Insurance Brokers Excluded From New Jersey Consumer Protection Act
Plemmons v. Blue Chip Insurance Services, A-0414-04T3, Appellate Division (August 21, 2006). An insurance broker is excluded from liability under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act for the performance of brokerage services, the Appellate Division held in a published opinion approved for publication on August 21, 2006. In this particular case, the plaintiff entered into a contract to purchase residential property in New Jersey, which he planned to convert to commercial use. In anticipation of a closing, plaintiff paid a $361 premium to obtain homeowner's insurance coverage from defendant Blue Chip Insurance, and Blue Chip issued a policy declaration sheet providing for homeowner's coverage. The policy was ultimtely voided because of a delay in the closing date, however Blue Chip never refunded plaintiff his $361 premium. A new closing date was arranged,and prior thereto an insurance representative with Blue Chip advised plaintiff's representative that plaintiff needed