Judge rules out Kline insurance claim in fire

John Kline has no claim against an insurance policy that covered his million-dollar Urbandale residence when it burned to the ground in an arson fire, U.S. District Chief Judge Robert Pratt ruled. American Family Mutual Insurance Co. sought the ruling after previously acquiring Kline’s rights to any possible insurance award in connection with the fire in February 2009. Kline and his wife, Michelle, had countersued American Family after the insurer filed a lawsuit in July 2010 saying that the Klines could not collect on insurance because they were in some way responsible for the fire. Michelle Kline’s claims against the company remain in dispute. Pratt repeatedly said that his order, filed Wednesday, was not a judgment on the validity of Michelle Kline’s claims. The case is set for trial next year.

John Kline has no claim against an insurance policy that covered his million-dollar Urbandale residence when it burned to the ground in an arson fire, U.S. District Chief Judge Robert Pratt ruled. American Family Mutual Insurance Co. sought the ruling after previously acquiring Kline’s rights to any possible insurance award in connection with the fire in February 2009.

Kline and his wife, Michelle, had countersued American Family after the insurer filed a lawsuit in July 2010 saying that the Klines could not collect on insurance because they were in some way responsible for the fire. Michelle Kline’s claims against the company remain in dispute.

Pratt repeatedly said that his order, filed Wednesday, was not a judgment on the validity of Michelle Kline’s claims. The case is set for trial next year.