Chicago Title Insurance v. AMZ Insurance Services, Inc.

Opinion

FYBEL, J,

Introduction

A binder is a contract of insurance that provides coverage pending the issuance of the insurance policy. (Adams v. Explorer Ins. Co. (2003) 107 Cal.App.4th 438, 451 [132 Cal.Rptr.2d 24] (Adams).) The central issue in this case is whether a document entitled “Evidence of Property Insurance” (EOI) issued by AMZ Insurance Services, Inc. (AMZ), was an enforceable binder of homeowners insurance extending coverage from appellant Pacific Specialty Insurance Company (PSIC) for a fire loss incurred by Cheryl Mustain.

After obtaining an assignment of rights, respondent…