SANLAM AG PLC v CYABAKANGA

SANLAM AG PLC v CYABAKANGA

The insurer failed to prove contractual or intentional negligence by the insured, and the contract did not exclude liability for mere negligence. Compensation for destroyed equipment is limited to the insured value, and loss of chance damages are awarded at 20% of the annual expected profit for the period between...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RCOMAA 00053/2020/CA
Parties
Appellant: SANLAM AG PLC; Respondent: CYABAKANGA Jean Bosco
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
26 February 2021
Case Number
RCOMAA 00053/2020/CA
Procedural Posture
Commercial Insurance Appeal / Court of Appeal Final Judgment
Outcome
Partially allowed appeal; lower court judgment modified.
Legal Topics
Fire Insurance, Burden of Proof, Damages Assessment, Loss of Chance, Contract Interpretation
Commercial Law Insurance Law Fire Insurance Burden of Proof Damages Assessment Loss of Chance Contract Interpretation

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Parties

SANLAM AG PLC

Appellant

CYABAKANGA Jean Bosco

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Commercial Insurance Appeal / Court of Appeal Final Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the insurer can avoid liability for fire damage based on alleged negligence of the insured when such negligence is not stipulated in the contract or proven as intentional or complicit conduct; how compensation for destroyed property is calculated when value at the date of loss is not established; whether loss of chance damages are due for equipment destroyed before being put to use.

Ratio Decidendi

The insurer failed to prove contractual or intentional negligence by the insured, and the contract did not exclude liability for mere negligence. Compensation for destroyed equipment is limited to the insured value, and loss of chance damages are awarded at 20% of the annual expected profit for the period between the loss and judgment, as the equipment had not yet generated income.

Court Disposition

Partially allowed appeal; lower court judgment modified.

Orders

  • SANLAM AG Plc to pay Cyabakanga Jean Bosco 5,303,520 Frw for the value of Sauna and Steam equipment destroyed in the fire.
  • SANLAM AG Plc to pay Cyabakanga Jean Bosco 38,700,000 Frw as loss of chance damages for lost opportunity to profit from Sauna and Steam services.