by mrkirklwomack » Sat May 14, 2011 04:33 pm
I filed a claim after we had a bad storm here in Atlanta. Lighting hit my house and several of my electronics and appliances were fried. I had a license tech come and inspect everything. Nothing could be saved or repaired and he put this in his estimate. Most of the stuff was less then a year old and I still had the receipts for everything. I sent USAA receipts and estimate. I took all the stuff to the dumb, the tech told me is was a fire hazard and to get rid of the stuff. USAA asked if I had pictures or receipts. I told them I had all the receipts. After I sent them everything, they called me back a week later asking if I stuff had the damaged items. I told them no. Then after three more weeks of them stalling me (telling me my claim is still under review) They sent me a later saying that because I threw everything away, they may not pay my claim. (and gave me a local agents number to call) Even though I provided them with receipts and a estimate from a certified, licensed tech. Then a week later they send me another letter saying they are going to drop me from my home and auto insurance because I have a felony on my record......which is almost 12 years old. I feel USAA is not being fair. What can I and should I do???
Posted: Sat May 14, 2011 08:03 pm Post Subject:
First, did USAA tell you to get rid the damaged items? It sounds like some 3rd party told you to do this. Why? A fire hazard? If they are just sitting in your home unplugged? I don't see how that could be the case. Granted you do have inspection information from the tech but you also have the duty to allow USAA to inspect those items if this is what they want to do. Getting rid of the items because some 3rd party told you do and doing this because they were a "fire hazard" makes little sense. I'm guessing this might be why USAA is suspicious of the claim.
Have you received a written denial yet? If not, they are still considering your claim. I'm guessing that the letter you were sent was USAA simply telling you what is already outlined in your policy.
USAA not renewing your policy is a separate matter. They can choose not to renew the policy if they like. Just like most every company can choose if they want to offer their services to someone. But I think there is more to it then what you mentioned.
My recommendation, look into a policy with other companies. Wait on USAA to adjust the claim. If you've sent them a Proof of Loss form then they have 30 days to settle the loss or come up with a reason why they cannot settle based on what they have. If they have not given you a Proof of Loss form, ask for one. If you've sent it in, ask them when it was received and remind them that they legally have 30 days from that date to settle as I mentioned. My suggestion it to be friendly with the adjuster so they are more inclined to see things your way.
Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 12:46 am Post Subject: Claim
I have not sent them a Proof of Loss form, so I will make sure to do that. But about them cancelling my home and auto......The letter states this: This is legal notice the we will cancell USAA Homeowners policy effective 12:01 am on May 26, 2011. The reason for cancellation is your criminal activity which was discovered during the course of our investigation of your April 4th 2011 homeowner claim. USAA has makde a business decision not to offer or continue any property and casualty products for individuals with criminal activity, felony convictions, or previous incarcerations. We are of the opinion that this is demonstrative of behavior and judgment characteristics that present an increase and unacceptable risk of loss insured under our policies.
I had a theft charge 12 years ago, served 6mths in a halfway house. I don't see why they would have to drop me now for something like that. They didn't asked before, didn't bother them then. Still think it unjust. But I will take your advise.
Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 01:00 am Post Subject:
As far as the letter and dropped insurance... you may want to file a complaint with your states Dept of Ins. I'm guessing it's probably legal but someone should call them on it.
Odd... they are cutting their membership way down this way yet they are now advertising on TV. Personally I think USAA has been going downhill the past 10 years or so. I've been with them for about 25 years (used to work there).
Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 11:53 am Post Subject:
The reason for cancellation is your criminal activity which was discovered during the course of our investigation of your April 4th 2011 homeowner claim. USAA has makde a business decision not to offer or continue any property and casualty products for individuals with criminal activity, felony convictions, or previous incarcerations.
This is a bit more information than you posted in a different thread. My response will be essentially the same as it was elsewhere, and in line with that tcope has said above.
If USAA did not ask any questions about "criminal activity" in your original or renewal applications for insurance, they are overstepping the bounds of reason by denying/cancelling coverage now. If they did, and you did not disclose it, that's a different matter.
So, assuming they never asked, you should make a complaint to your state's Dept of Insurance immediately.
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