Opinion ID: 2189174
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: chambers-dobson's action and the trial

Text: On December 21, 1987, Chambers-Dobson filed an equity action, seeking injunctive relief and damages. At trial on September 14, 1988, Chambers-Dobson presented evidence relative to the requested injunction and damages. Evidence developed that the personal relationship between a policyholder and the insurance agent is important in the operation of an insurance agency. Chambers-Dobson conducted a marketing operation for assembly of personal data concerning a prospective customer. This information was available to Chambers-Dobson account executives or agents before any contact with a prospective insurance customer. The expiration date for an existing insurance policy is important because this information enables an agent to attend to insurance needs of a policyholder who is anticipating expiration of existing insurance coverage. Continuity of coverage is an essential element in the confidential personal relationship between an insurance customer and an insurance agent. Squier had access to information required for the continuing business of many Chambers-Dobson customers. Also, as a personal lines manager, Squier had direct contact with Chambers-Dobson's individual files on customers who had special problems, such as underwriting questions. Chambers-Dobson also offered evidence concerning damages sustained as the result of Squier's engaging in the insurance business notwithstanding the covenants not to compete. Squier acknowledged that, among customers of his insurance agency after departure from Chambers-Dobson, 20 policyholders were former customers of the Squier-McCashland Agency and 19 had been customers of Chambers-Dobson.