Opinion ID: 2054469
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Retroactivity of the Amendment

Text: [¶ 17] Kevin contends that the amendment to the policy increasing coverage for loss of personal property from $52,000 to $62,400 is retroactive to the date of the original policy, prior to the fire, and that he generated an issue of material fact as to whether the amendment was retroactive. His statement of material facts in opposition to Hanover's motion asserts that the terms of the amendment indicate[] that the limit was $62,400 at the time of the fire. [¶ 18] Insurance policies are contracts, and are construed in accordance with the intent of the parties. Apgar v. Commercial Union Ins. Co., 683 A.2d 497, 498 (Me.1996). If policy language is unambiguous, then the court must adhere to that language. Id. The Amended Declaration unambiguously states that it became effective on June 29, 1998, which was after the fire. Because the policy language is unambiguous, Kevin's mistaken understanding of the terms of the policy does not generate a genuine issue of material fact. [8]