Kirkwood v. California State Automobile Ass'n Inter-Insurance Bureau

Opinion

REARDON, J.

Insurance Code1 section 2071 calls for an appraisal process to resolve disputes between the parties to a standard form fire insurance policy over the actual cash value of property loss claims. However, the appraisal panel’s power is restricted to the factual task of valuing the items of property submitted for appraisal. Matters of statutory construction, contract interpretation and policy coverage are not encompassed within the ambit of a section 2071 appraisal.

In this action for declaratory and other relief, respondent Douglas Kirkwood has asserted that appellant California…