What constitutes a material misrepresentation in the context of an insurance claim?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from Gibson v. Hagerty Ins. Agency, Case No. 1:16-cv-00677-BAM (E.D. Cal. 2019):

California law provides that an insurer may deny a claim or void a policy if an insured knowingly, intentionally, and with the intent to defraud misrepresents or conceals a material fact during the presentation of the insurance claim. Cummings v. Fire Ins. Exch., 202 Cal.App.3d 1407, 1414-17, 249 Cal.Rptr. 568 (1988) (affirming summary judgment for insurer because insured made material misrepresentations during presentation of claim). "[M]ateriality is determined by its prospective reasonable relevance to the insurer's inquiry." Id. at 1417. Thus, a misrepresentation is material if it "concerns a subject reasonably relevant to the insured's investigation, and if a reasonable insurer would attach importance to the fact misrepresented." Id. The "intent to defraud the insurer is necessarily implied when the misrepresentation is material and the insured wilfully makes it with knowledge of its falsity." Id. at 1418.

Other Questions


What is the effect of a "futile amendment" to the meaning of a constitutional amendment to the constitution in the context of constitutional issues? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether an insurer acted in bad faith in the context of an insurance claim? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
How have courts treated "state constitutional questions" in the context of federal constitutional claims? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
If a federal claim is not "adjudicated on the merits" in a state court, if the state court rejects the federal claim, what is the legal test for review of the claim? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for producing material material material to preparing a defendant's defense? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
How have courts dealt with claims of breach of warranty, negligent misrepresentation, false advertising and unjust enrichment claims? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
How have the courts interpreted Article 28(1) of the Constitution in the context of a claim brought by an airline that sells tickets in the country where the ticket was purchased? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
If a plaintiff loses a claim against the municipality on the merits of their constitutional claim, can the municipality still be liable? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Can a federal court exercise jurisdiction over constitutional questions when the claim asserted is so attenuated and unsubstantial that the claim is absolutely devoid of merit? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does an insurer’s investigation of a claim for benefits under an insurance policy under that policy attract litigation privilege? (Canada (Federal), Canada)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.