FILED Mar 07 2025, 8:59 am
CLERK Indiana Supreme Court Court of Appeals and Tax Court
IN THE
Court of Appeals of Indiana The Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company, Appellant-Defendant,
v.
William Dougherty, Appellee-Plaintiff.
March 7, 2025
Court of Appeals Case No. 24A-CT-1064
Appeal from the Henry Circuit Court
The Honorable Bob A. Witham, Judge
Trial Court Cause No. 33C01-1902-CT-7
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 1 of 9 Opinion by Senior Judge Robb Judges May and Vaidik concur.
Robb, Senior Judge.
Statement of the Case [1] William Dougherty was injured in a vehicle accident, and he sought coverage
under a commercial vehicle insurance policy his employer had purchased from
Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company (“Charter Oak”). Charter Oak denied
Dougherty’s request, and he filed suit, requesting a declaration that he was
entitled to coverage. Charter Oak counterclaimed, asking the trial court to
determine the policy did not provide coverage for Dougherty’s injuries.
[2] The parties cross-moved for summary judgment. Charter Oak appeals the trial
court’s denial of its motion for summary judgment and the court’s grant of
Dougherty’s motion for summary judgment. Charter Oak argues that Ohio law
applies to this case, and under that state’s law, it need not provide coverage
here. We need not address the choice of law issue because Dougherty is
entitled to coverage under the plain language of the policy. Consequently, we
affirm.
Facts and Procedural History [3] Dougherty, a resident of Indiana, is employed by Woolpert, Inc. (“Woolpert”).
Woolpert’s corporate headquarters is in Ohio, but the company has branch
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 2 of 9 offices and employees in numerous states. Woolpert provides company-owned
vehicles for many of its employees, including Dougherty. Dougherty’s
company-owned vehicle was registered in Indiana.
[4] Woolpert purchased an insurance policy (“the policy”) from Charter Oak, a
Connecticut corporation, to cover its multi-state fleet of vehicles from
December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017. The policy included general
declarations, including underinsured motorist coverage, and state-specific
endorsements, including one that provided underinsured motorist coverage for
vehicles licensed or garaged in Indiana. See Appellant’s App. Vol. III, pp. 23-25
(describing general categories of coverage, including underinsured motorist
coverage); pp. 138-41 (policy endorsement titled “INDIANA
UNDERINSURED MOTORISTS COVERAGE”).
[5] In February 2017, Dougherty’s usual company-owned vehicle was unavailable.
Woolpert paid for Dougherty to rent a vehicle for two days. The rental vehicle
was licensed in Indiana.
[6] On February 23, 2017, a two-vehicle accident occurred in Henry County,
Indiana. Jerry A. Walbright rear-ended Dougherty, who was driving the rental
vehicle. Dougherty sustained injuries.
[7] In February 2019, Dougherty sued Charter Oak, asking the trial court to declare
that Charter Oak was required to provide underinsured motorist coverage for
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 3 of 9 1 his injuries. Charter Oak counterclaimed, requesting a declaration that it was
not required to provide coverage. Next, the parties cross-moved for summary
judgment. The court denied Charter Oak’s summary judgment motion and
granted Dougherty’s motion. The court later issued an order deeming its
summary judgment orders to be final and appealable under Indiana Trial Rule
56(C). This appeal followed.
Issue [8] Charter Oak raises five issues, but one is dispositive: whether Dougherty is
entitled to underinsured motorist coverage under the policy.
Discussion and Decision [9] We review a summary judgment decision using the same standard as the trial
court. Ind. Repertory Theatre v. Cincinnati Cas. Co., 180 N.E.3d 403, 406 (Ind. Ct.
App. 2022), trans. denied. A trial court shall render summary judgment “if the
designated evidentiary matter shows that there is no genuine issue as to any
material fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of
law.” Ind. Trial Rule 56(C).
[10] “All facts and reasonable inferences are construed in favor of the non-moving
party.” Ind. Repertory Theatre, 180 N.E.3d at 407. Questions of law are
1 Dougherty also sued Walbright and another insurance company, but they were later dismissed from the lawsuit by agreement.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 4 of 9 reviewed de novo. Id. Our standard of review does not change where, as here,
the parties cross-moved for summary judgment. Id. “We consider each motion
separately to determine whether the moving party is entitled to judgment as a
matter of law.” Ind. Farmers Mut. Ins. Co. v. N. Vernon Drop Forge, Inc., 917
N.E.2d 1258, 1266 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009), trans. denied. We will affirm the trial
court’s summary judgment decision “upon any theory or basis supported by the
designated materials.” Hammerstone v. Ind. Ins. Co., 986 N.E.2d 841, 845 (Ind.
Ct. App. 2013).
[11] “Generally, the interpretation of an insurance policy presents a question of law
and is appropriate for summary judgment.” City of Evansville v. U.S. Fid. & Guar.
Co., 965 N.E.2d 92, 97-98 (Ind. Ct. App. 2012), trans. denied. Whenever a trial
court grants summary judgment based on the construction of a written contract,
the court has determined as a matter of law that either the contract is not
ambiguous or uncertain, or the contract ambiguity, if one exists, can be resolved
without the aid of a factual determination. Plumlee v. Monroe Guar. Ins. Co., 655
N.E.2d 350, 354 (Ind. Ct. App. 1995), trans. denied.
[12] “‘Clear and unambiguous language in insurance policy contracts, like other
contracts, should be given its plain and ordinary meaning.’” Technicolor USA,
Inc. v. Ins. Co. of N. Am., 216 N.E.3d 1188, 1194 (Ind. Ct. App. 2023) (quoting
Cinergy Corp. v. Associated Elec. & Gas Ins. Servs., Ltd., 865 N.E.2d 571, 574 (Ind.
2007)), trans. denied. In Charter Oak’s case, we are considering an endorsement
to an insurance policy, and “the endorsement ‘must be read together,
construed, and reconciled with the policy to give effect to the whole.’” Masten Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 5 of 9 v. AMCO Ins. Co., 953 N.E.2d 566, 569 (Ind. Ct. App. 2011) (quoting Stevenson
v. Hamilton Mut. Ins. Co., 672 N.E.2d 467, 473 (Ind. Ct. App. 1996), trans.
denied) trans. denied. In addition, we must read policy language in a way that
harmonizes provisions rather than results in conflict. Burkett v. Am. Fam. Ins.
Group, 737 N.E.2d 447, 452 (Ind. Ct. App. 2000).
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FILED Mar 07 2025, 8:59 am
CLERK Indiana Supreme Court Court of Appeals and Tax Court
IN THE
Court of Appeals of Indiana The Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company, Appellant-Defendant,
v.
William Dougherty, Appellee-Plaintiff.
March 7, 2025
Court of Appeals Case No. 24A-CT-1064
Appeal from the Henry Circuit Court
The Honorable Bob A. Witham, Judge
Trial Court Cause No. 33C01-1902-CT-7
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 1 of 9 Opinion by Senior Judge Robb Judges May and Vaidik concur.
Robb, Senior Judge.
Statement of the Case [1] William Dougherty was injured in a vehicle accident, and he sought coverage
under a commercial vehicle insurance policy his employer had purchased from
Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company (“Charter Oak”). Charter Oak denied
Dougherty’s request, and he filed suit, requesting a declaration that he was
entitled to coverage. Charter Oak counterclaimed, asking the trial court to
determine the policy did not provide coverage for Dougherty’s injuries.
[2] The parties cross-moved for summary judgment. Charter Oak appeals the trial
court’s denial of its motion for summary judgment and the court’s grant of
Dougherty’s motion for summary judgment. Charter Oak argues that Ohio law
applies to this case, and under that state’s law, it need not provide coverage
here. We need not address the choice of law issue because Dougherty is
entitled to coverage under the plain language of the policy. Consequently, we
affirm.
Facts and Procedural History [3] Dougherty, a resident of Indiana, is employed by Woolpert, Inc. (“Woolpert”).
Woolpert’s corporate headquarters is in Ohio, but the company has branch
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 2 of 9 offices and employees in numerous states. Woolpert provides company-owned
vehicles for many of its employees, including Dougherty. Dougherty’s
company-owned vehicle was registered in Indiana.
[4] Woolpert purchased an insurance policy (“the policy”) from Charter Oak, a
Connecticut corporation, to cover its multi-state fleet of vehicles from
December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017. The policy included general
declarations, including underinsured motorist coverage, and state-specific
endorsements, including one that provided underinsured motorist coverage for
vehicles licensed or garaged in Indiana. See Appellant’s App. Vol. III, pp. 23-25
(describing general categories of coverage, including underinsured motorist
coverage); pp. 138-41 (policy endorsement titled “INDIANA
UNDERINSURED MOTORISTS COVERAGE”).
[5] In February 2017, Dougherty’s usual company-owned vehicle was unavailable.
Woolpert paid for Dougherty to rent a vehicle for two days. The rental vehicle
was licensed in Indiana.
[6] On February 23, 2017, a two-vehicle accident occurred in Henry County,
Indiana. Jerry A. Walbright rear-ended Dougherty, who was driving the rental
vehicle. Dougherty sustained injuries.
[7] In February 2019, Dougherty sued Charter Oak, asking the trial court to declare
that Charter Oak was required to provide underinsured motorist coverage for
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 3 of 9 1 his injuries. Charter Oak counterclaimed, requesting a declaration that it was
not required to provide coverage. Next, the parties cross-moved for summary
judgment. The court denied Charter Oak’s summary judgment motion and
granted Dougherty’s motion. The court later issued an order deeming its
summary judgment orders to be final and appealable under Indiana Trial Rule
56(C). This appeal followed.
Issue [8] Charter Oak raises five issues, but one is dispositive: whether Dougherty is
entitled to underinsured motorist coverage under the policy.
Discussion and Decision [9] We review a summary judgment decision using the same standard as the trial
court. Ind. Repertory Theatre v. Cincinnati Cas. Co., 180 N.E.3d 403, 406 (Ind. Ct.
App. 2022), trans. denied. A trial court shall render summary judgment “if the
designated evidentiary matter shows that there is no genuine issue as to any
material fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of
law.” Ind. Trial Rule 56(C).
[10] “All facts and reasonable inferences are construed in favor of the non-moving
party.” Ind. Repertory Theatre, 180 N.E.3d at 407. Questions of law are
1 Dougherty also sued Walbright and another insurance company, but they were later dismissed from the lawsuit by agreement.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 4 of 9 reviewed de novo. Id. Our standard of review does not change where, as here,
the parties cross-moved for summary judgment. Id. “We consider each motion
separately to determine whether the moving party is entitled to judgment as a
matter of law.” Ind. Farmers Mut. Ins. Co. v. N. Vernon Drop Forge, Inc., 917
N.E.2d 1258, 1266 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009), trans. denied. We will affirm the trial
court’s summary judgment decision “upon any theory or basis supported by the
designated materials.” Hammerstone v. Ind. Ins. Co., 986 N.E.2d 841, 845 (Ind.
Ct. App. 2013).
[11] “Generally, the interpretation of an insurance policy presents a question of law
and is appropriate for summary judgment.” City of Evansville v. U.S. Fid. & Guar.
Co., 965 N.E.2d 92, 97-98 (Ind. Ct. App. 2012), trans. denied. Whenever a trial
court grants summary judgment based on the construction of a written contract,
the court has determined as a matter of law that either the contract is not
ambiguous or uncertain, or the contract ambiguity, if one exists, can be resolved
without the aid of a factual determination. Plumlee v. Monroe Guar. Ins. Co., 655
N.E.2d 350, 354 (Ind. Ct. App. 1995), trans. denied.
[12] “‘Clear and unambiguous language in insurance policy contracts, like other
contracts, should be given its plain and ordinary meaning.’” Technicolor USA,
Inc. v. Ins. Co. of N. Am., 216 N.E.3d 1188, 1194 (Ind. Ct. App. 2023) (quoting
Cinergy Corp. v. Associated Elec. & Gas Ins. Servs., Ltd., 865 N.E.2d 571, 574 (Ind.
2007)), trans. denied. In Charter Oak’s case, we are considering an endorsement
to an insurance policy, and “the endorsement ‘must be read together,
construed, and reconciled with the policy to give effect to the whole.’” Masten Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 5 of 9 v. AMCO Ins. Co., 953 N.E.2d 566, 569 (Ind. Ct. App. 2011) (quoting Stevenson
v. Hamilton Mut. Ins. Co., 672 N.E.2d 467, 473 (Ind. Ct. App. 1996), trans.
denied) trans. denied. In addition, we must read policy language in a way that
harmonizes provisions rather than results in conflict. Burkett v. Am. Fam. Ins.
Group, 737 N.E.2d 447, 452 (Ind. Ct. App. 2000).
[13] In the current case, as noted above, Charter Oak’s policy contains general
provisions for underinsured motorist coverage and an Indiana-specific
underinsured motorist coverage endorsement. The Indiana endorsement
provides that, for vehicles “licensed or principally garaged” in Indiana, Charter
Oak will pay “all sums the ‘insured’ is legally entitled to recover as
compensatory damages from the owner or driver of an ‘underinsured motor
vehicle.’” Appellant’s App. Vol. III, p. 138. For a corporate entity such as
Woolpert, the endorsement defines an “insured,” in relevant part, as: “Anyone
‘occupying’ a covered ‘auto’ or a temporary substitute for a covered ‘auto.’ The
covered ‘auto’ must be out of service because of its breakdown, repair,
servicing, ‘loss’ or destruction.” Id.
[14] The general coverage portion of the policy defines a covered auto as falling into
one of two numerical categories. Id. at 23. The “BUSINESS AUTO
COVERAGE FORM” portion of the policy explains that one of the categories
consists of “private passenger ‘autos’ [Woolpert] own[s].” Id. at 31. The
parties do not appear to dispute that Dougherty’s regular work vehicle was: (1)
licensed in Indiana and (2) owned by Woolpert and thus qualified as a covered
auto. There also does not appear to be any dispute that Dougherty’s regular
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 6 of 9 vehicle was unavailable for two days because it was being repaired or serviced.
As a result, the short-term rental vehicle Dougherty was driving at the time of
the accident appears to meet the endorsement’s definition of a temporary
substitute for a covered auto, and Dougherty is an insured who is entitled to
coverage. See Tate v. Secura Ins., 587 N.E.2d 665, 668 (Ind. 1992) (applying
plain language of underinsured motorist policy provisions and determining
claimant was entitled to coverage for auto accident caused by underinsured
motorist).
[15] Charter Oak points to the second numerical category of covered autos discussed
in the general policy provisions that address underinsured motorist coverage.
That second category consists of “any auto you do not own and that is a
covered auto under this policy for liability insurance and it is licensed or
principally garaged in Illinois.” Appellant’s App. Vol. III, p. 25. Charter Oak
argues that even if Dougherty’s short-term rental vehicle was covered for
purposes of liability insurance, it was not licensed in Illinois and thus does not
meet the general policy’s requirements for underinsured motorist coverage.
[16] It appears that the general coverage provision cited by Charter Oak could
conflict with the coverage provisions of the Indiana underinsured motorist
endorsement. But the Indiana endorsement states that its terms “CHANGE[]
THE POLICY.” Id. at 138. The endorsement further provides that the general
coverage provisions “apply unless modified by the endorsement.” Id. Being
mindful of our duty to harmonize contract provisions, we read the Indiana
endorsement as modifying the policy’s general provisions as to underinsured
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 7 of 9 motorist claims arising in Indiana. As a result, the endorsement’s definition of
an “insured” is controlling here. This reading follows another longstanding
principle of contract interpretation: “specific provisions in a contract control
over general provisions relating to the same subject[.]” Flatow v. Ingalls, 932
N.E.2d 726, 730 (Ind. Ct. App. 2010), trans. denied. Also, to rule otherwise
would effectively negate the Indiana underinsured motorist endorsement, and
we “construe the language of a contract so as not to render any words, phrases
or terms ineffective or meaningless.” Hammerstone, 986 N.E.2d at 846. It is
Charter Oak’s burden to explain why the Indiana endorsement does not
control, and Charter Oak has not carried that burden. See Perkins v. Fillio, 119
N.E.3d 1106, 1110 (Ind. Ct. App. 2019) (“The party who lost at the trial court
has the burden to persuade the appellate court that the trial court erred.”).
[17] Charter Oak argues that Ohio substantive law applies to this case as to the
applicability of underinsured motorist coverage, and under Ohio law, it was not
required to obtain a specific written rejection of such coverage from Woolpert
in order to nullify underinsured coverage for Dougherty’s claim. Dougherty
argues Indiana underinsured motorist law applies here and entitles him to
underinsured coverage regardless of the policy’s language. We need not
address the statutory choice of law dispute because the plain language of the 2 policy resolves the parties’ coverage disagreement. See Erie Indem. Co. v. Estate
2 The parties also present arguments relating to Indiana Code section 27-7-5-2 (2020), the statute that governs uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance coverage in Indiana. We do not need to address those arguments because of our resolution of the case under the plain language of the policy.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 8 of 9 of Harris; 99 N.E.3d 625, 632 (Ind. 2018) (rejecting plaintiff’s interpretation of
term used in insurance policy; term was unambiguous and therefore applied
without interpretation); cf. Illinois Farmers Ins. v. Tyson, 634 N.E.2d 1355, 1359
(Ind. Ct. App. 1994) (trial court did not err in determining Kentucky statute
applied to case because policy language in dispute was ambiguous, and resort to
statutory authority was necessary), trans. dismissed. The trial court did not err in
denying Charter Oak’s motion for summary judgment or in granting
Dougherty’s motion for summary judgment.
Conclusion [18] For the reasons stated above, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
[19] Affirmed.
May, J., and Vaidik, J., concur.
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANT Dennis M. Dolan Litchfield Cavo LLP Highland, Indiana
Phillip G. Litchfield Litchfield Cavo LLP Chicago, Illinois
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE Robert H. Ebbs Theresa L.D. Ebbs Glaser & Ebbs Indianapolis, Indiana
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 24A-CT-1064 | March 7, 2025 Page 9 of 9