Ragan v. Columbia Mutual Insurance

Plaintiff Jerald Ragan owned a seven-unit apartment building in Granite City, Illinois. In the fall of 1992, Ragan contacted defendant Orville Bierbaum, an agent of defendant Looking Glass Insurance Company, to change the insurance coverage on the property. Bierbaum suggested that Ragan apply to defendant Columbia Mutual Insurance Company (Columbia Mutual), and Bierbaum filled out the policy application for Ragan. Columbia Mutual is the only defendant involved in this appeal.

On August 31, 1993, the apartment building was destroyed by fire. Ragan sought insurance benefits under the policy…