McCorkle

Appellants Locke and Sumiré McCorkle sued respondents State Farm Insurance Company and agent Don R. Trudeau, alleging contract and tort causes of action. The trial court granted State Farm and Trudeau summary judgment on the contract cause of action and judgment on the pleadings on the tort claims. The McCorkles appeal, challenging both trial court rulings. We affirm the judgment.

I. Facts

Appellants Locke McCorkle and Sumiré H. Jacobs, also known as Sumiré McCorkle, own a residence in Mill Valley. In April 1976, Jacobs obtained homeowner’s insurance for the property from respondent State Farm Insurance Company through its agent, respondent Don R. Trudeau. Trudeau assured Jacobs that the policy provided full coverage for the residence.

In May 1986, while the policy was still in effect, a garage attached to the residence was completely destroyed by fire. The original garage had a wooden floor, but when the McCorkles investigated rebuilding it, Mill Valley officials advised them that the replacement floor must be constructed of cement, requiring additional foundational support. The cost of rebuilding the garage with a wooden floor was $29,350, while the cost of…