Baker v. Blue Ridge Insurance

Eldon L. Baker sued his insurance company, Blue Ridge Insurance Company, on a policy covering hail damage to Baker’s corn crop. A jury returned a verdict in favor of Baker in the amount of $16,800. Baker appeals from the District Court’s denial of a new trial. We reverse the judgment of the District Court and remand for a new trial.

The policy issued to Baker contains a formula or method for determining the amount payable for a loss, namely: “LOSS PAYMENT, a. The amount payable per acre shall be the limit of insurance applying on the date of the loss multiplied by the percentage the crop yield…