Opinion ID: 1721980
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Schneider Leasing's Waiver and Estoppel Argument.

Text: As we have noted, Schneider Leasing contends in its resistance to the motion for summary judgment that USAIG by its conduct is estopped from raising its policy defense based on Heimbecker's qualifications or has waived such defense. Although the district court found it unnecessary to reach that issue, we must consider it because Schneider Leasing seeks to preserve the order denying summary judgment on this ground. Schneider Leasing's resistance to the summary judgment motion incorporates by reference the sworn interrogatory answers of Paul Schneider on behalf of the corporation. As to his own testimony to be offered at trial, he stated in this sworn answer: Paul Schneider, Desert Aviation, Scottsdale, Arizona, is aware that Heimbecker was discussed at a meeting with USAIG representatives. He was told that if coverage for Heimbecker presented any problem, they [Schneider Leasing] would be advised. They were not told of any problems. A similar answer was made by Paul Schneider concerning the proposed testimony of George Prescott, an FAA examiner who is claimed to have been present at the same meeting. Although the interrogatory answer given with respect to Prescott's proposed testimony is arguably hearsay and thus fails to meet the admissibility requirements made applicable to opposing affidavits under Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 237(e), Paul Schneider's sworn answer concerning his own proposed testimony purports to be based on personal knowledge. Although the sworn answer to the interrogatory does not contain a verbatim account of the conversations relied on, it sufficiently describes the gist of those conversations to raise a genuine issue of material fact concerning the claims of waiver and estoppel. Consequently, we do not disturb the district court's order denying the summary judgment motion. Our decision on this appeal limits the basis for any claim by Schneider Leasing to successfully establishing its waiver or estoppel theory. Absent success in that endeavor, USAIG is entitled to a judgment confirming that its policy does not cover the loss. Costs on appeal are assessed forty percent to appellant; sixty percent to appellee. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED AND REMANDED.