Opinion ID: 3050601
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Pre-Sale Communication

Text: On September 28, 1990, Goodstein wrote to Industrial, indicating that the Washington DOE had identified the Marginal and Renton sites as contaminated and stating that Goodstein had initiated a study to assess the damage and cost of cleaning up the land. The letter also stated: “We write to notify you that Sternoff may make a claim for cleanup and related costs under the insurance policies you issued in favor of Sternoff.” (Emphasis added). Copies of the relevant policies were requested, and in closing, the letter stated, “After we have had an opportunity to review the policies, we may make a more formal claim for coverage of the cleanup costs.” (Emphasis added). 15576 GOODSTEIN v. INDUSTRIAL INDEMNITY Internal documents indicate that Industrial understood the September 28, 1990 letter to be asserting a claim for the cleanup and other related costs. Industrial wrote a letter to Goodstein on October 19, 1990 “acknowled[ing] receipt of the captioned claim,” and indicating that it was attempting to find the Sternoffs’ policies, as requested. In a reply letter dated October 22, 1990, Goodstein acknowledged receipt of Industrial’s October 19, 1990 letter, but stated: “Please note, however, in case there is any confusion, we are not presently making any claims under th[e]se policies. At present, we are simply asking to obtain copies of any policies, applications, etc. relating to insurance provided by Industrial Indemnity to Sternoff.” (Emphasis added). Industrial heard nothing more about the Sternoff policies thereafter, and in December 1992 closed the file for lack of activity. Before the file was closed, a summary of what was known regarding a possible claim, and a list of possible defenses, was prepared. The summary document indicated that no coverage position letter had been issued because no claim had been filed.