Opinion ID: 2387279
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Contract with FBM

Text: For his next point, Lee urges that the trial judge clearly erred in finding that FBM had not issued any policies of insurance to class members and, therefore, could not be subject to Lee's claims. The foundation for Lee's argument is that even though the Declaration Sheet showed SFB as the sole auto carrier, the heading of the policy itself shows FBM as well as SFB as the carriers, and the definition section of the policy states: [t]he words `we,' `us,' `our,' and `the company' mean FBM. Our standard of review for a finding of fact by a trial judge is whether that finding is clearly against the preponderance of the evidence. Ark. R. Civ. P. 52(a). On this point, we cannot say the trial judge clearly erred. The facts supporting the trial judge's finding are considerable. First, the declaration sheet issued to Lee showed that the coverage was through SFB and not FBM. Lee further testified that all subsequent declaration sheets he received showed SFB as the insurer. Second, a representative from FBM testified that FBM had not issued auto insurance in Arkansas since 1985. The FBM representative also testified that the policy definition which listed only FBM was a mistake in the policy, which stemmed from the approval of the policy as a dual policy form. Third, and perhaps most important, Lee testified that he never received the policy with the FBM language and was not aware of it. Neither Lee nor any other class member testified that they were operating under the belief that FBM was their insurer. It is difficult to give credence to the argument that FBM held itself out as Lee's insurer, when from the undisputed facts, Lee had no idea that anyone but SFB was his insurer. We affirm the trial judge's finding.