policy.
Angarita, however, told Allstate that, in fact, Villanueva had obtained the other
driver's name and telephone number after the incident. Allstate denied coverage
for both Villanueva and Angarita. Angarita then filed a lawsuit challenging
Allstate's denial of coverage. The trial court ruled that Villanueva's fraud did not
void coverage for Angarita, that Angarita was entitled to personal injury
protection (PIP) coverage for injuries suffered in the collision, and that Allstate
was required to defend Villanueva and indemnify her for any sums deemed
owing to Angarita as a result of Angarita's tort action against Villanueva.
Because Washington's mandatory automobile insurance statutes establish
a policy of protecting innocent persons on the roadways, we hold that fraud by
one named insured does not void either first party coverage or coverage for third
party claims where the insurer has not demonstrated prejudice. We further hold
that under the terms of Allstate's insurance policy, Angarita did not void coverage
through her own actions. Finally, we hold that Angarita is entitled to an award of
appellate attorney fees with respect to her PIP claim.
I
Around noon on February 19, 2010, Villanueva was driving south on
Interstate 5 from Edmonds toward downtown Seattle. Angarita was sitting in the
passenger seat of Villanueva's car, and Villanueva's daughter Daniela was in the back seat. Just after the vehicle passed the Northgate exit, Villanueva's vehicle
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was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Jeffrey Butler. Both drivers pulled over to
the shoulder of the road, after which Butler recommended that they get off the
freeway before doing anything further. Villanueva and Butler both got back into
their cars and pulled off at the next exit.
After pulling over near a high school, Villanueva and Angarita got out of
Villanueva's vehicle. Villanueva inspected her vehicle for damage and spoke to
Butler. Angarita was able to overhear the conversation, but did not understand
most of what was said due to her limited familiarity with English. However,
Angarita was able to discern that Butler gave Villanueva his name and telephone
number. Angarita also wrote down Butler's license plate number on a slip of
paper.1 Angarita then telephoned her husband, an auto mechanic, to assist
Villanueva with obtaining an estimate of the damage to her vehicle.
Sometime thereafter, Angarita visited Villanueva's chiropractor to seek
treatment for pain stemming from the collision. The chiropractor's office
submitted Angarita's bills to Allstate, Villanueva's insurer. On March 8, 2010,
Villanueva's attorney contacted Allstate requesting Personal Injury Protection
(PIP) and Uninsured Motorist (UIM) coverage stemming from the collision. On
March 24, 2010, Villanueva's attorney informed Allstate that Angarita had also
been injured in the collision and was seeking coverage.
Allstate subsequently conducted examinations under oath (EUO) of
1Angarita latertestified that she did not remember what she did with the slip of paper, but that she did not give it to either Allstate or her attorney. No. 70201-7-1/4
Villanueva and Angarita.2 During her EUO, Villanueva testified that after she and
Butler pulled off the highway,
I turned on the first street to stop because I had been waiting for him because I had been watching to see if he was following us, but when I turned, he didn't turn. So I stayed there. I couldn't believe it. I thought he was going to come, so I waited. And I was waiting for him to show up somewhere, but he never -- he never arrived.
So we stayed there, and then Julieth[3l and I were saying, "Wow, we didn't get any information from him or anything."
Months later, Villanueva admitted that this was a lie.
Immediately after her EUO, Villanueva sent Angarita a text message
asking her to testify that Butler had left the scene of the accident. Angarita
ignored the text message. Angarita testified truthfully during her EUO, although
she did not mention the text message. At the end of the EUO, counsel for
Allstate asked Angarita, "Is there anything that you want Allstate to know about
the injury and the accident that we haven't spoken about, Ms. Angarita?"
Angarita replied, "No. I think I have already said everything."
Villanueva's insurance policy contains the following "void-for-fraud"
provision:
Fraud or Misrepresentation This entire policy is void from its inception if it was obtained or renewed through material misrepresentation, fraud or concealment of material fact made with the intent to deceive. This means that Allstate may not be liable for any claims or damages that would otherwise be covered.
2Villanueva's attorney also represented Angarita at the time, but withdrew shortly after the examinations under oath. 3Angarita is known to Villanueva by her middle name, Julieth.
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We may not provide coverage for any insured who has made fraudulent statements or engaged in fraudulent conduct in connection with any accident or loss for which coverage is sought under this policy.
Based on that provision, Allstate denied all coverage for both Villanueva and
Angarita.
Angarita filed suit against Villanueva, Butler, and Allstate.4 With respect to
Allstate, Angarita sought a declaratory judgment that she was entitled to
coverage under Villanueva's policy. Allstate and Angarita both filed motions for
partial summary judgment on the issue of insurance coverage. On March 1,
2013, the trial court granted Angarita's motion for partial summary judgment on
PIP coverage. Allstate filed a motion for reconsideration of this order, which the
trial court denied. In a separate order entered on March 11, 2013, the trial court
ruled that Villanueva's "material misrepresentations voided Perla Villanueva's
insurance policy, as to Villanueva only, and not as to [Angarita] or Third Parties," thus granting Allstate's summary judgment motion, in part, to deny Villanueva
coverage.
Angarita moved for an award of attorney fees, pursuant to Olympic
Steamship Co. v. Centennial Insurance Co., 117 Wn.2d 37, 811 P.2d 673 (1991).
On April 4, 2013, the trial court awarded attorney fees to Angarita in the amount
of $40,852.50.
Allstate sought discretionary review. On June 7, 2013, Angarita and
Allstate entered into a trial court stipulation that the March 1, March 11, and April
4 Neither Villanueva nor Butler is a party to this appeal.
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4 orders were all final judgments pursuant to RAP 2.2 and CR 54(b). In light of
this stipulation, our commissioner ruled that review would proceed as an appeal.
II
Allstate contends that the trial court erred by ruling that Angarita is entitled
to PIP coverage under Villanueva's policy. This is so, it asserts, because
fraudulent statements by any insured void the entire insurance policy as to all
insureds. We disagree.
This court reviews the grant of summary judgment de novo. Snohomish
County v. Rugg, 115 Wn. App. 218, 224, 61 P.3d 1184 (2002). Summary
judgment is appropriate only where there is no genuine issue of material fact and
the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. CR 56(c). In
reviewing a summary judgment order, we view the facts and all reasonable
inferences therefrom in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Dumont
v. City of Seattle, 148 Wn. App. 850, 861, 200 P.3d 764 (2009).
The policy language at issue here states:
Fraud or Misrepresentation This entire policy is void from its inception if itwas obtained or renewed through material misrepresentation, fraud or concealment of material fact made with the intent to deceive. This means that Allstate may not be liable for any claims or damages that would otherwise be covered. We may not provide coverage for any insured who has made fraudulent statements or engaged in fraudulent conduct in connection with any accident or loss for which coverage is sought under this policy.
Allstate contends that a Division Two decision, Ki Sin Kim v. Allstate Insurance
Company, Inc., 153 Wn. App. 339, 223 P.3d 1180 (2009), establishes that,
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pursuant to the second paragraph of this clause, fraud by any insured voids the
entire policy as to all insureds. Contrary to Allstate's assertion, Kim did not
establish such a broad rule.
In that case, the named insured, Kim, was injured in an automobile
collision and received treatment at a hospital emergency room for her injuries.
Kim. 153 Wn. App. at 345. Kim filed a claim for medical expenses and lost
wages, but misrepresented her ability to work after the incident. Kim, 153 Wn.
App. at 345-50. Allstate denied her coverage based on a void-for-fraud provision
identical to that at issue here. Kim, 153 Wn. App. at 350, 354. Thereafter, Kim
filed suit for breach of contract. Kim, 153 Wn. App. at 351. The trial court denied
Allstate's motion for summary judgment, and Division Two of this court granted
discretionary review. Kim, 153 Wn. App. at 352.
Division Two upheld the denial of summary judgment, stating that
Although the record clearly establishes that Kim made misrepresentations regarding her ability to work as well as the nature and extent of her injuries, in light of the equivocal language in Allstate's policy, a genuine issue of material fact remains as to the materiality of those misrepresentations with respect to Kim's emergency room visit.
Kim, 153 Wn. App. at 352. Because Allstate's policy stated that it "may not
provide coverage," the court stated, the policy was "unclear under which
circumstances it will choose to deny coverage and to what extent its obligation is
relieved by misrepresentations." Kim, 153 Wn. App. at 360. Thus, Allstate was
not entitled to automatically void the entire policy based on Kim's
misrepresentations; rather, it had to prove that those misrepresentations were
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material. Kim, 153 Wn. App. at 359. Materiality, not misrepresentation, was the
factor on which Kim's coverage hinged.
As Allstate correctly asserts, Kim does state, in dicta, that
Washington courts have upheld "void for fraud" provisions where the policy expressly states that an insured is not entitled to coverage if that insured intentionally misrepresents or conceals a material fact regarding a claim and that such misrepresentations will void the entire policy.
153 Wn. App. at 354. However, this principle does not apply with equal force to
all insurance policies. Washington law treats automobile insurance differently
than other forms of insurance. The court in Kim, however, failed to recognize
this. For the proposition that fraudulent misrepresentations will void an entire
policy, Kim cited to Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Co. v. Cox, 110 Wn.2d 643,
757 P.2d 499 (1988), Wickswat v. Safeco Insurance Co.. 78 Wn. App. 958, 904
P.2d 767 (1995), and St. Paul Mercury Insurance Co. v. Salovich, 41 Wn. App.
652, 705 P.2d 812 (1985). None of these cases involved automobile insurance.5
In fact, nowhere in the Kim opinion does the court discuss the public policies
underlying mandatory automobile insurance coverage. Thus, we decline to apply
Kim's overbroad observation that any fraudulent misrepresentation voids all
insurance policies in their entirety.
In fact, public policy does not support the notion that fraud by any one
insured will void an entire automobile insurance policy as to all insureds. The
legislature has mandated that all drivers obtain automobile insurance coverage.
5 Cox involved homeowners' insurance. 110 Wn.2d at 645. Wickswat involved personal property insurance. 78Wn. App. at 960. Salovich involved fire insurance. 41 Wn. App. at 653.
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RCW 46.30.020. The purpose of this law is "to require that all persons driving
vehicles registered in this state satisfy the financial responsibility requirements of
[chapter 46.30 RCW]" due to "the threat that uninsured drivers are to the people
of the state." RCW 46.30.010. As our Supreme Court stated in Mendoza v.
Rivera-Chavez, "[t]he objective of obtaining insurance coverage is to 'protect the
public from the ravages of the negligent and reckless driver.'" 140 Wn.2d 659,
669-70, 999 P.2d 29 (2000) (quoting Touchette v. Nw. Mut. Ins. Co., 80 Wn.2d
327, 332, 494 P.2d 479 (1972)).
In Mendoza, our Supreme Court held that due to public policy, exclusions
that are valid for other types of insurance may not be valid for automobile
insurance. 140 Wn.2d at 663. The court stated that both the financial
responsibility act (chapter 46.29 RCW) and the mandatory liability insurance act
(chapter 46.30 RCW) are "aimed at protecting the public from motorists who are
unable to compensate the victims of accidents." Mendoza, 140 Wn.2d at 663-64.
With respect to chapter 46.29 RCW, the court held that "'the statute creates a
strong public policy in favor of assuring monetary protection and compensation to
those persons who suffer injuries through the negligent use of public highways by
others.'" Mendoza, 140 Wn.2d at 665 (quoting Mutual of Enumclaw Ins. Co. v.
Wiscomb, 97 Wn.2d 203, 206, 643 P.2d 441 (1982)). Insurers may not write
their provisions in a way that would undermine this strong public policy.
Mendoza, 140 Wn.2d at 662.
The absolutist stance advocated by Allstate is inconsistent with the public
policy articulated by the legislature and the Mendoza court. Automobile
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insurance protects not only the named insureds, but also innocent persons who
use public roadways. Ifthis purpose is to be fulfilled, then coverage for other
insureds and third parties, such as passengers and pedestrians, cannot be so
easily voidable. Indeed, in the absence of actual prejudice to the insurer, it would
be contrary to the principles underlying the mandatory insurance requirement to
void coverage for a third party's losses due to circumstances completely beyond
the third party's control. As one court observed, in a case similar to this one, to
"allow the insurer to declare a compulsory automobile liability insurance policy
void ab initio after a third party is injured . . . would undermine the legislative
purpose" underlying mandatory automobile insurance. Fishery. N.J. Auto. Full
Ins. Underwriting Ass'n By and Through Hanover Ins. Co., 224 N.J.Super. 552,
559, 540 A.2d 1344 (1988).
Our analysis is informed by our Supreme Court's pronouncements
regarding a similar insurance provision: the cooperation clause. In Staples v.
Allstate Ins. Co., 176 Wn.2d 404, 408-09, 295 P.3d 201 (2013), Allstate denied
Staples' first party insurance claim after Staples failed to submit to an EUO. In Staples' appeal, Allstate contended that submission to an EUO was a condition precedent to its payment of benefits. Staples, 176Wn.2d at 417. Our Supreme Court rejected Allstate's assertion, holding instead that "noncooperation does not absolve an insurer of liability unless the insurer was actually prejudiced."
Staples, 176 Wn 2d at 417-18 (citing Tran v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 136
Wn.2d 214, 228, 961 P.2d 358 (1998)). Requiring the insurer to demonstrate
prejudice is vital to maintain the purpose of the insurance. As the Supreme Court -10- No. 70201-7-1/11
noted, the prejudice requirement "prevents] insurers from receiving windfalls at
the expense of the public." Staples, 176 Wn.2d at 418; accord Or. Auto. Ins. Co.
v. Salzberg, 85 Wn.2d 372, 377, 535 P.2d 816 (1975) (coverage for third party
tort claim stemming from auto collision). Similarly, allowing Allstate to void
coverage as to all insureds without showing that it was prejudiced as to all
insureds would allow it to receive "windfalls at the expense of innocent roadway
users.
Allstate does not demonstrate that Villanueva's fraudulent statements
prejudiced it in processing Angarita's claim for PIP benefits. In order to process
Angarita's claim, Allstate did not need to know who caused the collision: "PIP
benefits are not fault based." Sherry v. Fin. Indem. Co., 160 Wn.2d 611, 624,
160 P.3d 31 (2007). Rather, what Allstate needed to know was the nature and
extent of the injuries Angarita suffered as a result of the collision. See Sherry,
160 Wn.2d at 624 ("Generally speaking, people purchase PIP coverage to cover
the immediate costs of an accident, such as medical expenses and loss of
income."). Allstate received Angarita's initial request for coverage directly from
her medical provider. Furthermore, Angarita testified truthfully during her EUO
about the details of the collision and the nature of her injuries. While Villanueva's
fraud may have prejudiced Allstate with respect to Villanueva's claim, Allstate
has not shown that it was prejudiced with respect to Angarita's claim. The facts
presented herein simply do not support a conclusion that fraud by the named
insured prejudiced Allstate as to all insureds.
Although this issue can be resolved solely on the basis of the authorities
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previously cited, we address Angarita's contention that the provisions of chapter
46.29 RCW further belie Allstate's contention that fraud by any insured voids the
entire policy.6 Chapter 46.29 RCW contains a provision that states:
The liability of the insurance carrier with respect to the insurance required by this chapter becomes absolute whenever injury or damage covered by said motor vehicle liability policy occurs; said policy may not be canceled or annulled as to such liability by any agreement between the insurance carrier and the insured after the occurrence of the injury or damage; no statement made by the insured or on his or her behalf and no violation of said policy defeats or voids said policy.
RCW 46.29.490(6)(a). Under the plain language of this statute, Allstate cannot
deny Angarita coverage on the basis of Villanueva's fraud.
Moreover, the policy behind this statute also weighs in favor of Angarita.
In Tibbs v. Johnson. 30 Wn. App. 107, 632 P.2d 904 (1981), the plaintiff was the
driver of a vehicle involved in a collision with the insured's vehicle. The insurer
attempted to assert noncooperation by the insured as a defense to the plaintiff's
action for coverage. Tibbs, 30 Wn. App. at 108. However, the court held that
RCW 46.29.490 precluded the insurer from doing so. Tibbs, 30 Wn. App. at 109.
The policy behind the statute, the court held, was to "'to give monetary protection
6Angarita asserts that chapter 46.29 RCW applies to Villanueva's policy, and cited to the statute in her trial court briefing. Allstate, in its trial court response, did not contend that Villanueva's policy was not subject to the terms of chapter 46.29 RCW. Furthermore, Allstate, as the appellant, is responsible for perfecting the record on appeal. However, Allstate has not provided us with a complete copyof the policy at issue. Thus, from the record before us, we are unable to independently determine whether Villanueva's policy is in fact subject to the terms of chapter 46.29 RCW. On appeal, Allstate has not assigned error to the trial court's consideration of chapter 46.29 RCW. Neither did it in any way address the issue in its opening brief. In her appellate response brief, Angarita again contends that chapter 46.29 RCW applies. Allstate does not assert in its reply brief that the provisions ofthis statute do not apply to the policy. Under these circumstances, we take the issues as litigated by the parties. Accordingly, we operate under the assumption that chapter 46.29 RCW applies to the policy at issue.
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to that ever changing and tragically large group of persons who, while lawfully
using the highways themselves, suffer serious injury through the negligent use of
those highways by others.'" Tibbs, 30 Wn. App. at 110-11 (quoting LaPoint v.
Richards, 66 Wn.2d 585, 590, 403 P.2d 889 (1965)). The court further stated
that RCW 46.29.490 "indicate[s] a legislative intent that the public interest in
protecting injured persons on the highway is paramount and cannot be
undermined by contract." Tibbs. 30 Wn. App. at 111. Thus, the court held, "to
the extent the cooperation clause in [the insurance] policy would provide less
protection than the minimum amount required by the act, it cannot be used as a
defense. To hold otherwise would defeat the legislated public policy implicit in the
financial responsibility law." Tibbs, 30 Wn. App. at 113 (footnote and citations
omitted).
Allstate's contention herein is similar to the insurer's argument in Tibbs.
For the reasons articulated in Tibbs, that contention must fail.
The trial court did not err by holding that Angarita is entitled to PIP
coverage under Villanueva's policy.
Ill
Allstate further contends that the trial court erred in granting its motion for
summary judgment by denying coverage only as to Villanueva's claims.7 This is
7Angarita and Allstate entered into a trial court stipulation designed to satisfy RAP 2.2 and CR 54(b). This stipulation listed the orders subject to promptappeal: the Order Granting Plaintiff's Cross Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, entered on March 1, 2013; the Order Granting Defendant Allstate's Motion for Partial Summary Judgment (as to Defendant Villanueva only), entered on March 11, 2013; and the Order Granting Plaintiff's Motion for Attorney Fees for Prevailing on PIP Coverage, entered on April 4, 2103. Villanueva's coverage for Angarita's third party negligence claim against her was addressed in the March 11 order.
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so, it again asserts, because fraudulent statements by any insured void the entire
insurance policy as to all claimants or claims. Allstate's absolutist contention fails
for many of the same reasons as it failed with respect to PIP coverage.
As stated previously, Kim does not support the broad proposition that
Allstate advocates. The controlling factor in Kim was materiality, not the mere
fact of misrepresentation.8 For the reasons articulated above, Allstate's reliance
on Kim is unavailing.
Again, our Supreme Court's pronouncements regarding a cooperation
clause inform our analysis. Salzberg is a remarkably similar case to the present
one. In Salzberg, Simpson was injured while riding as a passenger in a vehicle
driven by Salzberg. 85 Wn.2d at 373. After the collision, Salzberg falsely told his
insurer that his vehicle had been stolen. Salzberg, 85 Wn.2d at 373. The insurer
learned of Salzberg's fraud when Simpson filed suit against Salzberg, seeking
compensation for his injuries. Salzberg, 85 Wn.2d at 373-74. Thereafter, the
insurer sought a declaratory judgment that it did not have a duty to defend
Salzberg based on the policy's cooperation clause. Salzberg, 85 Wn.2d at 373-
74.
In rejecting the insurer's argument, our Supreme Court noted that
Villanueva is not a party to this appeal; thus, her interests are not directly at issue here. However, on appeal, Allstate assigns error to the March 11 order and argues that Villanueva's fraud relieved Allstate of its duty to defend Villanueva or to indemnify Villanueva for amounts she was obligated to pay as a result ofAngarita's tortclaim against her. Throughout this appeal, Angarita's standing to assert Allstate's duty to defend has never been questioned by Allstate. Angarita (notVillanueva) was a party to the trial court stipulation. Angarita responded to Allstate's contentions in her appellate brief, to which Allstate replied on the merits. Thus, we take the issue as it has been framed by the parties and do not opine on any concerns regarding standing. 8Additionally, Kim does not address coverage for third party claims.
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insurance policies, in fact, are simply unlike traditional contracts, i.e., they are not purely private affairs but abound with public policy considerations, one of which is that the risk-spreading theory of such policies should operate to afford to affected members of the public—frequently innocent third persons—the maximum protection possible consonant with fairness to the insurer.
Salzberg, 85 Wn.2d at 376-77. The Supreme Court held that "the insurer [must]
demonstrate that it was prejudiced by the insured's actions before the
cooperation clause will be considered breached so as to relieve the insurer from
its obligations under the policy." Salzberg, 85 Wn.2d at 376; accord Staples, 176
Wn.2d at 417-18. The reason for this holding, the court stated, was that
[the aforementioned] public policy consideration would be diminished, discounted, or denied if the insurer were relieved of its responsibilities although it is not prejudiced by the insured's actions or conduct in regard to its investigation or presentation and defense of the tort case. Such relief, absent a showing of prejudice, would be tantamount to a questionable windfall for the insurer at the expense of the public.
Salzberg. 85 Wn.2d at 377.
Similarly, allowing Allstate to void coverage for a third party claim without
a showing of prejudice would allow it to receive a windfall at the expense of
innocent roadway users such as Angarita. Because Allstate did not demonstrate
prejudice as to its ability to defend against Angarita's third party claim, the trial
court did not err by granting Allstate's motion for summary judgment solely as to
Villanueva's claims.910
9As with the PIP coverage issue addressed in section II, the provisions of chapter 46.29 RCW and the Tibbs decision also support affirmance of the trial court's ruling. 10 Because we uphold the trial court's determination on coverage for Angarita's third party claim, we do not address whether Angarita was entitled to UIM coverage.
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IV
Allstate next contends that the trial court erred by ruling that Angarita did
not conceal material information such that her actions independently voided the
policy. Angarita's failure to discuss, at the EUO, Villanueva's text message to
her (received immediately prior to the EUO) and Angarita's failure to provide
information that would have identified Butler as the other driver were, according
to Allstate, material misrepresentations as a matter of law. However, pursuant to
the policy at issue, in order to deny coverage, Allstate needed to prove that
Angarita engaged in fraud, not simply misrepresentation. Allstate's contention is
therefore not well-taken.
Construction of an insurance policy is a question of law and reviewed de
novo. Bordeaux, Inc. v. Am. Safety Ins. Co., 145 Wn. App. 687, 693, 186 P.3d
1188 (2008). "The courts liberally construe insurance policies to provide
coverage wherever possible." Bordeaux, 145 Wn. App. at 694. Courts examine
the policy "to determine whether under the plain meaning of the contract there is
coverage." Kitsap County v. Allstate Ins. Co.. 136 Wn.2d 567, 576, 964 P.2d
1173 (1998). "Terms undefined by the insurance contract should be given their
ordinary and common meaning, not their technical, legal meaning." Allstate Ins.
Co. v. Peaslev. 131 Wn.2d 420, 424, 932 P.2d 1244 (1997).
Ambiguities in the policy are construed against the drafter-insurer. Queen City Farmsf. Inc. v. Cent. Nat'l Ins. Co. of Omaha], 126 Wn.2d [50,] 68[, 882 P.2d 703, 891 P.2d 718 (1994)] (citing Greer v. Nw. Nat'l Ins. Co., 109Wn.2d 191, 201, 743 P.2d 1244(1987)). Because "[exclusions from insurance coverage are contrary to the fundamental protective purpose of insurance," we construe exclusions strictly against the insurer. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co.
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v. Ham & Rye. LLC, 142 Wn. App. 6, 13, 174 P.3d 1175(2007) (citing Stuart v. Am. States Ins. Co.. 134 Wn.2d 814, 818-19, 953 P.2d 462 (1998)).
Vision One. LLC v. Phila. Indem. Ins. Co.. 174 Wn.2d 501, 512, 276 P.3d 300
(2012). Insurance contracts should be interpreted from the point of view of the
average person purchasing insurance. Holden v. Farmers Ins. Co. of Wash., 169
Wn.2d 750, 756, 239 P.3d 344 (2010).
The exclusion clause at issue reads:
This entire policy is void from its inception if it was obtained or renewed through material misrepresentation, fraud or concealment of material fact made with the intent to deceive. This means that Allstate may not be liable for any claims or damages that would otherwise be covered.
We may not provide coverage for any insured who has made fraudulent statements or engaged in fraudulent conduct in connection with any accident or loss for which coverage is sought under this policy.
The clause clearly includes two separate paragraphs. As the average person
would read it, these two paragraphs are mutually exclusive. By using two
mutually exclusive paragraphs, the policy provides two different bases for voiding coverage, depending on when the relevant misconduct occurred.
Neither party asserts that Villanueva engaged in any fraud, concealment,
or misrepresentation when she obtained or renewed her policy. The first
paragraph of the exclusion clause is thus inapplicable.
Therefore, only the second paragraph of the clause is applicable. As an average person would read this paragraph, Allstate can only deny coverage on
17 No. 70201-7-1/18
the basis of "fraudulent statements" and "fraudulent conduct."11 In determining
that Angarita was entitled to PIP coverage, the trial court ruled that there was no
evidence that she had made fraudulent statements or engaged in fraudulent
conduct. The trial court did not, as Allstate contends, find anything with respect
to "misrepresentation" or "concealment."
In Brown v. Underwriters at Lloyd's. 53 Wn.2d 142, 332 P.2d 228 (1958),
our Supreme Court construed the word "fraudulent" as used in an insurance
contract. In that case, the insurance policy contained a clause precluding
coverage for any action "(c) brought about or contributed to by the dishonest,
fraudulent, criminal or malicious act or omission of the Assured or any employee
of the Assured." Brown, 53 Wn.2d at 143. "The issue [was] whether a
misrepresentation, made by the appellant to induce the sale, which was in fact
false, but believed by him to be true, [was] within the exclusionary clause of the policy or not." Brown, 53 Wn.2d at 145. The court held that "fraudulent" did not
simply mean "false." Brown, 53 Wn.2d at 146. Citing various dictionaries and out-of-state authority, the court emphasized that in order for an act or statement
to be fraudulent, it must be intentional. For example, Brown states, "'Fraud
11 Allstate contends that pursuant to Onvon v. Truck Ins. Exch., 859 F. Supp. 1338 (W.D. Wash. 1994), concealments and misrepresentations, regardless ofwhen they occurred, will automatically void the policy as to all insureds. Allstate's reliance on Onvon is unavailing. The insurance policy in question in that case stated, This entire policy shall be void in the event either or both of the following: (a) if you have concealed or misrepresented, in writing or otherwise, any material facts or circumstances concerning this insurance. (b) if you shall make any attempt to defraud us, either before or after a loss. Onyon, 859 F. Supp. at 1340. Under the plain language of that policy, concealment or misrepresentation was relevant regardless of when it occurred. However, under the plain language of Allstate's policy, concealment or misrepresentation is relevant only if done in connection with obtaining or renewing the policy. Onvon is thus inapposite.
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cannot exist, as a matter of fact, where the intent to deceive does not exist,'" and,
"'As distinguished from negligence, [fraud] is always positive, intentional.'" 53
Wn.2d at 146-47 (quoting Tilghman v. West. 43 N.C. 183, 184 (1851); Black's
Law Dictionary 788, 789 (4th ed.)). Thus, the court held, the words "fraudulent"
and "act," "[w]hen used in this connection in insurance policies, . . . import acts
which show a want of integrity." Brown, 53 Wn.2d at 152. Itfollowed therefrom
that the insured's negligent misrepresentation did not fall within the exclusionary
clause. Brown. 53 Wn.2d at 154.
Brown makes it clear that in order to deny coverage for fraud, the insurer
must show that a false act or statement was intentional. See also Kim, 153 Wn.
App. at 355 ("[T]he insurance company must demonstrate that the insured
knowingly made the untrue representations and that, in making those
representations, the applicant intended to deceive the company."). In this case,
Allstate presented no evidence that Angarita intentionally made a false statement
or intended to deceive the insurer. Allstate does not dispute that Angarita
described the collision truthfully and accurately. Rather, it contends that
Angarita's answer to the question "Is there anything that you want Allstate to
know about the injury and the accident that we haven't spoken about, Ms.
Angarita?" was intentionally untruthful. Angarita answered this question, "No. I think I have already said everything." By itself, this statement, a response to a
broad, unfocused question, amounts to no more than a lapse in memory or,
alternatively, a literal truth. A lapse in memory is not fraud. Brown, 53 Wn.2d at 153 n.7. Allstate presented no other evidence to show that this statement was
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intentionally false.12 Because Allstate presented no evidence that Angarita
committed fraud, the trial court properly ruled that she was entitled to coverage.
V
Allstate next contends that the trial court erred by awarding attorney fees
to Angarita. This is so, it asserts, because Angarita made the request with
"unclean hands." This contention was raised for the first time on appeal. We
therefore decline to address it. See RAP 2.5(a).
VI
Angarita requests an award of attorney fees on appeal.13 Pursuant to RAP
18.1, a party may be awarded attorney fees and costs on appeal "if applicable
law grants to a party the right to recover reasonable attorney fees or expenses."
Olympic Steamship holds that "an award of fees is required in any legal action
where the insurer compels the insured to assume the burden of legal action, to
obtain the full benefit of his insurance contract." 117 Wn.2d at 53. The award is
available for first party insurance claims, but not for third party claims where the
insured remains the real party at interest. Trinity Universal Ins. Co. of Kan, v.
Ohio Cas. Ins. Co., 176 Wn. App. 185, 208-09, 312 P.3d 976 (2013). The PIP
coverage dispute in this case is ofthe type contemplated by Olympic Steamship. Because Angarita was entitled to an attorney fee award in conjunction with her PIP coverage claim in the trial court and has prevailed on this issue on appeal,
12 Whether Angarita's answer amounted to concealment is a separate question that, under the policy language, is irrelevant for purposes of this appeal. 13 Additionally, Allstate requests costs on appeal. Pursuant to RAP 14.2, costs are awardable "to the party that substantially prevails on review." Allstate has not prevailed in this court. We therefore decline its request.
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she is entitled to an award of attorney fees in this court in conjunction with her
PIP coverage claim. Upon compliance with RAP 18.1, a commissioner of this
court will enter an appropriate order.
Affirmed.
We concur: