Civil Remedy Notice of Insurer Violations
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Filing Number:     804584
Filing Accepted:  1/31/2025
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Complainant
Last/Business Name *  
WARGO   First Name   DONALD
Street Address * 3918 MADRID CT
City, State Zip * PUNTA GORDA, FL 33950
Email Address * DONJWARGO@GMAIL.COM
Complainant Type: * Insured
Insured
Last/Business Name*   WARGO   First Name   DONALD
Policy # * SJ31140109 Claim #* SL22209141
Attorney
Attorney is Applicable
Last Name* PRICE First Name * BILL Initial
Street Address* 2633 WEST 23RD STREET
City, State Zip* PANAMA CITY , FLORIDA 32405
Email Address * RECEPTION@THEPRICELAWFIRM.COM
Violation
Insurer Type *   Authorized Insurer Unauthorized Insurer
 
Insurer Name*   SLIDE INSURANCE COMPANY
NAIC Company Code 17227
 
Name of individual responsible for violation (if any):* COURTNEY FORD
Type of Insurance * Residential Property & Casualty   
Reason for Notice *
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.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(a) Failing to adopt and implement standards for the proper investigation of claims.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(c) Failing to acknowledge and act promptly upon communications with respect to claims.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(i) Failing to pay personal injury protection insurance claims within the time periods required by s. 627.736(4)(b).
* Specific policy language that is relevant to the violation.
Enter all words or phrases (one at a time) that should be used to filter.

C. Loss Settlement. In Form HO 00 03: Paragraph C.1.d. is deleted. of The first paragraph of C.2.d is replaced by the following: We will initially pay the actual cash value of the loss, less any applicable deductible. We will then pay any remaining amounts necessary to perform the actual repair or replacement as work is performed and expenses are incurred subject to C.2.a. and b.. If a total loss occurs, we will pay the full replacement cost without reservation or holdback of any depreciation in value. In form HO 00 06, Loss Settlement paragraph 2. is replaced by the following: 2. Coverage A – Dwelling: Is provided at the actual cost to repair or replace. We will initially pay the actual cash value of the loss, less any applicable deductible. We will then pay any remaining amounts necessary to perform the actual repair or replacement as work is performed and expenses are incurred. If a total loss occurs we will pay the full replacement cost without reservation or holdback of any depreciation in value. In this provision the terms “repaired” or “replaced” do not include the increased cost incurred to comply with enforcement of any ordinance or law, except to the extent that coverage for these increased costs is provided in D.10. Ordinance Or Law under Section I – Property Coverages.
 
* Facts and circumstances giving rise to the violation.
Enter all words or phrases (one at a time) that should be used to filter.

In Florida, the work of adjusting insurance claims engages the public trust. Slide Insurance Company ("Slide") has breached the public's trust by its adjustment of Donald and Lisa Wargo ("Insured's") claim of loss. Slide has failed to create and implement adequate guidelines for the proper investigation and evaluation of claims, claims handling, and for training and supervision of employees resulting in statutory violations as set forth above. Slide has failed and/or refused to thoroughly, accurately, and completely investigate and evaluate the insured's insurance claim for damages based on all information available and has instead ignored relevant and obvious information that evidences that additional payment is required under the policy. The insureds are Donald and Lisa Wargo whose property at 3918 Madrid Court, Punta Gorda, FL was severely damaged as a result of Hurricane Ian on or about September 28, 2022. Damages caused by high winds, falling trees, and ensuing water losses resulting therefrom are undisputedly covered under the Wargo's policy. The policyholders timely notified Slide of the damages and opened a claim pursuant to the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. However, they were unable to reach a satisfactory settlement with Slide on their own. In December of 2022, the Wargo’s were forced to retain Bill Price, PA as they did not receive adequate communication or correspondence from Slide Insurance, who refused to settle or reasonably adjust the claim. On or about December 20, 2020, Stacy Pippin with Bill Price, PA emailed a letter of representation to Slide. A certified copy of the policy in place at the time of Hurricane Ian was requested at that time. A copy of same was received on April 3, 2023 from Benjamin Temple. On March 28, 2023, Ms. Pippin emailed a demand packet to Slideclaims. A Sworn Statement in Proof of Loss was emailed to Slideclaims at the same time. On April 6, 2023, Ms. Pippin received an email from Benjamin Temple with an offer of New Money $91,591.33. On May 24, 2023, Ms. Pippin sent over estimates received from Mr. Wargo that exceeded the offer. On June 22, 2023, Ms. Pippins sent over additional estimates received from Mr. Wargo. On July 10, 2023, Ms. Pippin received an email stating Phong Tran had replaced Benjamin Temple as the new desk adjuster. As of July 31, 2023 there had been no response from Mr. Tran regarding the estimates. At this time, Ms. Pippin filed Intent to Initiate Litigation. Since the beginning of the claim, Slide has engaged in a pattern of delay and denial that has harmed its insureds. Slide has not settled the claim when it could and should have done so had it acted fairly and honestly and has failed to consider the information and evidence that clearly shows payment is owed. Slide has misrepresented pertinent facts and insurance policy provisions and has continually failed tp provide a reasonable explanation of the facts and circumstances supporting its refusal to pay and/or settle the claim. These misrepresentations include, but are not limited to, 1) that it performed a full and fair investigation with qualified professionals, 2) that its adjusters and representatives were fair and impartial, 3) that it does not owe more money for additional living expenses, and 4) no other amounts are owed under the policy. Slide has also failed to respond timely and appropriately to communications from its insured and its representatives. These failures include, but are not limited to, 1) its refusal to make payment upon the policyholder's request, 2) its refusal to retain consultants and have the property inspected in a timely manner, 3) refusing to provide documentation and information requested by the policyholder, refusing to consider the information and documentation provided by the policyholder and 4) refusing to return calls and/or respond to communications from the policyholders and/or its representatives. Slide has failed to promptly provide the policyholder with a reasonable written explanation as to why it continues to delay and refuse additional payment on the claim. In fact, it has provided no explanation as to why it has not made additional payments. Slide has failed to promptly notify the policyholder of any additional information necessary to process the claim. Instead, Slide has used the possibility of necessary additional information to further delay the claim. The actions and violations noted above were either done intentionally or as the result of Slide's failure to adopt and implement the proper standards of the investigation and adjustments of claims. Overall, Slide's investigation and handling of the claim was inadequate and contrary to its obligations under the insurance policy and Florida law. The insured has done everything legally requested by Slide to date. To cure the violations set forth in this Civil Remedy Notice, Slide must now agree acknowledge its duties and obligations under the law in adjusting its insured's claim, and tender rightfully owed insurance benefits to return the insured to its pre-loss condition. The insured were and still forced to expends out of pocket monies to submit the insurance claim, e.g., retaining experts, and legal counsel, to force Slide to honor its obligations under the insurance policy and to pay all the insurance proceeds due and owing the insureds. Slide has refused and/or failed to tender all insurance proceeds to the insureds upon demand. Slide's refusal and/or failure to settle the insurance claim when under all circumstances it could have and should have done so had it acted fairly and honestly towards the insureds is wrongful conduct. The insureds contend that Slide has financially benefited from its improper withholding of due and owing insurance proceeds by profiting from the "float". Furthermore, the insureds contend that Slide's adjusters and/or representatives financially benefit by such unfair trade practices as a part of their general business practices. The insureds contend that Slide pressures its agents and/or representatives, through financial incentives, to look for reasons to underpay or deny claims instead of fulfilling their obligations to do the opposite as a general business practice. This notice is given in order to perfect the right to pursue the civil remedy authorized by Florida Statute, including any and all bad faith/extra contractual, should Slide fail to cure the violations set forth in this Civil Remedy Notice within the given cure period. The insureds also intend to seek punitive damages against Slide as it appears that Slide violations occur with such frequency as to evidence a general business practice and the violations were willful, wanton and malicious and were in reckless disregard for the rights of the insureds. While no specific "cure amount" is required for this Civil Remedy Notice to be valid, the insureds will consider the allegations contained herein "cured" if Slide: (1) Immediately tenders the sums demanded, minus prior payments, for all coverages, without any requirement for a release; and (2) Immediately tenders interest at the statutory rate on these amounts from the date of loss until the date of payment, without any requirement for a release. While the insureds are requesting that this be done to "cure" this Civil Remedy Notice, the insureds are willing to consider, and may accept, any reasonable counteroffer. Therefore, if Slide disagrees with the requests, the insureds requests that Slide make a counteroffer before the end of the "cure period" and provide supporting documentation for any such offer so that they may understand any discrepancies that could exist regarding the estimates.
Comments
User Id Date Added Comment
grodriguez@slideinsurance.com 03-31-2025 March 31, 2025 Via E-mail & Posting on DFS Website Bill Price, Esq. The Price Law Firm 2633 West 23rd Street Panama City, FL 32405 reception@thepricelawfirm.com RE: Complainant: Donald Wargo Insured: Donald Wargo and Lisa Wargo Claim No: SL22209141 Policy No: SJ31140109 Date of loss: 09/28/22 CRN Filing No.: 804584 Dear Mr. Price: Please allow this correspondence to serve as Slide Insurance Company’s (“Slide”)’s response to the Civil Remedy Notice (“CRN”) that was filed on behalf of Donald Wargo (“Insured”). Herein, we include a brief factual history of the underlying claim and actions by Slide which reveals it has acted properly in responding to the underlying claim and in compliance with its contractual and legal obligations. Slide denies each and every allegation brought forth in the CRN and denies any wrongdoing in the handling of the underlying claim. Additionally, Slide denies violating any Florida Statute or Administrative Code as set forth more specifically herein. Moreover, Slide denies violating any provisions or duties set forth in the applicable policy of insurance. Slide further states that the facts and circumstances that are set forth in the CRN, while incomplete and misleading, do not give rise to any violation of any statute or policy provision referenced in the Notice. Finally, the CRN is improper as the Insured failed to establish that Slide breached the policy of insurance, as required by Fla. Stat. § 624.1551, and failed to include a “cure amount.” CLAIM FACTS The underlying claim was reported on October 3, 2022, as a claim relating to Hurricane Ian damage. On October 11, 2022, Slide promptly sent Independent Adjuster Egan Elston to inspect the insured property. Further, Slide sent Rick Wolf of Precision Claim Solutions to inspect the insured property. As a result of Slide’s investigation and evaluation of the claim, on or about December 7, 2022, payment was made. Thereafter, on April 6, 2023, a further settlement offer was made to attempt resolution. Thus, Slide maintains that it has acted in accordance with the terms of the subject insurance policy, and the law, and has acted in good faith towards the Insured. Slide denies that it violated any statutes or committed the acts asserted in the CRN. Slide neither waives nor is estopped from asserting any and all rights that it may have in law or under the terms of the policy. Slide expressly reserves all such rights without exception or limitation. REASONS FOR THE NOTICE The CRN alleges one (1) reason for the filing of the Notice. However, no specific facts or circumstances are provided to support these allegations. Notwithstanding, Slide denies each and every allegation individually as follows: 1. Unsatisfactory Settlement Offer: Slide denies that it extended any unsatisfactory settlement offers to the Insured. Slide promptly investigated the loss and issued payment on December 7, 2022. Thereafter, on April 6, 2023, a further offer was made in writing to the Insureds representative. Slide asserts that it has acted in good faith towards its Insured at all times. Thus, this allegation is without basis and therefore denied. ALLEGED STATUTORY VIOLATIONS The CRN alleges multiple statutory violations. However, no specific facts or circumstances are provided to support these allegations. Notwithstanding, Slide denies each and every allegation individually as follows: 1. 624.155(1)(b)(1): Denied. The underlying claim was investigated and adjusted in as thorough and expedient a manner as possible. Following the investigation and evaluation of the underlying claim, payment was issued. Thereafter, a second settlement offer was made on April 6, 2023, in an attempt in good faith to settle the claim. Moreover, the Insured has submitted absolutely no facts or circumstances supporting this allegation. 2. 626.9541(1)(i)(3)(a): Denied. This allegation is without basis. Slide has adopted and implemented standards for the proper investigation of claims at all times during the investigation of the subject matter. The aforementioned facts demonstrate that Slide employed proper and customary claims practices in the investigation and adjustment of this claim including, but not limited to, two inspections of the insured property and timely communications with the Insureds and their representatives. Accordingly, Slide asserts its full and strict compliance with the statutory requirements imposed upon it. Finally, the Insureds have submitted absolutely no facts or circumstances supporting this allegation. 3. 626.9541(1)(i)(3)(c): Denied. This allegation is without basis. Slide has consistently acted promptly upon all communications with respect to this claim as previously outlined. Slide has adjusted the underlying loss in as thorough and expedient a manner as possible. Moreover, Slide routinely communicated with the Insureds and their representatives regarding the underlying claim. Thus, Slide asserts its full and strict compliance with the statutory requirements imposed upon it. Any assertions to the contrary are unsupported by the facts. 4. 626.9541(1)(i)(3)(i): Denied. First and foremost, there is an error in the CRN as the cited statutory violation pertains to personal injury protection insurance claims, which is unrelated to the matter that is the subject of the Insured’s CRN. Notwithstanding the errors in the CRN, Slide denies any unfair claim settlement practices. Following the investigation and evaluation of the underlying claim the Insureds were notified of the coverage decision and were sent payment for the covered damages pursuant to the policy’s terms, conditions, endorsements, limitations, and exclusions, as referenced in the factual narrative above. Therefore, Slide asserts its full and strict compliance with the statutory requirements imposed upon it. The Insured has submitted absolutely no facts to support this allegation. ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF THE INSURANCE POLICY The boilerplate CRN merely sets forth blanket allegations of wrongdoing, without further information. As such, the CRN is defective, as it failed to specifically identify the policy language that is the subject of the alleged violation, and further failed to include sufficient facts to put Slide on notice of the alleged violations. Notwithstanding, Slide denies any and all allegations of policy violations. All actions by Slide were done in compliance with the applicable Policy. As indicated above, Slide thoroughly investigated the reported loss including inspection of the insured property. Thus, it is clear that Slide has acted in compliance with the Policy. Slide asserts that it has at all times complied with the terms of the Policy and has complied with all applicable provisions of the Policy and Florida Statutes in the handling of this matter. STATEMENTS AS TO CURING THE DEFECTS OUTLINED IN THE NOTICE The CRN asserts that Slide must tender “the sums demanded” along with statutory interest yet does not include a cure amount. Nevertheless, the method for curing violations alleged in a Civil Remedy Notice is not determined by the Insured. Talat Enterprises, Inc. v. Aetna Casualty Surety Co., 753 So. 2d So. 2d 1278 (Fla. 2000). Accordingly, Florida Statutes Section 624.155 does not impose on an insurer the obligation to pay whatever the Insureds demand. Section 624.155(2)(d) would have no effect or purpose under such an interpretation. Thus, Slide reasserts that it has acted in good faith towards its Insureds at all times. Slide references to all the facts herein, which unequivocally demonstrate Slide’s expedient and timely administration of the Insureds’ claim. Slide further asserts its full and strict compliance with the Policy and reiterates that it has acted properly in responding to the underlying claim in compliance with its contractual and legal obligations. Slide denies any wrongdoing in the handling of the underlying claim. Additionally, Slide denies violating any Florida Statute, Administrative Code, or code of ethics. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the documented facts of this claim establish that Slide acted diligently in its claims response and adequately performed its obligations under the policy of insurance and Florida law. Thus, the facts contradict all allegations that Slide has in any manner acted improperly or contrary to its contractual obligations to the Insured in this claim. Herein, Slide has attempted to fully and adequately respond to the allegations the Insureds allege in the Civil Remedy Notice of Insurer Violation filed with the Department. Should there be any questions or further inquiry with respect to this matter, please contact the undersigned at (813) 934-6668 or at grodriguez@slideinsurance.com Sincerely, /s/ Gabriela Rodriguez Gabriela Rodriguez, Esq. Staff Counsel
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