Civil Remedy Notice of Insurer Violations
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Filing Number:     787935
Filing Accepted:  10/22/2024
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Complainant
Last/Business Name *  
INHOUSE ADJUSTING   First Name  
Street Address * 4767 NEW BROAD STREET
City, State Zip * ORLANDO, FL 32814
Email Address * INFO@INHOUSEADJUSTING.COM
Complainant Type: * Third Party
Insured
Last/Business Name*   GROGAN   First Name   MICHAEL
Policy # * 713349 Claim #* 12091
Attorney
Attorney is Applicable
Violation
Insurer Type *   Authorized Insurer Unauthorized Insurer
 
Insurer Name*   VYRD INSURANCE COMPANY
NAIC Company Code 17153
 
Name of individual responsible for violation (if any):* GEDDES BROWN (727) 335-1351 AND ALL ADJUSTERS AND ASSOCIATES WHO HANDLED THIS CLAIM.
Type of Insurance * Residential Property & Casualty   
Reason for Notice *
Claim Delay
Unsatisfactory Settlement Offer
* Statutory provision(s) which the insurer allegedly violated.
 
624.155(1)(b)(1) Not attempting in good faith to settle claims when, under all the circumstances, it could and should have done so, had it acted fairly and honestly toward its insured and with due regard for her or his interests.
624.155(1)(b)(3) Except as to liability coverages, failing to promptly settle claims, when the obligation to settle a claim has become reasonably clear, under one portion of the insurance policy coverage in order to influence settlements under other portions of the insurance policy coverage.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(a) Failing to adopt and implement standards for the proper investigation of claims.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(b) Misrepresenting pertinent facts or insurance policy provisions relating to coverages at issue.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(f) Failing to promptly provide a reasonable explanation in writing to the insured of the basis in the insurance policy, in relation to the facts or applicable law, for denial of a claim or for the offer of a compromise settlement.
* Specific policy language that is relevant to the violation.
Enter all words or phrases (one at a time) that should be used to filter.

COVERAGE A – DWELLING and COVERAGE B – OTHER STRUCTURES 1. We insure for sudden and accidental direct loss to property described in Coverages A and B only if that loss is a physical loss to covered property. ... 3. Loss Settlement. Covered property losses are settled as follows: b. Buildings under Coverage A or B at replacement cost without deduction for depreciation: (1) Subject to: (b) The replacement cost of that part of the building damaged for like construction and use on the same premises; (2) If, at the time of loss, the amount of insurance in this policy on the damaged building is less than 80% of the full replacement cost of the building immediately before the loss, we will pay the greater of the following amounts, but not more than the limit of liability under this policy that applies to the building: (a) The actual cash value of that part of the building damaged; or (b) That proportion of the cost to repair or replace, after application of deductible and without deduction for depreciation, that part of the building damaged, which the total amount of insurance in this policy on the damaged building bears to 80% of the replacement cost of the building. (4) We will initially pay at least the actual cash value of the insured loss less any applicable deductible. We shall pay any remaining amounts necessary to perform such repairs as work is performed and expenses are incurred or we will pay a licensed contractor after the insured signs a contract and as repairs are made to the covered property.
 
* Facts and circumstances giving rise to the violation.
Enter all words or phrases (one at a time) that should be used to filter.

On August 5, 2024, Michael and Miyuki Grogan filed a claim with VYRD, reporting wind damage to their roof. Following the assignment of an adjuster on August 6 and an inspection on August 16, it was determined that the damage was significant and required a full roof replacement. However, the insurance company's coverage determination on October 7 fell short of addressing the full extent of the financial burden incurred. The carrier's Replacement Cost Value (RCV) for this claim was calculated at $29,502.88. This policy has a Roof Surface Payment Schedule, therefore a non-recoverable depreciation amounting to $16,930.20 exists on this claim. The Grogan's demand for RCV, however, stands at $51,282.70. While the insurance company agreed to cover the full roof replacement, including essential components such as shingles, felt, drip edge, valley metal, and exhaust caps, it has unjustly excluded crucial items and fair market value from the coverage. Specifically, the water barrier and joint tape were removed from the estimate under the pretext that they did not exist prior to the loss. Furthermore, the insurance company denied coverage for the mastic around vent pipes and caulking, also claiming these items were absent before the incident. Despite the clear evidence of extensive wind damage to the Grogan's roof, the insurance company has significantly undervalued their claim. The calculated Replacement Cost Value (RCV) of $29,502.88, does not accurately reflect the true costs necessary for a complete and proper roof replacement. The Grogan family’s demand for $51,282.70 is based on a thorough assessment of the damage, which includes critical components essential to the integrity and functionality of their home AND fair market value for contractors in the area. By failing to recognize the true value of the damage and scope of repairs, the insurer has inadequately addressed the Grogan's rightful claim, leading to unnecessary financial strain and hardship. Statutes In Question: § 624.155(b)(1) - The insurer has not attempted in good faith to settle the claim, as it should have, given the circumstances, thus failing to act fairly and honestly toward its insured. § 624.155(b)(3) - The insurer has failed to promptly settle the claim when the obligation to do so was reasonably clear, attempting to influence settlements under other portions of the policy coverage. § 626.9541(1)(i)3.a - The insurer has not adopted and implemented standards for the proper investigation of claims. The denial was issued without a full and thorough investigation, overlooking pertinent facts regarding the damage. § 626.9541(1)(i)3.b - The insurer has misrepresented key facts and provisions related to coverage, particularly regarding the extent of the damages and items that should have been covered under the policy. § 626.9541(1)(i)3.f - The insurer has failed to provide a reasonable written explanation to the insured regarding the basis for the denial of the claim or the offer of a compromise settlement. To remedy this, we demand payment of the full amount of $51,282.70, representing the proper estimate of the cost to repair the wind damage as confirmed by relevant industry standards and contractors engaged by the Grogan family. Additionally VYRD must reassess its internal claims handling practices to ensure that future investigations are conducted fairly and in compliance with Florida law. This Civil Remedy Notice is submitted in good faith with the intent of reaching a swift and amicable resolution.
Comments
User Id Date Added Comment
bweitzman@kelleykronenberg.com 12-05-2024 December 5, 2024 Via E-mail: Inhouse Adjusting claims@inhouseadjusting.com Complainant: Inhouse Adjusting Named Carrier: VYRD Insurance Company Claim No.: 12091 Policy No.: 713349 CRN Filing No.: 787935 CRN Filing Date: October 22, 2024 To Whom This May Concern: Please accept this correspondence as VYRD Insurance Company’s (“VYRD”) response to the Civil Remedy Notice (“CRN”) number 787935, filed by the complainant, Inhouse Adjusting (“Complainant”) dated October 22, 2024. From the outset, VYRD denies that any of its actions taken regarding the Insured’s claim have resulted in a violation of Florida’s bad faith laws, including 624.155 and 626.9541, as alleged in the CRN. Rather, VYRD has acted, at all times, in good faith in its investigation and handling of this claim and with regard to the best interest of its Insured. While VYRD welcomes the opportunity to respond to this CRN and specifically denies each and every allegation contained in the CRN referenced above, VYRD requests the CRN be rejected as it fails to comply with several of the requirements of the Civil Remedy Notice of Insurer Violation document provisions as set forth in Florida Statute § 624.155, as well as pursuant to Florida case law. Setting forth the factual background, the subject claim for alleged wind was initially reported to VYRD on August 5, 2024, for an alleged date of loss of May 10, 2024. On or about August 16, 2024, an inspection was performed of the Property by an Independent Field Adjuster on behalf of VYRD. To confirm the cause and origin of the alleged damage, an engineering inspection of the Property was performed by engineer Shayne Lester, P.E., MRSA, HI of Edgewood Engineering on September 12, 2024. Based on the results of the inspections by the independent field adjuster and the engineer, on September 30, 2024, VYRD issued a coverage determination letter, advising that VYRD was issuing payment in the amount of $7,023.31. The coverage determination rendered by VYRD was based on VRYD’s extensive, complete and thorough evaluation of the Claim, and in accordance with the Policy’s clear and unambiguous terms and conditions. As such, not only was a coverage determination issued in accordance with the terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and endorsements which make up the subject Policy of insurance, it was done so based on two inspections—one by an independent field adjuster and one by a professional engineer. VYRD’s investigation into the claim was extensive and performed with case and due diligence. The facts, as set forth above, demonstrate quite clearly that VYRD acted in good faith. VYRD acted fairly and honestly, acknowledged and acted promptly upon receipt of the claim, determined coverage for the claim pursuant to the terms of the policy, and took reasonable steps to investigate the claim and inspect the Property. Accordingly, the CRN does not provide the contemplated and mandated notice of bad faith that is required as a condition precedent to any civil claim for bad faith pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 624.155. A such, the CRN fails at its inception. Pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 624.155, a complainant is required to “indicate all statutory provisions alleged to have been violated.” The subject CRN, however, includes statutory provisions that could be claimed against any insurance company, regardless of whether they are relevant or applicable to the alleged facts contained in the CRN. Because the CRN fails to identify the specific facts applicable to the listed statutes that were allegedly violated with respect to the subject claim, VYRD is unable to properly respond and said CRN should be rejected and returned. As such, it is VYRD’s position that the CRN is statutorily deficient in that it cites various statutory violations and does not provide the requisite specificity as to how they were violated. Furthermore, contrary to the requirement to “describe the facts and circumstances giving rise to the insurer’s violation as you understand them at this time,” the purpose of which is “to enable the insurer to investigate and resolve the claim,” the CRN itself provides unsupported, vague, ambiguous, and incorrect allegations with no basis in fact or circumstances. The CRN fails to apprise VYRD of any actions that rise to the level of a statutory violation other than boilerplate allegations. The CRN is purposefully drafted in a manner which does not allow VYRD proper notice of the allegations or any meaningful opportunity to respond and/or evaluate the claims being asserted. Based upon the foregoing, the CRN is insufficient on its face and should be rejected. Talat Enterprises Inc. vs. Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co., 753 So.2d 1278 (Fla. 2000); Lane v. Westfield Ins. Company, 862 So.2d 744 (Fla. 5th DCA 2003). Aside from the fact that the CRN is insufficient on its face, the tenor and inferences of the allegations are wholly without merit and VYRD denies each and every one. An insurer possesses a non-delegable duty to completely and accurately investigate a claim in order to evaluate the claim on behalf of the policyholder. American Fidelity & Cas. Co. vs. Greyhound Corp., 258 F. 2d 709, 710-11 (5th Cir. 1958). However, the insurer’s statutory obligation to settle claims in good faith only requires the insurer to timely evaluate and pay benefits under the insurance policy if such payments are warranted. Id. The insurer also has a right and obligation to issue payments only as contemplated by the terms, conditions, exclusions, limitations, and endorsements contained within the subject Policy of insurance. Notwithstanding the above-mentioned deficiencies/discrepancies, the following are VYRD’s responses to each of the alleged violations noticed in the CRN: VYRD conducted a complete, thorough, and timely investigation of the alleged loss relying on inspections, Policy terms, and statutory requirements to inform VYRD’s coverage determination, which was made in accordance with, and as contemplated by, the terms and conditions of the subject Policy. VYRD acted fairly and honestly toward the Insured and the Plaintiff in its handling of the claim. Thus, there is no violation of § 624.155(1)(b)(1). VYRD conducted a complete, thorough, and timely investigation of the alleged loss and issued a coverage determination based on such findings, as well as upon the terms and conditions of the subject policy. VYRD was under no obligation to settle the claim as there was no coverage under the terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and endorsements of the subject Policy. Thus, there is no violation of §624.155(1)(b)(3). VYRD has not failed to adopt and implement standards for the proper investigation of claims and, rather, has thoroughly and timely investigated the claim. VYRD promptly conducted an inspection and issued a coverage determination based its investigation of the claim, as well as the terms, conditions, limitations, and endorsements which make up the policy. Thus, there is no violation of § 626.9541(1)(i)(3)(a). VYRD has not misrepresented pertinent facts or insurance policy provisions relating to coverages at issue. Rather, VYRD has adequately apprised of policy provisions and how they apply to the subject insurance claim. Thus, there is no violation of § 626.9541(1)(i)(3)(b). VYRD did not fail to promptly provide a reasonable explanation to the insured as the basis in the insurance Policy for its coverage decision. Thus, there is no violation of § 626.9541(1)(i)(3)(f). In closing, VYRD’s actions in handling the subject insurance claim were prompt, thorough, conducted in accordance with the Policy and Florida law and—most importantly—in good faith. Furthermore, VYRD complied with all obligations under the Policy and the Florida Statutes, promptly investigated the claim, and promptly issued a coverage determination. Thus, VYRD denies each and every allegation contained in the CRN and respectfully requests that the CRN is rejected due to its failure to comply with Florida Statute §624.155 and Florida case law. We trust this response adequately addresses the allegations of violation alleged in the CRN. In addition, you will find a response submitted to the Florida Department of Financial Services on its website. Should you wish to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Very truly yours, Andrew Labbe, Esq. Andrew Labbe, Esq. Nicole W. Lazaroff, Esq.
info@cflclaims.com 11-14-2024 WE HAVE REACHED A SETTLEMENT WITH THE CARRIER.
Acknowledgement
* The submitter hereby states that this notice is given in order to perfect the rights of the person(s) damaged to pursue civil remedies authorized by Section 624.155, Florida Statutes.

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DFS-10-363
Rev. 10/14/2008