Opinion ID: 1917377
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: question of fact remains regarding whether the personal representative's claim was a valid claim against bauer

Text: [9] In her amended complaint, the personal representative alleges that Bauer's business is to market, advise, recommend, and sell policies of insurance and coverages through State Farm Insurance Company. This statement may suggest that Bauer was an agent solely for State Farm Insurance Company, acting within the scope of his authority, when he allegedly agreed to procure personal liability coverage for David. If true, the personal representative's breach of contract claim against Bauer does not state a valid cause of action. The pleadings fail to show that Bauer expressly agreed to undertake a broader duty that would have rendered him personally liable on that agreement. [15] The personal representative's statement in the complaint, however, is the extent of information in the record regarding Bauer's relationship to an insurer. An issue of material fact remains regarding whether Bauer was solely the insurer's agent or an independent broker. As such, we cannot determine whether the personal representative properly stated a claim against Bauer.