Rose Johansen v. American General Life Ins. Co.

MEMORANDUM

Rose Johansen appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of American General Life Insurance Company (“American General”), dismissing her claims relating to two life insurance policies owned by her late husband, Gordon Johansen. We review the district court’s grant of summary, judgment de novo. Travelers Cas. & Sur. Co. of Am. v. Brenneke, 551 F.3d 1132, 1137 (9th Cir.2009). We affirm.

The undisputed evidence shows that (1) Gordon Johansen’s life insurance policies lapsed due to non-payment of premiums prior to his death, and (2) American General satisfied the notice provisions of the policies. See Quackenbush v. Omnicor, Inc. (In re First Capital Life Ins. Co.), 34 Cal.App.4th 1283 , 40 Cal.Rptr.2d 816, 821 (1995) (summary judgment appropriate where undisputed facts showed policy had lapsed prior to death of insured); Scott v. Fed. Life Ins. Co., 200 Cal.App.2d 384 , 19 Cal.Rptr. 258, 262 (Dist.Ct.App.1962) (express provision that default in payment renders the policy void or causes it to lapse is valid and a default in payment ordinarily forfeits the policy where statutory provisions are not violated).

Any alleged failure by American General to…