Reed v. Hunter

This case raises issues with respect to the qualifications of an expert witness and the scope of his testimony in the context of an action brought to recover damages based upon a breach of an oral binder or contract to obtain fire insurance coverage on a dwelling or for negligence in failing to effect coverage. The district court recognized the qualification of the proffered witness as an expert with respect to the role of an agent in the insurance business. The witness then was permitted to testify in substance that the appellants had violated a duty which they owed to the appellees. This appeal is taken from a judgment which awarded appellees damages in the amount attributable to a fire in their recently purchased home for which the appellants had not obtained insurance coverage. We shall affirm the judgment and the rulings of the district court.