Oregon Court of Appeals rules that an insured is not entitled to attorney fees under ORS 742.061 where the policy was issued outside of the state

In Morgan v. Amex Assur. Co., 2011 WL 1878607 (Or App 2011), the insured obtained automobile insurance when she was living in Vancouver, Washington. The insurer issued a Washington insurance policy and delivered it to the insured’s Vancouver address. The insured made an underinsured motorist claim under her policy. After the insurer failed to accept coverage or tender payment, the insured filed suit. The insured accepted a pretrial offer of judgment that included “any costs and attorney fees to which plaintiff may be entitled.” The Court of Appeals held that the insured was not entitled to any attorney fees under ORS 742.061. It reasoned that attorney fees were unavailable based on a second statute, ORS 742.001, that limits the scope of Chapter 742, including ORS 742.061, to “insurance policies delivered or issued for delivery in this state.” The insured’s policy did not satisfy this second statute because it was issued and delivered in Washington.