Carlton

Appellant Suzanne Carlton, successor in interest to plaintiff Mark A. Carlton, deceased (Carlton), appeals a judgment following a grant of summary judgment in favor of defendant and respondent St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company (St. Paul or the insurer) in a bad faith action alleging unreasonable delay in paying a claim.

The essential issue presented is whether the trial court properly held the insurer’s handling of the claim was reasonable as a matter of law.

We conclude the evidence compels the conclusion the insurer’s conduct was reasonable, considering the totality of the circumstances. The judgment therefore is affirmed.

Factual and Procedural Background

Carlton owned a 1966 Citroen automobile that was insured under an antique automobile insurance policy (the policy) issued by St. Paul. For an annual premium of $138 the policy insured the vehicle for loss or damage up to the policy limit of $8,000. The car was a gift from Carlton’s father, Jack A. Carlton (the father). The father arranged for insurance with ShefflinMead Insurance Services, Inc., which later became Dukar Insurance Broker (Dukar).

In March 1988, Carlton was involved in a one-car accident in his…