Ladas

Three insurance sales representatives employed by defendant California State Automobile Association (CSAA) appeal from a judgment dismissing their breach-of-contract complaint against their employer, and from a postjudgment order denying their motion to tax costs. The judgment followed a ruling by the trial court excluding all evidence of CSAA’s alleged promises to compensate appellants on a par with “industry standards” and to provide them with adequate “logistical support.”

For reasons other than those relied on by the trial court, we find that the motion in limine was properly granted and will affirm the judgment. We also conclude that the court erred in refusing to tax costs and will reverse that order.

Background

Plaintiffs-appellants Steve Ladas, George Demiris, and Eugene Choppelas are employed as insurance sales representatives for CSAA. When they were hired in the 1960’s, each of the appellants signed a two-page “Solicitor’s Appointment Agreement” (solicitor’s agreement). The agreement promises to pay appellants commissions for new and renewal business “in accordance with the Sales Representative Compensation Plan” (comp plan) promulgated by CSAA, which…