Supreme Court of California Justia
Docket No. S107855M
Jonathan Neil & Assoc. v. Jones

Filed 10/20/04
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF CALIFORNIA

JONATHAN NEIL & ASSOCIATES, INC.,
Plaintiff and Appellant,
S107855
v.
FREDDIE JONES,
Ct.App. 5 F029400/F030300
Defendant, Cross-complainant and
Appellant;
Fresno County
MILDRED JONES et al.,
Super. Ct. No. 0512318-7
Cross-complainants and Appellants.
CAL-EAGLE INSURANCE COMPANY,
Cross-defendant and Appellant;
JOHNSEY INSURANCE COMPANY,
Cross-defendant and Respondent.

BY THE COURT:

MODIFICATION OF OPINION
The opinion in this case, filed on August 5, 2004 and appearing at 33
Cal.4th 917, is modified as follows:
1. The third sentence in the second paragraph on page 925 is modified to
read: “In its original form, California’s rule 23 incorporated the generic,
nationwide rule resulting in uncertainty concerning the way the rule applied in
California.”



2. The first two sentences in footnote 2 on page 925 are modified to read:
“Specifically, paragraph C of rule 23, as it existed at the time the Joneses’ policy
was issued, provided two alternative methods of calculating premiums. The first
alternative provided that ‘[t]ruckers may be written on a specified car basis
according to the Trucks, Tractors and Trailers Classification Rule.’ ”
3. The third sentence in the first full paragraph on page 927 is modified to
read: “Many insureds did not have the required detailed records readily available
to establish their eligibility for the five criteria for excess coverage.”
4. The fourth sentence in the second full paragraph on page 927 is
modified to read: “It charged the Joneses an initial estimated annual premium of
$14,088, based on the Joneses use of their own, specified vehicles in the
business.”
5. The fourth sentence in the first full paragraph on page 928 is modified
to read: “After speaking with Mohr, the Joneses received a consumer complaint
form, which they filled out and returned to the DOI’s consumer services division
as directed.”
6. The fifth sentence in the second full paragraph on page 935 is modified
to read: “But the Joneses did not attempt to inform the DOI of Cal-Eagle’s
misrepresentation, nor to press the matter with the DOI personnel in charge of
handling the complaint, much less pursue an appeal.”
7. The second sentence in the second paragraph on page 940 is modified
to read: “There, the overcharging of premiums was inextricably linked to the
mishandling of claims – precisely the kind of bad faith behavior that goes to the
heart of the special insurance relationship and gives rise to tort remedies.”
8. The paragraph on page 942 is modified by adding at the end the
following sentence: “Each party is to bear its own costs on appeal.”
This modification changes the judgment.
Opinion Information
Date:Docket Number:
Wed, 10/20/2004S107855M

Parties
1Fred Jones Trucking, Inc. (Defendant and Appellant)
Represented by James P. Wagoner
Mccormick Barstow Sheppard Wayte & Carruth, LLP
5 River Park Place East
Fresno, CA

2Fred Jones Trucking, Inc. (Defendant and Appellant)
Represented by Wendy S. Lloyd
Mccormick Barstow Sheppard Wayte & Carruth, LLP
5 River Park Place East
Fresno, CA

3Jonathan Neil & Associates, Inc. (Plaintiff and Appellant)
Represented by Peter O. Israel
Greines, Martin, Stein, Etal
5700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 375
Los Angeles, CA

4Cal-Eagle Insurance Company (Plaintiff and Appellant)
Represented by Peter O. Israel
Greines, Martin, Stein, Etal
5700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 375
Beverly Hills, CA

5Jones, Freddie (Defendant and Appellant)
Represented by James H. Wilkins
Mccormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth
P.O. Box 28912
Fresno, CA

6Jones, Mildred (Defendant and Appellant)
Represented by James P. Wagoner
Mccormick Barstow Sheppard Wayte & Carruth LLP
P. O. Box 28912, 5 River Park Place East
Fresno, CA

7Johnsey Insurance Company (Cross-defendant and Respondent)
Represented by Todd B. Barsotti
Merson & Yrulegui
2680 West Shaw Lane
Fresno, CA

8Roxborough Pomerance & Nye (Pub/Depublication Requestor)
Represented by Nicholas Peter Roxborough
Rosborough, Pomerance, & Nye Llp
10866 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA

9Levine, Arthur J. (Pub/Depublication Requestor)
Represented by Arthur J. Levine
Law Offices Of Arthur J. Levine, Cpcu, Arm
2067 Smokewood Avenue
Fullerton, CA

10Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard (Pub/Depublication Requestor)
Represented by William A. Kershaw
Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard
400 Capitol Mall, 27th Floor
Sacramento, CA

11Law Offices Of Barry L. Kramer (Pub/Depublication Requestor)
Represented by Barry L. Kramer
Law Offices of Barry L. Kramer
6601 Center Drive West, Suite 500
Los Angeles, CA

12United Policyholders (Pub/Depublication Requestor)
Represented by Jeffrey Ehrlich
Shernoff, Bidart, Darras & Dillon
600 South Indian Hill Boulevard
Claremont, CA

13Aetna Health Of California (Amicus curiae)
Represented by Christina J. Imre
Sedgwick Detert Moran et al
801 South Figueroa Street, 18th Floor
Los Angeles, CA

14California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (Amicus curiae)
Represented by Thomas E. Mcdonald
Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal
685 Market Street, 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA

15State Compensation Insurance Fund (Amicus curiae)
Represented by S. Thomas Todd
Horvitz & Levy
15760 Ventura Blvd., 18th Floor
Encino, CA

16California Workers Compensation Institute (Amicus curiae)
Represented by Paul E. B. Glad
Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal
685 Market Street, 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA

17State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (Amicus curiae)
Represented by Vanessa Wells
Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe LLP
275 Middlefield Road
Menlo Park, CA

18California Insurance Commissioner (Amicus curiae)
Represented by Elisa Beth Wolfe-Donato
Office of the Attorney General
300 South Spring Street, Suite 1702
Los Angeles, CA

19Consumer Attorney Of California (Amicus curiae)
Represented by Robert S. Gianelli
Gianelli & Morris
880 West First Street, Suite 215
Los Angeles, CA

20Consumer Attorney Of California (Amicus curiae)
Represented by Robert S. Gerstein
Attorney at Law
1717 Fourth Street, 3rd Floor
Santa Monica, CA

21Consumer Attorney Of California (Amicus curiae)
Represented by Sherril Nell Wells
Gianelli & Morris
880 West First Street, Suite 215
Los Angeles, CA


Disposition
Aug 5 2004Opinion: Affirmed

Dockets
Jun 24 2002Petition for review filed
  by counsel for defendants/appellants (Fred Jones, et al.)
Jun 26 2002Received Court of Appeal record
  5 doghouses & 12 boxes
Jul 9 2002Request for depublication (petition for review pending)
  By the Law Firm Roxborough, Pomerance & Nye (NON-ARTY).
Jul 10 2002Request for depublication filed (another request pending)
  By The Counsumer Attorneys of California (NON-PARTY).
Jul 15 2002Request for depublication filed (another request pending)
  By the Law firm of Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard (NON-PARTY). / 40(K).
Jul 15 2002Request for depublication filed (another request pending)
  United Policyholders [non-party]
Jul 16 2002Request for depublication filed (another request pending)
  By Arthur J. Levine. (NON-PARTY)/40 (K)
Jul 16 2002Request for depublication filed (another request pending)
  By the Law Offices of Barry L. Kramer (NON-PARTY). / 40(K).
Jul 16 2002Request for depublication filed (another request pending)
  By United Policyholders (NON-PARTY) / 40(K).
Jul 16 2002Answer to petition for review filed
  respondents Jonathan Neil & Assocs & Cal Eagle Insurance [Rule 40K]
Jul 22 2002Opposition filed
  By appellants {Jonathan Neil & Associates and Cal Eagle Insurance Company} to request for depublication filed by the firm Roxborough, Pomerance & Nye. / 40(K).
Jul 24 2002Received:
  Supplemental Proof of Service from counsel for United PolicyHolders (NON-PARTY).
Jul 25 2002Opposition filed
  to reqts for depublication>>appellants Jonathan Neil & Associates, Inc. & Cal Eagle Insurance Company
Aug 14 2002Letter sent to:
  Counsel regarding Certification of Interested Entities or Persons.
Aug 14 2002Petition for Review Granted (civil case)
  Baxter, J., was recused and did not participate. Votes: George, CJ., Kennard, Werdegar, Chin, Brown and Moreno, JJ.
Aug 29 2002Certification of interested entities or persons filed
  By counsel for appellant.
Sep 4 2002Certification of interested entities or persons filed
  By counsel for appellants {Fred Jones et al.,}.
Sep 5 2002Request for extension of time filed
  By appellants {Fred Jones et al.,} asking to November 12, 2002 to file appellants' Opening Brief on the Merits.
Sep 10 2002Extension of time granted
  To November 12, 2002 to file appellants' {Fred Jones et al.,} opening brief on the merits.
Oct 31 2002Request for extension of time filed
  By Appellants asking until November 27, 2002 to file Appellants' Opening Brief on the Merits.
Nov 4 2002Extension of time granted
  To November 27, 2002 to file Appellants {Fred Jones et al.,} Opening Brief on the Merits.
Nov 27 2002Opening brief on the merits filed
  In Fresno by counsel for Appellants {Fred Jones et al.,}.
Dec 19 2002Request for extension of time filed
  answer brief/merits to 3-12-03>>appellants Jonathan Neil & Assocs., etal
Dec 27 2002Extension of time granted
  To March 12, 2003 to file appellants' {Jonathan Neil & Associates Incorporated et al.,} Answer Brief on the Merits.
Mar 13 2003Request for judicial notice filed (in non-AA proceeding)
  appellants Jonathan Neil & Assocs, Inc. and Cal Eagle Ins. Company
Mar 13 2003Received:
  oversize answer brief/merits w/applctn [rule 40k]
Mar 19 2003Answer brief on the merits filed
  By counsel for Plaintiffs and Appellants {Jonathan Neil & Associates & Cal Eagle Ins. Co.}.
Mar 20 2003Request for extension of time filed
  By appellants {Fred Jones et al.,} asking until May 2, 2003 to file Appellants' Reply Brief on the Merits.
Mar 27 2003Extension of time granted
  To April 18, 2003 to file appellants' {Fred Jones et al.,}Reply Brief on the Merits.
Apr 7 2003Request for extension of time filed
  by Appellants {Fred Jones et al.,} asking until April 25, 2003 to file Appellants' Reply Brief on the Merits.
Apr 10 2003Extension of time granted
  On application of appellants Fred Jones, Mildred Jones and Fred Jones Trucking Inc., and good cause appearing, it is ordered that the time to serve and file appellants' reply brief on the merits is extended to and including April 25, 2003.
Apr 25 2003Received:
  Appellants' {Fred Jones et al.,} oversized Reply Brief on the Merits.
Apr 25 2003Application to file over-length brief filed
  Appellants' {Fred Jones et al.,}.
Apr 30 2003Opposition filed
  By counsel for appellant {Jonathan Neil & Associates et al.,} to application to file an oversized Reply Brief on the Merits.
May 2 2003Order filed
  The application of respondents Fred Jones, Mildred Jones and Fred Jones Trucking Inc., to file a Reply Brief on the Merits ix excess of the 4,200 word limit is denied. Respondents have until May 12, 2003 to file a Reply Brief that does not exceed 8,400 words.
May 12 2003Reply brief filed (case fully briefed)
  in San Diego by counsel for respondents Fred Jones, Mildred Jones and Fred Jones Trucking
May 27 2003Received application to file Amicus Curiae Brief
  Of Pacific Legal Foundation in support of Respondent {Jonathan Neil & Associates.
May 30 2003Permission to file amicus curiae brief granted
  Pacific Legal Foundation in support of Janathan Neil & Associates Inc..
May 30 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
  Pacific Legal Foundation in support of Jonathan Neil & Associates Inc., Answer is due within twenty days.
Jun 9 2003Received application to file Amicus Curiae Brief
  Of State Compensation Insurance Fund in support of Appellant {Cal Eagle Insurance Company}.
Jun 10 2003Received application to file Amicus Curiae Brief
  California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan in support of Jonathan Neil & Associates Inc., et al.,
Jun 11 2003Received application to file Amicus Curiae Brief
  California Insurance Commissioner [applctn w/i brief]
Jun 11 2003Received application to file Amicus Curiae Brief
  Consumer Attorneys of California [in support of appellants]
Jun 11 2003Received application to file Amicus Curiae Brief
  California Workers' Compensation Institute, Association of California Insurance Companies and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company in support of Jonathan Neil & Associates Inc..
Jun 11 2003Received application to file Amicus Curiae Brief
  and one volume of Appendix of Non - California Cases and other authorities of State Mutual Automobile Insurance Company in support of Cal Eagle Insurance Company.
Jun 12 2003Received application to file Amicus Curiae Brief
  Aetna Health of California and Aetna Life Insurance Comapny in support of Jonathan Neil & Associates Inc., and Cal Eagle Insurance Company. / 40(K).
Jun 13 2003Permission to file amicus curiae brief granted
  California Automobile Assigned Risk in support of Jonathan Neil & Associates Inc., et al.,.
Jun 13 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
  California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan in support of Jonathan Neil & Asociates Inc., et al.,. Answer is due within twenty days.
Jun 13 2003Permission to file amicus curiae brief granted
  State Compensation Insurance Fund in support of Cal Eagle Insurance Company.
Jun 13 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
  State Compensation Insurance Fund in support of Cal Eagle Insurance Company. Answer is due within twenty days.
Jun 13 2003Permission to file amicus curiae brief granted
  California Workers' Compensation Insitute, Association of California Insurance Companies and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company in support of Jonathan Neil & Associates Inc.,.
Jun 13 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
  California Workers' Compensation Institute, Association of California Insurance Companies and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company in support of Jonathan Neil & Associates Inc. Answer is due within twenty days.
Jun 13 2003Permission to file amicus curiae brief granted
  State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company in support of Cal Eagle Insurance Company.
Jun 13 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
  State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company in support of Cal Eagle Insurance Company. Answer is due within twenty days.
Jun 13 2003Permission to file amicus curiae brief granted
  Aetna Health of California and Aetna Life Insurance Company in support of Jonathan Neil & Associates and Cal Eagle Insurance Company.
Jun 13 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
  Aetna Health of California and Aetna Life Insurance Company in support of Jonathan Neil & Associates and Cal Eagle Insurance Company. Answer is due within twenty days.
Jun 19 2003Response to amicus curiae brief filed
  By Appellants {Freddie Jones et al.,} to AC Brief of Pacific Legal Foundation.
Jun 20 2003Permission to file amicus curiae brief granted
  California Insurance Commissioner in support of Jonathan Neil & Associates Inc., et al.,.
Jun 20 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
  California Insurance Commissioner in support of Jonathan Neil & Associates Inc., et al. Answer is due within twenty days.
Jun 20 2003Permission to file amicus curiae brief granted
  Consumer Attorneys of California in support of Freddie Jones et al.,
Jun 20 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
  Consumer Attorneys of California in support of Freddie Jones et al., Answer is due within twenty days.
Jun 26 2003Request for extension of time filed
  and request to file consolidated Response to Amicus Curiae Brief by counsel for Appellants {Fred Jones et al.,}. Asking until August 25, 2003.
Jun 30 2003Extension of time granted
  On application of appellants Fred Jones et al., and good cause appearing, it is ordered that the time to serve and file appellants' consolidated response to amicus curiae briefs is extended to and including August 25, 2003.
Jul 1 2003Request for extension of time filed
  to file responses to ac briefs to 8-25-03>>appellants Jonathan Neil & Assocs, etal
Jul 9 2003Extension of time granted
  To August 25, 2003 to file appellants' Jonathan Neil & Associates Inc., et al., to file Appellants' Responses to Amicus Curiae briefs.
Aug 21 2003Request for extension of time filed
  By Appellants {Fred Jones et al.,} asking until September 8, 2003 to file Responses to AC Briefs.
Aug 25 2003Response to amicus curiae brief filed
  to ac brief of Consumer Attys of Calif>>appellants Jonathan Neil & Assocs and Cal Eagle Insurance Company
Aug 25 2003Response to amicus curiae brief filed
  to ac brief of Calif Insurance Commr>>appellants Jonathan Neil & Assocs and Cal Eagle Insurance Company
Aug 26 2003Extension of time granted
  To September 8, 2003 to file Appellants' Fred Jones et al., Responses to amicus briefs filed by State Compensation Insurance Fund, Aetna Health of California & Aetna Health Life Insurance Company, California Worker's Compensation Institute, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan and The California Insurance Commissioner.
Sep 8 2003Response to amicus curiae brief filed
  In San Diego By Appellants {Fred Jones et al.,} to AC Briefs filed by California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Compensation Insurance Fund, California Workers' Compensation Institute et al., and Aetna Health of California et al.,.
Sep 8 2003Response to amicus curiae brief filed
  in San Diego By Appellants {Fred Jones et al.,} to AC Briefs filed by The California Insurance Commisioner, The California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan and State Farm Mutual Automobile insurance company.
Sep 29 2003Received:
  Appellants' {Fred Jones et al.,} application to file Supplemental Brief and Supplemental Brief in Response to Appellants {Cal-Eagle Insurance} Response to AC Brief of California Insurance. Commissioner.
Oct 1 2003Received:
  resps, Jonathan Neil & Assoc., Inc. and Cal Eagle Ins.' opposition to "The Jones Parties" application to file a supplemental response'brief, responding to "Cal Eagles" answer to an amicus brief, filed earlier.
Oct 2 2003Order filed
  The application of appellants {Fred Jones et al.,} for permission to file a supplemental brief in response to appellant's {Cal Eagle Insurance Company} response to amicus curiae brief filed by the California Insurance Commissioner is herebe DENIED.
Apr 28 2004Case ordered on calendar
  6-2-04, L. A. @ 9:00 a.m.
Jun 2 2004Cause argued and submitted
 
Aug 5 2004Opinion filed: Judgment affirmed in full
  Further proceedings should be conducted in accord with the views expressed in this opinion. Opinion by Moreno, J. -- joined by George, C.J., Kennard, Werdegar, Chin, Brown, and *Doi Todd, JPT [*Kathryn Doi-Todd, Associate Justice, Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division 2, assigned by the Chief Justice pursuant to article VI, section 6, of the California Constitution.]
Aug 20 2004Rehearing petition filed
  In Fresno by counsel for Defendant/Appellant {Fred Jones et al.,}.
Aug 20 2004Rehearing petition filed
  In Fresno by Cross-Defendant/Respondent {Johnsey Insurance Company}.
Aug 25 2004Time extended to consider modification or rehearing
  To November 3, 2004.
Sep 2 2004Received:
  request for modification of opinion on behalf of A/C THE INSURANCE COMMISIONER
Sep 7 2004Received:
  Request for modification of opinion from Roxborough Pomerance & Nye, LLP.
Sep 9 2004Received:
  Letter from counsel for appellants {Jonathan Neil & Associates et al.,} advising they have no-opposition to letter from The Insurance Commisioner requesting modification of opinion.
Oct 20 2004Rehearing denied
  Opinion Modified. Baxter, J., was recused and did not participate. Werdegar, J., was absent and did not participate.
Oct 20 2004Opinion modified - change in judgment
 
Nov 22 2004Remittitur issued (civil case)
 
Dec 2 2004Received:
  receipt for remittitur from 5 DCA.
Dec 6 2004Note:
  Remittitur corrected to read "Each party is to bear its own costs on appeal."

Briefs
Nov 27 2002Opening brief on the merits filed
 
Mar 19 2003Answer brief on the merits filed
 
May 12 2003Reply brief filed (case fully briefed)
 
May 30 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
 
Jun 13 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
 
Jun 13 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
 
Jun 13 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
 
Jun 13 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
 
Jun 13 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
 
Jun 19 2003Response to amicus curiae brief filed
 
Jun 20 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
 
Jun 20 2003Amicus Curiae Brief filed by:
 
Aug 25 2003Response to amicus curiae brief filed
 
Aug 25 2003Response to amicus curiae brief filed
 
Sep 8 2003Response to amicus curiae brief filed
 
Sep 8 2003Response to amicus curiae brief filed
 
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