William Merriman, et ux v. American Guarantee & Liability Insurance Co.

¶1 William and Colleen Merriman brought a negligence action against Bernd Moving Systems after a fire at Bernd’s storage warehouse destroyed over $300,000 worth of the Merrimans’ property. When the Merrimans learned through litigation that Bernd had substantial insurance protecting its storage customers against property loss that had never been disclosed by Bernd’s insurer, its adjuster, or the adjuster’s local agent, they amended their complaint to assert claims against all three companies. They also moved, successfully, for certification of a class action. Settlements were reached between…