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Martin v. Argonaut Insurance Company
434 P.2d 103
Idaho
1967
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*1 885 appear will on trial of course partner facts What liquidation of until continues opinion only shows according the we do not know. disbursal ship assets and sufficiently alleges complaint appellants’ agreement.13 partnership legal grounds for relief. respond- may be M. R. Skelton It Judgment affirmed as to dismissal winding up or Floyd ent E. Skelton Bank in its cor Idaho First National they pur- partnership when liquidating the judgment re porate capacity; otherwise partnership interest. Spencer’s S. R. chased proceed and remanded further versed may on be- so, have acted If the Skeltons according expressed. ings to views herein legal partnership itself which half of appellants. pur- Costs to contemplation be the actual chaser, partner would and service on one TAYLOR, J., SMITH, McFAD- C. partnership. bind SPEAR, JJ., DEN and concur. First National Respondent Idaho appellants do Bank further contends

plead grounds to col sufficient sustain a probate attack on the court’s order

lateral Spencer’s

confirming partner R. sale of S. may ship probate A court interest. order 434 P.2d 103 equity probate set aside in if MARTIN, R. W. individual it,14 Richard jurisdiction if the lacked to enter ly Company, dba Woods Lumber order was fraud.15 obtained extrinsic Plaintiffs-Respondents, Appellants allege both. v. COMPANY, ARGONAUT INSURANCE says probate complaint Their Defendant-Appellant. required procedure did not follow No. 9908. Spencer’s R. and S. minor children were represented at the sale confirmation Supreme Court of Idaho. proceedings. allegations These be con 21, Nov. 1967. jurisdiction. strued as a claim of lack of considering fiduciary responsi And appellants by

bilities M. R. Skelton owed respondent Skelton,16 Floyd appel E. plead

lants’ claims of willful non-disclosure

extrinsic fraud.17 Turner, supra, 14; (1931); Brooks, n. cf. 15. v. Swinehart Malden Trust Co. v. 628, Smutny Noble, 273, P.2d (1935); v. Idaho 78 308 N.E. 291 Mass. 100 197 (1957); Gregory Hancock, (Ky. Campbell, 81 591 v. Curtis v. 336 S.W.2d 355 221, (1959); 1960); Moorman, al Idaho 340 P.2d 108 see Moorman v. Ind. 226 Miller, 600, 192, Thornton, (1948); v. 12 Idaho 88 so Donovan 79 N.E.2d 112 Evans v. 82, L.R.A.,N.S., (1906). 149, P. 9 524 Kan. P.2d 159 152 853 (1944); Ill.App. Jackson, v. Jackson 343 n, 12, supra. 11 and n. 16. cited Cases Annot., 31, (1951); 98 N.E.2d 169 120 Parke, 435, 72 Idaho 242 Cf. Parke v. (1939). 17. 724, (subdiv. III) A.L.R. 740 Sande, (1952); v. 83 Sande P.2d 860 Bartle, 451, 13. Duncan v. 188 216 See Or. 233, (1961); P.2d Swine 360 998 (1950); Hurst, Hurst 1 P.2d v. 1005 Turner, 15; supra, n. v. Donovan hart v. ; Ariz.App. 227, 232, (1965) P.2d 401 ‍​​​‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‍235 15; Jorgensen Miller, supra, v. n. Jor Partnership 351, p. C.J.S. 860 68 13, gensen, Cal.2d 32 193 (1950). (1948); House, 160 F.2d v. Chisholm Dry 632, Cir.1947); Turner, (10th In Re 643 38 Idaho Swinehart Estate, (1924); N.W.2d cf., Neb. 52 224 P. v. Utah den’s Harkness Root, cf., Light Co., Crockett v. & Power 49 Idaho (1943). Okl. P.

See also 475. Martin filed a claim for Board, joining

with the Industrial Accident In- employer as the surety Company surance for Woods. *3 Argonaut The Board Insurance dismissed Company proceeding and an from appeal cul- order this court from that the Board’s minated in affirmance of Argonaut’s the issue on fusal decide liability to Martin v. Robert Woods. See: Co., 105, 408 W. Lumber 90 Idaho Woods P.2d previously

This actiоn was also before Argonaut Insur Martin v. court. 475 (1965), ance judgment it did of the trial court jurisdiction the then not have because of proceedings pending before the Industrial and the cause Accident Board was reversed proceedings. for further remanded remand, After the trial court entered fact, law findings of conclusions of its decree, part: reads in its which decree AD- ORDERED “IT IS HEREBY AND That DECREED JUDGED herein, Insurance defendant was, May, day Company, 1st said throughout the whole of particularly at the time of day, and Moffatt, Blanton, Thomas, & Barrett Martin, plaintiff, Richard injury Boise, appellant. Surety and Compensation the Workmen’s Woods, plaintiff, R. W. carrier Cogswell, Sandpoint, Bandelin for re- & Lumber doing the Woods business as spondent, R. W. Woods. adjudged Company, further ordered Bistline, respond- Stephen Sandpoint, for es- is decreed that said defendant ent, Riсhard Martin. liability plaintiff deny to the topped suretjq at the time Woods as McFADDEN, Justice. Martin, and, jury plaintiff, declaratory judgment was instituted proceedings pending still before those Woods, by Richard Martin and Robert W. the State Board Industrial Accident doing Lumber latter business Idaho, defendant, Argonaut Woods In- Company, against defendant-appellant Ar- fully Company, liable to surance gonaut foreign Company, Woods, Insurance cor- lia- plaintiff pay all of that poration plaintiff in Idaho. bility authorized to business to the do has attached which initially Other named acci- defendants reason of the industrial Woods subsequently day May, Mar- action were dismissed. the 1st dent which on Martin, tin, plaintiff, employed while Woods Woods occurred River, operated being then and there Company Lumber sawmill mill on Pack A.M., seriously injured May plaintiff at 11:20 Woods.” resрondent Company, also awarded issued-.a trial. Woods the sum of- Five countersigned Thousand Dollars by Wilma Mae McArthur for attorney’s reasonable fees. period May 1, * * May 1, 1961,“12:01 standard time appeal judgment is taken from the .This At issued, time this and decree so entered. paid required deposit premium. Under Respondent operated a lumber policy, the terms monthly payroll of this mill a Sandpoint, few miles from Idaho. reports were submitted and the actual employees One of respondent Mar- premiums computed, monthly billed and tin. years, for a number of paid. Following delivery issuance and the F. G. Harrell Agency (later mentioned Mc- Woods discussed it with Agency) Sandpoint as Harrell handle *4 Arthur, stating: his insurance, compen- fire and workmen’s sation insurance employees. on his that “A He told me [L. McArthur] J. Harrell Agency (owned by LeRoy he agеnts and both were Wilma J.] [L. J. McArthur, wife, whose Mae Mc- Argonaut, questioned Wilma and I him that Arthur, agency) also worked in the renewal, was the time of because about the agent of a been, number companies, past, of insurance I was in the it had as far as including appellant. automatic, concerned, one that was and me, he said that thing that worried and During the course of Woods’ association way; that Argonaut operated the same with the Agency Harrell Mc- my deposit, put up at that time I would Arthurs, left selection of the $306, paid my premiums if I it' companies carry particular would his time, properly reports máde out the policies agency. with this Most of reason, reason there other was no transactions were with Mr. dur- McArthur because, it, Argonaut renew wouldn’t ing his lifetime. the past. as it had been in So I was sat- Appellant Argonаut Company, Insurance said, buy right, I ‘all I will isfied, and having . Park, its home office in Menlo Argonaut Insurance.’ California, and its Idaho district office at Q you agree deposit Did to make the 'Boise, appointed Agency the Harrell as its premiums premiums? and make representative 'sole Sandpoint. By the agency every made, pre- I agreement, A It was and made 1, 1958, executed March appellant appointed payment. mium Agency Harrell solicit, to accept receive and Q your agreement And that was under applications for insurance and to receive Roy with ? and remit By on its behalf. right. A That ' addendum to agreement, provisions Q agreement And these agency of agreement applic- were made they been. just renewals were like had able to compensation workmen’s insurance. They— Although the аppellant named “F. Har- G. L. McArthur and rell Agency” agents J. appointed appellant. and certified as agency agreement, Wilma Mae McArthur being both with A [*] Well, simple Argonaut it is true. [*] reason, [*] once that with I before,, questioned him [*] [*] Liberty I will [*] this,

For a years number of prior admit that since I to then heard L. have McArthur they has obtained it isn’t the call company, same but workmen’s com- J. pensation Woods, insurance Argonaut, Liberty again; with the it and with policies being placed in that it companies various that I wanted assured appellant. other than way, got I be the same because McArthur placed keep Woods’ much track in- too. to do to have Argonaut surance these, with all like renewal Insurance me, always Department been Insurance this state. No when constructive notice to Woods arose from automatic.” filing Department Insur pre- reflects that exhibits Examination n & ance. Tuсker v. America Aviation there, change viously was a when Tenn. 278 S.W.2d Gen. Ins. company to an- carrier from one surance can (1955). No actual notice of such other, changes in each instance were these cellation of or termination of time any period of accomplished without agency the Mc was submitted either by one not covered Woods was Woods, Arthurs or other. or the Woods. first of this Following issuance Following Mr. and Mrs. termination, policy identical by Argonaut, another certain McArthur to contact went to Seattle a “re first, designation except for its try place insurance brokers to period of for the policy,” issued newal policies, they had and other insurance writ- m. May 1, 12:01 a. “May 1, 1961 * * *.” there, LeRoy died ten. McArthur While issued policy was J. March being made application formal without being rеquest any particular McArthur had Woods knew Mr. *5 by Appellant’s McArthur. made away. stated, however, passed He he that that Manager in substance District testified any did not receive that Mrs. Mc- word auto company, within the renewals work authority Arthur’s had been cancelled. He for matically, procedures involved that stated: put effect without renewal of a are in death, Roy’s did “Q In connection with any action affirmative make inquiries to you any doubts or have that agent; insured he testified or of any insurance? about policies are eighty per cent about of the McArthur testified renewed. Wilma Mae suppose, about Well, surely. I A agents that she and her were not husband in see Roy’s I death, went month after any compensation ap carrier than insurance, other I my regard Wilma pellant May during period 1960 to pur- I have рolicies that have several 1, 1962, May and that Woods’ more of through them. It was chased appellant sig came to them conversation, her. but I did ask casual that in in nature her. She stated some * * * * * * policies prior stances renewal received were Agent was A me that she And she told date, expiration expiration a few on the Agent for she right, in her and was own date, expiration and even after some com- Argonaut and various previous policy. date of the going to con- panies, and that she was During throughout various times the life if her And I asked tinue the business. original and the renewal and she going to be as usual things was safety engineer appellant in- they be. It would me that would assured spected Reports lumber mill. Woods’ Roy had been go along just like when inspections these main were sent going Agent. She was was alive. She inspection office. The final made was my business, and when to run the February report in that it was and they up, be renewed.” come newals stated, “Mr. was that re- advised testimony Mc- is rebutted Mrs. engineering turn calls to his sawmill would testimony, she stated Arthur’s wherein ‍​​​‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‍be made on a scheduled basis.” having remember a conversation she didn’t 1, 1962, concerning March On dis with Mr. this issue. Shé manager trict ap they might told the talked about other thought McArthurs that they pellant insurance, “positive” terminating agency. their No but that she was tice of such termination was filed with didn’t talk about workmen’s Agency The trial resolved this of Harrell insurance. is of no Even moment. agency though conflict in L. Woods’ favor when found: McArthur ter J. “ death, * * * his minated Mrs. McArthur McArthur, Wilma Mae after kept operating, fact the business con McArthur, specifically the- of L. death J. tinued to act as for other insurance plaintiff, Wоods, informed the Robert W. companies which had issued her certificates Argonaut through she as appointment were Agency going G. Harrell F. terminated. in business, continue that policies plaintiff theretofore sold to Robert W. challenge finding of Appellants they up Woods would be renewed as came fact which states: No. for renewal.” agency “Although there a written death, Mrs. Subsequent her husband’s the defendant agreement between and remit plaintiff, continued to collect Sandpoint agents, McArthur neither its reports appellant. employer, Other nor Robert W. place following death Martin, employee, events that took plaintiff Richard 1, 1962, injury May Martin’s any knowledge whatever as receipt by appellant May its about thereof; charge- either terms nor were Finally Boise claim. office of Martin’s there a writ- knowing able 1962, following reports, July, final audit of anything agreement; ten was there nor adjustment of forwarded plain- either putting whatever deposit premium Agency. to the Harrell whereby both notice either or tiffs on required make would have been ap presented issue The ultimate agency quiry as to the terms of erred in peal the trial court is whether writing agreement, whether in or not Argonaut was determination *6 writing.” the time carrier at compensation Woods’ plaintiff to It is first be observed that 1, par May 1962. In injury on Martin’s no the Martin had contact whatever with the by appellant that ticular it is asserted with McArthurs. first contact Woods’ Mc holding that the trial erred insurance, policy of was when a agents, cloth Arthurs, appellant’s were as signed by McArthur resi- Mae as Wilma authority agree with Woods ed with to agent, dent At was delivered to him. cоmpensation his workmen’s relationship agency time the itself automatically would be renewed brought policy possession. liability into deny to estopped its is to upon When L. McArthur called the individual Woods Woods. Consideration of J. inquired delivery after by appellant’s assignments issues presented carrying change company findings of the specific by of error directed to to.the insurance, he necessary trial resolve court becomes duly appointed agent speaking was to the ultimate issue. Argonaut company. was Woods Appellant erred claims fully accepting agent’s justified finding that L. McArthur and Wilma J. inquiry. Apropos statement without further legal Mae McArthur did business under the in Mas- this situation is the statement firm name find Agency. of Harrell E. Bonding Co. sachusetts & Ins. v. R. ing evidentiary is correct an stand 268, F.2d Parsons Elec. point. Since each of held a the McArthurs 1932): (8th A.L.R. Cir. appointment authority certificate of authority discussing “In agent by performed individual name and Insurance, agent, Cooley’s Briefs on capacity, services in such Mrs. McArthur 2d ed.], states as follows: [463 countersigning pol and renewal s may by appellant Woods, powers icie ‘Though agent issued of an by they fact that did under name business be limited definite restrictions applicable. of his as that section read in authority by the nature 1960 are powers Supple- See: agency, the determination of his Vol. 7 Cumulative Pocket Code, the in- consequently rights ment Idaho 1959. See also: S.L. (Compare first instance Ch. 330 I.C. must rest in the Sec. sured 41-337, powers Huppert v. general principle that the cited in on the §§ 41— Wolford, agent prima supra.) any of an facie coextensive Absent facts to are care, put inquiry, with the business intrusted tо his Woods he was under duty by inquire further as McArthur’s will not be narrowed limitations authority. by person finding not trial court communicated to the with any question is neither Martin nor whom deals. The real he has, power agent knowledge of the what but what terms of the written power agency agreement they has held him out and that ” chargeable knowledge having.’ of such agreement, as well as the determination that Huppert Wolford, there nothing put them on notice to held, (1966), this court based inquiry fully by make further sustained 41-337, I.C. that an insurer’s resident the evidence. It follows that McArthur agent empowered applica- who was to take as the agent resident had author- tions, countersign policies, and deliver col- ity to bind agree- lect and remit and make out ment. reports accident and transmit claims was Appellant any contends that apparent authority clothed with to bind McArthur have had L. J. parol aon contract of insurance. agree a renewal of opinion, In the the court stated: express provision limited “Thus the judge conclusion of the trial delivered Wolford as resident for West- prior McArthur to his discussion with ern powers with the various hereinbefore policy provision about renewal. enumerated, thereby clothed with to, ferred reads: apparent authority to bind Western on any agent or Changes Notice parol contract of insurance is correct. knowledge possessed any agent or course, Of if Vloedman had been ad- person other shall not waiver effect vised that acting Wolford was outside *7 change any part or a of this implied authority actual or agent asserting estop Company from Western, or should that fact have аny right policy; under the terms this of apparent been reasonably prudent a to policy be nor shall the terms of this man circumstances, under the then no changed, except by endorse- waived or liability could have been incurred for a of ment issued to form However, Western. the trial court deter- Secretary signed by President and mined, finding supported by and such is the Company.” of competent evidence, that did Wolford provision not inform It be that this Vloedman he lacked will first noted authority provide specifically purport to does not to affect immediate coverage truck, authority agent no the an logging of of agree policy. contention is made to to a of the In that Vloedman should 26:205, have known 4 at 62 Wolford lacked Couch on Insurance 2d such author- § ity.” (1960), it 420 P.2d at is stated: 18.

By appellant’s foreign agent “A a answer it admitted of is resident statute, who, by has foreign company, is a corporation author- surance company ized authority represent to do ‘to business in This this state. true, being provisions purposes,’ power to all intents and has of I.C. 41-901 §

892 policy, notwithstanding ly and relied

renew a fire cited Missouri Ferguson Co., provision supra, v. Ins. orginal policy which cases Home Co., and Prichard v. Connecticut (Emphasis such statute.” Ins. Fire conflicts added.) supra, authorities, pointing well later similarity out the of the Missouri statute foregoing principal The case cited for Wolford, Huppert and I.C. 41-337. In v. quotation v. Northwestern is Anderson supra, pointed this court out Co., 201 51 N.D. Fire & Marine Ins. legislative purpose 41-337, is I.C. § held that it (1924), 514 where was N.W. protect public members who defining the the North Dakota statute agents only deal with local an from absence authority agents countersigning resident authоrity of actual agents in such to act contrary. policy .stipulations controls companies. on behalf of their also: See petition for discussing In the insurer’s America, 53 Bales v. General Ins. Co. of pointed that the rehearing, out Appleman, 24 North Missouri statute unlike that of Insurance Practice Law & Dakota, stating: policy provision was ineffective to Missouri, express “In there is no authority agree limit McArthur’s holding like statute section 4959. a renewal. court, therefore, Prichard foregoing be discussion not to is Co., Fire v. Ins. Connecticut [Prichard foreign considered that a as determination (Mo.App.1918)] and other S.W. apparent not author- limit cases, analogous is based on section ity countersigning resident local .6315, 6315], supra [R.S.1919, Section agent by policy provision, because in that, theory on the inasmuch as the only considering case we are whether the absolutely prohibited from general above-quoted non-waiver condition transacting state, except business in alone can be effective divest through agent, agent an must to enter into local company’s ego. held be the alter In agreement renewal of an automatic state, Legislature expressly our policy. said, leaving merely in section implication, persons in this express Even in the absence of an doing state certain acts behalf of agreement between local and the foreign companies shall be their insured, a course of conduct the insurer agents to all purposes.” 201 intents and policies automatically renews over N.W. period years may require an actual notice intent insured making the analogy to the law of Mis Reсognizing general principle, renew. souri, quoted the North Dakota see, Vincent, e.g.: Farmers Exch. Ins. v. Ferguson Mo.App. v. Home Ins. ; Cal.Rptr. (Cal.App.1967) American (1921), 236 S.W. 402 as follows: Heritage Cook, Life Co. So. Ins. *8 “Defendant, being corpora- foreign 2d (Fla.App.1966); 751 Fid. American state, tion licensed to do business Johnson, Ins. Co. v. (Fla. 177 So.2d 679 accepts provi- such license under the App.1965), denied, cert. 835 183 So.2d statute, rules, sions of the and ‍​​​‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‍(Fla.1966); Boyd, Standard Cas. Co. v. quirements, provisions policies or in its 617, 75 S.D. (S.D.1955); 71 N.W.2d 450 may that run counter to the statutes Pennsylvania Farmers Threshermen & are policies of no force and effect on 776, Carter, Mut. Cas. Ins. Co. v. 197 Va. written in this state.” (Emphasis added.) Emery 91 (1956); S.E.2d 429 v. Wendell 201 at N.W. 521, Agency, Inc., Brown 66 Wash.2d Huppert 249, Lepianka, Wolford, Weed v. 11, 420 P.2d (1966), 198, 16-17 recent- this court Wis.2d N.W.2d

89a year was this now? “Q What provisions policy the that in a To effect authority agent, and limiting out, an the and Roy came And “A 1962. expressly the providing that care taken had been me that it he told premiums authority accept renewal I had right then that told him of. I extensions, or grant waived be or I had insurance whether to know insured, by the see: they modified conduct of cancellations, not; when these that City Kansas Life Ins. Hinkson v. own, didn’t my I that no fault of overruled on (1919), Or. P. 24 necessary, agreed and he they were think grounds. other time, assured that he And it. paid my premiums kept long me as I It is there was no error our conclusion in, deposit that concluding kept my premium and the on of the trial court about, I that worry nothing ap- I authority had McArthur the to bind had led to insured, that and I was be pellant agreement would to the renewal notwith- standing general policy believe— non-waiver

provision quoted supra. “ s}c ifc % ** specifically “A *. He told me early trial court found that that, kept premium payments if I Mаy 1960, agreement these entered into an was there, deposit paid, my and I had acting appellant between and Woods renewed, would I that and through agents that it its if would Woods knew Agent In- him be deposit required make an pay advance and Company, premiums compen- surance I so was sure time it meant.” automatically. was what sation would be renewed court agreement also concluded policy the initial of insurance After May by appellant entered into 1, 1960, May issued, year May for the through agents legally binding policy, countersigned as the renewal company, agreement being within by McArthur, de- Mae before Wilma apparent authority made any application being livered without Sandpoint agents. aspect On Mc- policy. for the prin- case is to be recalled that appellant, acting Arthur, cipal concern of time Woods at chang- appellant at the time behalf of he his meeting with subsequent McArthur policy prior ed from the delivery policy was whether appellant, was ac- change and before this he would at all times be covered work- cepted Woods, agreed men’s insurance. By mak- automatically be renewed. within agreement acting he was ing such During original life agree- authority, scope of renewal, had notified effective then. ment of intention to cancel the non-payment of premiums. Woods the trial Appellant however contends McArthur, discussed this with Mr. since finding had erred in that Woods previously Woods had paid every Wilma McArthur reason to believe M. then due Harrell Agency. McArthur con agent for continued as already assured the problem Woods that tinued the businеss under the name been taken of. care About month before Agency, style and further of Harrell death, McArthur’s another notice M. finding that erred in Wilma came; tended cancellation Woods testi- they policies as all McArthur could renew fied as -to that occurrence as follows: reflects up for The record came renewal. *9 “A the I one got the in Boise between meeting around 1st of Febru- after ary. exactly when, I mana appellant’s don’t recall district but and McArthurs it just just 1, 1962, before no notice of termina inspec- ger or after on March tion, was, Agency agreement, or and it oh— tion of Harrell only of and of the termination or M. at most would have been cumula- L. Wilma J. ap- certificates of

McArthur’s individual tive. Exhibit “I” consisted of certified pointment copies probate proceedings to ever submitted truе of The record that after in Woods. shows Mr. The trial McArthur’s estate. death, Wilma McArthur exhibit McArthur’s refused admission of the M. offered accept premium payments being continued and as no error to immaterial. We find payroll reports appellant ruling, the trial behalf of court’s inasmuch action, party to submit them to its office. More- estate was not a Boise over, automatically agreement to renew admission the exhibit would not prior prove policy disprove any then was entered into to tended to or issues 1, 1962, prior March McArthur’s L. before court. J. agreement being death. Such within duty Appellant asserts there was no agent’s authority, such au- termination of notify on its that it was thority affect agreement, could not going compensation renew workmen’s least absence of ac- notice to policy had original inasmuch as the tual or constructive. date, specific termination did the sec- policy the first ond issued as renewal of Appellant assigns the ad error to assertion, however, policy. This over- mission in evidence of be conversations presented by record. looks facts this McArthur, decedent, tween the L. J. primarily concerned with respondent Appellant Woods. asserts that continual cover- respondent testimony such Woods con age, and his carrier was when hearsay stitutes evidence and was inad changed this appellant, Woods discussed objection. missible over its It our con appellant’s agent. with local The local clusion that the trial court did not err in advised Woods renewals of admitting testimony evidence. into appellant with automatic would be Woods testified as to certain conversa conformity payments if all made. were tions he had with testi McArthur. by appellant’s agent, the with this statement mony thus was submitted for the offered ap- came to Woods purpose establishing that McArthur did plication being submitted him for statements, make fact not to es manager Appellant’s renewal. district testi- veracity tablish the of the statements made. per eighty pol- fied about cent of the Bennett, 294, See: Bumb 51 Cal.2d v. automatically cies are The man- renewed. Turnham, P.2d (1958); Granberg v. ager had also testified that determination Cal.App.2d (1958). 333 P.2d 423 prior made termina- been some months Stratoflex, Inc., See also: N.M. Glass that it would tion Woods’ renewal ; Wigmore, (1966) Evi time, renewed, subsequent yet be (3d 1940); dence at 185 29 Am. ed. safety engineer appellant visited Evidence 497 at 555 Jur.2d “that re- Woods’ mill and advised Woods Appellant assigns engineеring error turn calls to his sawmill would trial Exhibits after court’s refusal to admit its made on scheduled basis.” Even “H” and Exhibit cancelled the au- “I.” “H” was a memo McArthur’s thority randum never addressed the F. G. Harrell March Woods was Agency Mrs. dealing notified of either insurance broker with a accounts the McArthur he to submit series of insurance continued monthly payroll place. reports The trial court forms McArthurs tried to refusing Agency named did not err admission into which the Harrell evidence, agent. the basis it was demonstrated due on never monthly reports paid of those how would have been material to Agency. check to Harrell substan- the court. It was offered On issues before evidence, tial, conflicting trial testimony although McArthur Mrs. corroborate *10 McArthur, Co., (Martin v. Argonaut court found Mae Idaho that “Wilma Ins. McArthur, spe- appeal [1965]). after the The death of L. J. cifically judg- sulted in plaintiff, informed the Robert W. reversal-of the trial court’s Woods, Argonaut again agent as ment The cause that she for of dismissal. was presented judg- through Agency F. G. was to the trial and the the Harrell business, pol- going appeal to continue ment involved in this Dur- entered. ing plaintiff icies theretofore sold to Robert the course the trial it in effect W. was they stipulated should, up as came that the trial if it Woods be renewed proper for determined renewal.” Examination of all the rec- case award was attorney fees, appellant’s ord there with- refutes contention fix amount thereof duty notify going necessity proof out was not of what -wouldbe compensation pol- to renew the reasonable. trial court found this to be icy. a proper attorney’s case to award fees to re- spondent Woods, judgment provided: its proceedings in Throughout “IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AD- court, again ap trial court and before AND DECREED That JUDGED pellant argued to dis has motion plaintiff, herein, R. individ- W. grant complaint miss the should have been doing ually, business the Woods Appellant points ed. cases of Idaho Company, Lumber of and recover America, 53 Bales v. General Ins. Co. from the Argonaut defendant Insurance (1933), 24 P.2d and Wallace Idaho Company, the sum of Five Thousand v. Hartford Fire Ins. Dollars ($5,000.00) as attor- reasonable allega (1918), requiring 174 P. 1009 an ney’s hereby fees to be assessed and as- negligence tion of on the of an insur against sessed said defendant under recovery ance be made under statutory provisions applicable to cas- policies. viewpoint, claimed insurance ualty companies, and being the same however, is too The tenor of restrictive. Woods, plain- reasonable fee which R. W. complaint here is one based on the au tiff, necessarily has in the incurred thority of an com an insurance prosecution action, of this and the suc- pany company by agreement, bind an appeal cessful heretofore taken to the existing policy renew an and failure of Supreme Court of the State of Idaho recognize policy. judgment from that which errone- [was] damages, Bales case was one for as was ously heretofore entered herein case, the Wallace case. The instant how application and motion of the defendant ever, declaratory is one judgment Company.” Insurance determine if a carrier on Woods. We find no error applied also to this court for an complaint. triаl court’s refusal ‍​​​‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‍to attorney’s dismiss the appeal. allowance of fees on this The final issue to Appellant be considered is contends that the trial court question attorneys fees awarded entering attorney’s erred in an award respondent Woods, district court instance, as well fees in the first and further that it attorneys motion for beyond jurisdiction fees to be was trial Briefly reviewing allowed this court. court to allow fees for services on the previous proceedings, Martin appeal first Appellant to this court. sub- Woods instituted this declara- action for mits that under I.C. 41-1839, considering § tory Septem- relief in the district court in status as defined in I.C. 72- § 1962; ber judgment “surety default entered fact a Appellant “guaranty them and later set aside. surer” or contractor” as defined 72-801, answered and the action was heard and both I.C. It is 41-1839. § judgment aсtion, dismissing entered claimed that under I.C. 72-611 there is no judgment appeal liability taken appellant’s part as this is a *11 premature any, impression évent, case first no of there was been in for no meaning yet as denial within of determination had been made unreasonable 72-611, Accident I.C. as Industrial was Woods’ insurance carrier. § favorably Board in having held the first instance to The trial appel- court determined appellant. appel- carrier, statutes lant the provisions involved in was Woods’ of pertinent part lant’s in set contention are I.C. 41-1839 became effective and trial § in out the footnote below.1 court was authorized make an allowance attorney’s for Woods’ fees. trial that the Appellant contends further any allow jurisdiction to court without loss” as “proof no Although of citing appeal tо this court fees the first was submitted in I.C. 41-1839 mentioned § Co., Ins. Life v. Reliance Nat’l. Molstead liability any as by denying appellant, it Appel (1961). P.2d 883 83 Idaho effectively waived carrier “proof of loss” has that no lant asserts also proof be fur any requirement that of loss by 41- required I.C. been as furnished § Mut. State Life Tippets v. it. Gem nished Appellant support in of conten 1839. Inc., Ass’n., Idaho Hillenbrand, tions, re has also cited: In Sweaney St. Paul & Co. v. (1966); Smith Idaho Passmore 303, 206 Ins. 35 Idaho Fire Marine & . 484, 253 P.2d 800 Austin, v 73 Idaho (1922). P. 178 a it was Appellant’s contention court to this contractor” appeal “guaranty “surety the first insurer” or On hence sought, which attorney’s fees were in I.C. 41-1839 § as mentioned 1. I.C. due furnished ing which shall fail for a tract, terms of ty certificate or tract, pay brought in this son entitled thereto the amount mentioned lowing sation to cluding (30) said I.C. man the state treasurer tracts. tion ing with the industrial this act. Such of with surety compensaton according curity satisfactory insurance, surety, guaranty ^ under such any days having secured any surety may lawfully shall ways: ‡ any company the state 72-801. By depositing against 41-1839. or state for their policy, Í in payment after such further amount as the kind or guaranty 72-103, contract, ‡ bond provided employees a sufficient under policy, the insurer on behalf proof Employers, or the certificate any (1) security or by recovery shall nature said certificate accident business in Idaho guaranty certificate or authorized Any action thereafter said in such period municipal in one pay issued secure loss bonds or which execu- deposit insurer issu- board secur- employer or contract maintaining whatsoever, but or indemni- under any of the board se- terms contract compen or con- against not consist policy, to do thirty bodies justly work- been con- per- con- fol in of be fixed tion to the jurisdiction. killed shall chapter. pendents sonable tion, attorneys fused within a reasonable ceipt cident by jured court before brought guaranty ed law apply principal claim of the by as to actions ney’s I.C. (3) (2) dependents by judgment him creditors employer employer which are employer’s surety neglected or pay fees in such of a written claim This section workman shall [*] to actions § 72-611. under the Code. principal ground, pay under this act reasonable [*] contract employed by compensation writing compensation provided principal, the industrial accident board. adjudge result of a cases where [*] to such claimants or whom of or claimants all such cases the or such or arising subject or deсeased has been * * * against action. or issued If shall a court attorney any reasonable otherwise surety out unless the section the board employer’s surety injured provided made compensable ac- determines the workman is proceedings are surety section by workmen shall of time, acknowledged compensation without fees employer a contested apply by shall compensa- competent against surety establish- workmen after re- insurers liability 72-611, fees of or an in- to de- attor- as to addi- law, rea- any or or a *12 attorney's respondent allowed obligated attorney’s fees is an- pay not to Woods appeal. Dillehay provisions of that section. fees this v. Hartford swered the 360, case, Co., Fire Ins. 91 421 principal’s (Woods) the Idaho In the instant Farley Exch., liability (1966); been Farmers Ins. (Martin) the hаs v. 91 to claimant 37, (1966); adjudicated by Idaho 415 P.2d Heath Accident 680 v. the Industrial 490, Board, only jurisdiction Utah Home Fire the tribunal with Ins. 89 Idaho cases, 406 341 (I.C. (1965). to consider P.2d industrial accident capac- 72-102), acting quasi-judicial in a § judgment appealed The from is affirmed. ity. Stoddard, 168, Golay 60 Idaho 89 v. The the district court is directed add to Bones, (1939); 1002 In 48 Idaho re attorney’s amount of fees herein awarded 85, Massey, 280 (1929); P. 223 Cook v. respondent Woods, to the judgment to 38 Idaho A.L.R. 220 P. 35 against appellant (defendant below). Costs 200 (1923). adjudication established Such repondents. liability Martin a manner equivalent “judgment SPEAR, to that a of a JJ., SMITH and and DON- competent jurisdiction.” ALDSON, court of J.,D. concur. supra, by ap Austin, Passmore cited v. McQUADE, (dissenting). Justice pellant, the insured involved an action stated, Simply generally material the against alleged the as here. The one, year facts in this For action follow. is true in of In re Hillen same the case independent agent an resident insurance brand, supra. See, v. Gardner Asso Wilson contracts current workmen’s ciated, Inc., 426 P.2d 567 coverage principals, insurance for one of (1967). In Reliance Molstead National company. an out-of-state insurance The Life, supra, that the it was trial court held agent principal tells the insured the auto- authority

was without to allow and deter matically policy. year will renew the In attorneys’ mine this In fees before court. the principal During year two does two so. case, judgment the Molstead for the after the principal agency. the The revokes insured was the trial court entered entered, principal the does not renew insured’s requiring order an insurance year Year three commences respondent threе. pay “to as a $300 an accident that would have been attorney’s prevail reasonable fee should she covered had the been renewed. appeal.” The factual situation judgment is different. here After question raised is whether first entered for the insurance independent authority agent apparent had company, appealed successfully, principals to bind one of his to renew court, the cause remanded the trial perpetuity, principal’s without subsequently judgment entered knowledge or consent. assessing attorney’s ‍​​​‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‍Woods. under fees general proposition, agency As an the statute the court considered the addi arrangement a mutual and its duration taking tional work initial involved in only (or lasts principal agent) until appeal, proper. which was We find no er it; rightful agent’s powеr revokes regard. ror in judgment represent principal then Because ends.1 Respondent timely principal power has to terminate sought by attorney agency his relationship prior motion fees for to commencement appeal. protection period, It is our that this policy’s conclusion of the renewal granted motion should he and that five reasonably an insured could not assume hundred independent agent authority dollars is reasonable sum to be to bind (Second) Agency p. (1936) ; Agency § See Restatement § Am.Jur. (Horn Seavey, Agency 1964); Agency book ed. C.J.S. legal majority opinion gives independ- principal relations

forever power period.2 perpetu- No ent resident begin until to bind in future companies ity principal reasoning one of contained abandoning majority opinion legal bеgin warrants relations which until do principle agency a reason a time when the have lost basic law ap represent power princi- revocation able man test determines extent liability, pal. escape potential parent authority.3 To *13 majority require principal majority in on decision rests notify every the revocation insured Huppert P.2d Wolford, v. Idaho agent. policy placed by whose has been decision, however, only (1966). That by presented No reasoning or “ general ‘engag- that a holds resident majority grave compels this result —a * * * soliciting, writing selling, ed departure principles basic the law life, health, casualty, delivering accident agency. Thus, I dissent. ” companies fire insurance for’ several apparent authority agency while his principal com- continues bind one of his

panies public liability for a insur- Huppert a logging

ance on truck. v. only types

Wolford thus concerns may risk for which current bind principal coverage. for immediate MEREDITH, Plaintiff-Appellant, H. Clair stat- part on relies v. majority also requiring out-of-state provisions MEREDITH, utory Marilyn Defendant- D. Respondent. con- agents through Idaho to act insurers However, I.C. No. here. cerning insured risks 41-337,4 41-901 to I.C. similar § Supreme of Idaho. Court controlling insurance statute 22, 1967. Nov. 1960, demands companies in out-of-state or only that an out-of-state risks protecting agent when a resident use way purports in no The statute in Idaho. govern- principles change traditional scope relationship, agency ing the authority. agent’s apparent anof Vallier, 181, 266 agents 2. Cf. Whalen through li- insurance resident code, P. 1089 provided in this who shall censed countersign indemnity policies con- or all Jungert, 90 Idaho Clements v.

3. See keep issued, shall tracts so who (Sec- Restatement 408 ond), Agency same, containing usual record (c) 49(a) and comment concerning customary information to § 8. paid premium the full risk undertaken and countersig- agent, paid therefor, 4. “41-337. Resident that the to be to the end or Except provided may required nature sec- law. — state receive taxes 41-338, paid tion make, write, place authorized insurer shall to be collected law made, undertakings property or cause to be lo- or any policy placed, (2) or or contract written or cated in this state. When two indemnity any single policy kind or of insurance or more insurers issue a general character, floating countersigned or or surance the be covering property appearing risks on located on by thereon behalf of all insurers Idaho, liability accruing state, agent, un- created a licensed resident in this state, der the laws of ings or undertak- one such insurer.” performed except state,

Case Details

Case Name: Martin v. Argonaut Insurance Company
Court Name: Idaho Supreme Court
Date Published: Nov 21, 1967
Citation: 434 P.2d 103
Docket Number: 9908
Court Abbreviation: Idaho
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