Associated Industries Insurance Company, Inc. v. Robert Bandari

I. INTRODUCTION

On August 4, 2022, plaintiff Associated Industries Insurance Company, Inc. (“ATIC”) brought suit against Robert Bandari dba L.A. Art Cabinetry (“Bandari”) and Does through 20. Dkt. 1. AIIC issued a commercial general liability policy to Bandari, numbered XN1063077-05 (the “policy”). The policy provided coverage to Bandari for all sums up to a limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence of bodily injury or property damage that Bandari becomes legally obligated to pay. While this policy was in effect, an underlying claim arose after the injury of one of Bandari’s customers on March 16, 2022. AIIC sought declaratory relief that (1) it has no duty to defend Bandari; and (2) no duty to indemnify Bandari with respect to the underlying claim. AIIC also requests that it be awarded its costs incurred in this action. On September 28, 2022, Bandari answered the complaint and filed a counterclaim against AIIC, Customer Care Insurance Services, Inc., and Builders & Tradesmen’s Inc., dba Unitas Insurance Services. Dkts. 16, 17. Bandari brought claims of relief for (1) promissory estoppel and waiver against AIIC; (2) breach of contract against AIIC; (3) breach of the…