Civil Remedy Notice of Insurer Violations
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Filing Number:     807940
Filing Accepted:  2/21/2025
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Complainant
Last/Business Name *  
FIOLA   First Name   RICHARD
Street Address * 2037 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NE
City, State Zip * ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33703
Email Address * C/O RNIPPS@WOOLSEYMORCOM.COM
Complainant Type: * Insured
Insured
Last/Business Name*   FIOLA   First Name   RICHARD
Policy # * 3509179 Claim #* 003509179-806
Attorney
Attorney is Applicable
Last Name* NIPPS First Name * ROBERT Initial L
Street Address* 203 FORT WADE RD. SUITE 260
City, State Zip* PONTE VEDRA , FL 32081
Email Address * RNIPPS@WOOLSEYMORCOM.COM
Violation
Insurer Type *   Authorized Insurer Unauthorized Insurer
 
Insurer Name*   UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION
NAIC Company Code 25941
 
Name of individual responsible for violation (if any):* JEAN 4H386 (USAA CLAIMS)
Type of Insurance * Residential Property & Casualty   
Reason for Notice *
Claim Delay
Unfair Trade Practice
Other : Wrongful claim denial
Other : Unfair claim settlement practices
Other : Unreasonable investigation
Other : Failure to act on claim
Other : Failure to conduct a reasonable investigation based on available information
Other : Failure to maintain proper complaint handling procedures
Other : Misrepresenting the insurance policy provisions to the insured
Other : Misrepresenting Florida statutory provisions to the insured
Other : Misrepresenting facts to the insured
Other : Failure to acknowledge and act promptly upon communications with respect to claims
Other : Denying claims without conducting reasonable investigations based upon available information
Other : Failing to affirm or deny full or partial coverage of claims, and, as to partial coverage, the dolla
Other : Failing to promptly provide a reasonable explanation in writing to the insured of the basis in the i
Other : Failing to promptly notify the insured of any additional information necessary for the processing of
Other : Failing to clearly explain the nature of the requested information and the reasons why such informat
Other : Failing to pay undisputed amounts of partial or full benefits owed under first-party property insura
* 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)(2) A material misrepresentation made to an insured or any other person having an interest in the proceeds payable under such contract or policy, for the purpose and with the intent of effecting settlement of such claims, loss, or damage under such contract or policy on less favorable terms than those provided in, and contemplated by, such contract or policy.
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)(c) Failing to acknowledge and act promptly upon communications with respect to claims.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(d) Denying claims without conducting reasonable investigations based upon available information.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(e) Failing to affirm or deny full or partial coverage of claims, and, as to partial coverage, the dollar amount or extent of coverage, or failing to provide a written statement that the claim is being investigated, upon the written request of the insured within 30 days after proof-of-loss statements have been completed.
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.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(g) Failing to promptly notify the insured of any additional information necessary for the processing of a claim.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(h) Failing to clearly explain the nature of the requested information and the reasons why such information is necessary.
626.9541(1)(i)(4) Failing to pay undisputed amounts of partial or full benefits owed under first-party property insurance policies within 60 days after an insurer receives notice of a residential property insurance claim, determines the amounts of partial or full benefits, and agrees to coverage, unless payment of the undisputed benefits is prevented by factors beyond the control of the insurer as defined in s. 627.70131(5).
* Specific policy language that is relevant to the violation.
Enter all words or phrases (one at a time) that should be used to filter.

SECTION I – LOSSES WE COVER Coverage A – Dwelling Protection And Coverage B – Other Structures Protection Coverage We insure against “sudden and accidental”, direct, physical loss to tangible property described in PROPERTY WE COVER- Coverages A and B unless excluded in Section I – LOSSES WE DO NOT COVER. **** Coverage C – Personal Property Protection We insure against “sudden and accidental”, direct physical loss to tangible property described in PROPERTY WE COVER – Coverage C caused by a peril listed below unless the loss is excluded in LOSSES WE DO NOT COVER UNDER DWELLING PROTECTION, OTHER STRUCTES PROTECTION AND PERSON PROPERTY PROTECTION 1. Fire or lightning. 2. Windstorm or hail. **** Coverage D – Loss Of Use Protection The amount of insurance for Loss of Use shown on the Declarations is the total limit for the coverages that follow. 1. Additional Living Expense. If a loss covered under Section I – LOSSES WE COVER makes that part of the "residence premises" where you reside uninhabitable, we cover the reasonable and necessary increase in living expenses incurred by you so that your household can maintain its normal standard of living. Payment will be for the shortest time required to repair or replace damage or, if you permanently relocate, the shortest time required for your household to settle elsewhere, in either event, not to exceed 12 months. However, if a loss covered under section I – LOSSES WE COVER results from an event which is assigned a Property Claims Service (PCS) catastrophe code, payment will be the for the shortest time required to repair or replace the damage, or if you permanently relocate, the shortest time required for your household to settle elsewhere, in either event, not to exceed 24 months. This extension does not increase the amount of insurance provided under Loss of Use Protection. 2. Fair Rental Value. a loss covered under Section I - LOSSES WE COVER makes that part of the "residence premises" rented to others or held for rental by you uninhabitable, we cover the fair rental value of that part of the "residence premises” rented to others or held for rental by you uninhabitable, we cover the fair rental value of that part of the "residence premises" rented to others or held for rental by you less any expenses that do not continue while the premises is uninhabitable. Payment will be for the shortest time required to repair or replace that part of the premises rented or held for rental, but not to exceed 12 months. 3. Prohibited Use. If a loss covered under Section I - LOSSES WE COVER results in an order from a civil authority prohibiting you from use of the "residence premises" as a result of direct damage to neighboring premises by a loss covered under Section I - LOSSES WE COVER, we cover the Additional Living Expense or Fair Rental Value loss as provided under 1. And 2. Above for not more than two weeks. A neighboring premises is defined as a premises that is adjacent to the “residence premises”. The periods of time under 1., 2., and 3. above are not limited by expiration of this policy. We do not cover loss or expense due to cancellation of a lease or agreement. Except as provided in ADDITIONAL COVERAGES, Fungus, or Wet or Dry Rot, the Loss of Use coverage afforded under 1., 2., and 3. above does not apply to loss caused by "fungus", or wet or dry rot. No deductible applies to the coverage afforded under 1., 2., and 3. Above. **** ADDITIONAL COVERAGES Unless specifically addressed elsewhere in this policy, the coverages provided below are the only coverages provided for the following: 1. Debris Removal a. We will pay your reasonable expense for the removal of: (1) Debris of covered property if loss to the damaged property is covered under SECTION I - LOSSES WE COVER; or (2) Ash, dust or particles from a volcanic eruption that has caused direct loss to a building or property contained in a building. This expense is included in the amount of insurance that applies to the damaged property. When the amount payable for the actual damage to the property plus the expense for debris removal exceed the amount of insurance for the damaged property, and additional 5% of that amount of insurance will be available to cover debris removal expense. b. We also pay your reasonable expense, up to S1,000 in the aggregate, for the removal from the "residence premises” of: (1) Your tree(s) felled by the peril of windstorm or hail, or weight of ice, snow or sleet; or (2) A neighbor’s tree(s)felled by a loss under “named peril(s)”. provided the tree(s) (3) (3) Damage(s) a covered structure; or (4) Does not damage a covered structure, but: (a) Blocks a driveway on the "residence premises" which prevents a "motor vehicle" that is registered for use on public roads or property, from entering or leaving the “residence premises”; or (b) Blocks a ramp or other fixture designed to assist a handicapped person to enter or leave the dwelling building. The $1,000 limit is the most we will pay in any one loss regardless of the number of fallen trees. No more than $500 of this limit will be paid for the removal of any one tree. This coverage reduces the amount of insurance that applies to the covered property. The policy deductible applies. **** 2. Reasonable Repairs. In the event that covered property is damaged by an applicable loss under Section I - LOSSES WE COVER, we will pay the reasonable expense incurred by you, for necessary measures taken solely to protect against further damage. If the measures taken involve repair to other damaged property we will pay for those measures only if that property is covered under this policy and the damage to that property is caused by an applicable loss under SECTION I - LOSSES WE COVER. This coverage reduces the amount of insurance that applies to the covered property and does not relieve you of your duties in case of a loss to covered property, as set forth in SECTION I - CONDITIONS 2.d The policy deductible applies. **** 3. Trees, Shrubs And Other Plants. cover trees, shrubs, plants, lawns, or landscaping on the "residence premises"; for loss caused by the following Losses We Cover: Fire or Lightning, Explosion, Riot or civil commotion, Aircraft, Vehicles not owned or operated by a resident of the "residence premises", Vandalism or malicious mischief or Theft. We will pay up to 5% of the amount of insurance that applies to the dwelling for all trees, shrubs, plants, lawns or landscaping. No more than $500 of this limit will be available for any one tree, shrub or plant. We do not cover property grown for “business” purposes. This coverage is additional insurance and does not reduce the amount of insurance. The policy deductible applies. **** 14. Building Ordinance Or Law. For loss caused by a loss under Section I - LOSSES WE COVER to buildings under Dwelling Protection and Other Structures Protection, we will pay the increased costs which are required and you actually incur to comply with any ordinance or law governing the rebuilding, repair or demolition of the damaged property. The limit for this coverage will not be more than 5% of the Coverage A - Dwelling Protection amount of insurance. This coverage is additional insurance and does not reduce the amount of insurance. The policy deductible applies. **** 16. Fungus, or Wet or Dry Rot. 1. We will pay up to a total of $2,500 for: a. The cost to treat, remove or dispose of "fungus", or wet or dry rot from covered property; b. The cost to tear out and replace any part of the building or other covered property as needed to gain access to the "fungus", or wet or dry rot; and/or c. The cost to test, to detect, measure or evaluate air or property to confirm the absence, presence or level of "fungus", or wet or dry rot whether performed prior to, during or after removal, repair, restoration. or replacement. The cost of such testing will be provided only to the extent that there is a reasonable probability that there is the presence of "fungus”. Which is the direct result of a loss under Section I – LOSSES WE COVER. 2. We will pay up to a S2, 000 for the necessary increase in costs which you incur to maintain your normal standard of living when the "residence premises" is uninhabitable due to a loss caused by, resulting from, or consisting of "fungus", or wet or dry rot which is the direct result of Section I - LOSSES WE COVER. This coverage is additional insurance and does not reduce the amount of insurance. No deductible applies to this coverage once the policy deductible has been met. **** Also refer to: Coverage A provision, coverage B provision, coverage C provision, coverage D provision, all additional coverages provisions, all coverages provided by endorsement or rider, the declarations page, loss payment or settlement provision, duties in event of loss policy provision, all terms and conditions of section I of the insurance policy, the insurance policy definitions section, the insurance policy‘s exclusion of coverage provisions, all insurance policy provisions that provide coverage to the insured property, and all policy provisions.
 
* Facts and circumstances giving rise to the violation.
Enter all words or phrases (one at a time) that should be used to filter.

United Services Automobile Association (“USAA”) has committed the following in handling the insured’s claim: 1) failure to pay benefits owed; 2) failure to act in due diligence and good faith to resolve claims; 3) placing the financial interest of the insurer before that of the policy holder and claimant; 4) failure to properly train, evaluate, and manage adjusters retained to represent the policies and procedures of USAA; 5) looking for ways to delay benefit payments and otherwise “low ball” or “stone wall” claims; 6) looking for ways to deny the insured’s claim; 7) looking for ways to reduce recovery to the insured; 8) failure to perform a reasonable investigation; 9) misrepresenting Florida statutory provisions to its insured; 10) misrepresenting insurance policy provisions to the insured; 11) USAA has failed and refused to acknowledge coverage and promptly pay the benefits due and owed to the insured; 12) the reasons for this may be attributed to improper training, supervision, and/or motivation of outside adjusters and claims supervisors to promptly and fairly adjust and pay full benefits available to the insured. The insurer may have failed to adopt proper standards of investigation and adjustment of losses or is otherwise not implementing those standards because a proper investigation and full and prompt payment for the loss is not occurring. In Florida, the work of adjusting insurance claims engages the public trust. USAA has breached this duty by its adjustment of the insureds’ claim of loss. USAA has failed to create and implement adequate guidelines for proper investigation to evaluate claims handling and for training and supervision of employees resulting in violations as set forth above. USAA has failed and/or refused to thoroughly, accurately, and completely investigate and evaluate the insureds’ insurance claim for damages. Despite the insureds’ timely notification to USAA of the insurance claim, USAA has failed and refused to acknowledge the covered loss and pay all amounts due and owing to the insured under the policy of insurance. USAA has failed to promptly settle the insureds’ insurance claim, when the obligation to settle the claim had become reasonably clear, under one portion of the insurance, in order to influence settlements under other portions of the insurance policy coverage. Despite the insureds’ pleas otherwise, USAA has failed and refused to acknowledge its obligation to tender all insurance proceed monies due and owing the insured or assist the insured in mitigation of the damages. In exchange for a premium paid by the insured, USAA issued the subject insurance policy which provided coverage for the insured property for ““sudden and accidental”, direct, physical loss to tangible property described in PROPERTY WE COVER- Coverages A and B.” As such, the subject all-risk Policy contains coverage for all direct physical losses to the insured property unless the loss is specifically and unambiguously excluded from coverage by the Policy. On or about October 9, 2024 (Hurricane Milton), the insured property suffered a hurricane loss, and the insured immediately submitted a claim to USAA for property damage, i.e., storm, wind, and hail damages to the roofing system as well as water intrusion damages to the interior of the insured residence. Hence, the Insureds suffered a substantial loss regarding the real property and continue to suffer such loss. Having suffered such substantial damage, the insured promptly notified USAA of the loss in an effort to mitigate the current damage and prevent the exacerbation of any additional losses. The desired result did not follow. USAA, since being presented the Insured’s claim, has misrepresented policy provisions to avoid paying the insured what they are owed under the policy. Ultimately, USAA has failed and refused to properly settle the Insured’s claim in good faith. The Insured has requested that USAA conduct an investigation, admit coverage, and pay damages; USAA has failed and refused to do so. In short, USAA has failed to handle its Insured’s claim in good faith in violation of Fla. Stat. 624.155(1)(b)(1), 624.155(1)(b)(3), and 626.9541(1)(i). Based upon USAA’s investigation and property inspection, which confirmed windstorm damages, USAA’s adjuster nevertheless sent an estimate to the Insured dated November 6, 2024, (signed by USAA’s claims adjuster, Jean (4H386)) opening coverage on the Insured’s claim, but at an amount insufficient to return the property back to its pre-loss condition. In regard to insurance contracts, a specific refusal to pay a claim is the breach which triggers the cause of action. Allstate Ins. Co. v. Kaklamanos, 843 So. 2d 885, 892 (Fla. 2003); Donovan v. AIIC Fire and Cas. Co., 574 So. 2d 285, 286 (Fla. 2nd DCA 1991) (finding that a breach of contract takes place at the moment the insurance company refuses to pay a claim). Therefore, USAA breached the Policy. Moreover, USAA’s argued exclusions and/or limitations to coverage are devoid of anti-concurrent causation language. Thus, “coverage may exist where an insured risk constitutes a concurrent cause of the loss even when it is not the prime or efficient cause.” Sebo v. Am. Home Assurance Co., Inc., 208 So. 3d 694, 699 (Fla. 2016). In addition, under the Policy, any ensuing loss to property not excluded or excepted in this policy is covered. Hence, there are a myriad of coverages under the Policy that would provide coverage for the loss. Nevertheless, USAA failed and refused to acknowledge the full extent of covered loss and pay all amounts due and owing for the loss. Therefore, USAA breached the Policy. Questioning the propriety of USAA’s partial coverage denial, and given the extensive nature of the physical damage, the Insured retained a loss consultant, Coastal Claims Services, LLC (“CCS”), to perform an investigation and damage evaluation in accordance with industry standards and Florida law. Based on its investigation, CCS determined that a wind and hail storm on or about June 16, 2023, caused damage to the exterior and interior of the insured property. Moreover, CCS determined that at least $204,548.84 worth of repairs would be required to return the property to its pre-loss condition as a result of the hurricane loss. Nevertheless, USAA failed and refused to acknowledge the full extent of the covered loss and pay all amounts due and owing under the Policy. Therefore, USAA breached the Policy through its continued failure to acknowledge the covered loss and pay all amounts due and owing under the Policy. As such, USAA’s coverage determination is a blatant misrepresentation of the available coverages under the Policy in direct violation of Fla. Stats. 626.9541(1)(a)(1), 626.9541(1)(i)(3)(b), 626.9541(1)(a)(1), and 626.9541(1)(i)(2) and is nothing more than a mere pretext to wrongfully delay this claim. As a result, USAA has materially misrepresented the coverages under the subject policy to the Insured for the purpose and with the intent of effecting settlement of the Insured’s claim on less favorable terms than those provided in, and contemplated by, the subject policy in direct violation of Fla. Stat. § 626.9541(1)(i)(2). Further, USAA is in violation of Florida statutes §§ 626.9541(1)(a)(1), 626.9541(1)(i)(3)(b), and 626.9541(1)(a)(1) by misrepresenting pertinent facts and insurance policy provisions relating to coverages at issue; and also in violation of Fla. Stat. 626.9541(1)(i)(3)(d) by refusing to cover the full loss of the Insured’s claim without conducting a reasonable investigation based upon available information. In summary, the Insured’s loss is clearly covered by the terms of the policy of insurance with USAA. However, USAA chose to open coverage for the Insured’s loss, but only for a mere fraction of the actual damage sustained by the insured property. To date, USAA continues to deny the Insureds full indemnity for the claim. While USAA refuses to honor this claim, a jury in Pinellas County will likely do what USAA has refused; exercise the benefit of doubt in favor of the Insureds in finding full coverage for this loss. Indeed, the Insured will undoubtedly meet the burden of proof at trial, under the USAA all-risk policy, to show that, while USAA provided insurance coverage, damage occurred to the insured property. See Jones v. Federated Nat'l Ins. Co., 235 So. 3d 936, 942 (Fla. 4th DCA 2018). With the data presented within USAA’s investigation and CCS’s investigation, USAA’s burden to demonstrate by the greater weight of the evidence that all the physical damage to the insured property was caused solely by excluded perils under the policy and not in combination with a covered peril has not and cannot be met. See Sebo v. Am. Home Assurance Co., Inc., 208 So. 3d 694 (Fla. 2016). Despite clear indicators of covered damage, USAA nevertheless refused to provide coverage for the total loss of the Insureds’ claim. As of today, USAA has failed and refused to inform the Insured of his rights under the policy of insurance and Florida statutes, has improperly delayed the Insured’s claim, has wrongfully underpaid the Insured’s claim, and has failed and refused to adequately indemnify the Insureds for the loss and defiantly continues to do so. Indeed, from the time of receiving the claim, USAA has purposely and maliciously delayed in adjusting the subject claim in an effort to either avoid paying the claim altogether or, at the very least, avoid paying the full extent of the loss. Notably, under Florida law, “[t]he filing of a lawsuit does not extinguish the insurer’s obligations under the policy to adjust and pay the claim.” Tristar Lodging, Inc. V. Arch Specialty Ins. Co., 434 F. Supp. 2d 1286, 1289 (M.D. Fla. 2006). To date, the Insured has made a good faith effort to comply with all of the requirements under the subject policy of insurance, and it is only fair that USAA do the same. Yet, that is not the case. The Insured feels that the insured property is a valuable asset, and, by continuously delaying the proper handling of this claim, USAA is putting the insured property at risk. As a responsible property owner, the Insureds purchased insurance to protect the property, paid all of the premiums, and have kept up to date with the responsibilities under the policy. Yet, when the Insured needed to rely on the insurance because of this unforeseen loss, USAA turned its back and delayed coverage that the Insured is rightfully owed. Ultimately, USAA has failed and refused to properly investigate the loss. The Insureds have requested that USAA admit coverage, which it has, but refuses to fully indemnify the Insureds for the loss and pay the amounts necessary to properly repair the Insureds’ property, despite knowing it is required to do so. In short, USAA has failed to handle its Insureds’ claim in good faith. In Florida, the work of adjusting insurance claims engages the public trust; USAA has breached this duty by its insufficient adjustment of the Insureds’ claim. USAA has failed to create and implement adequate guidelines for proper investigation to evaluate claims handling and for training and supervision of employees resulting in statutory violations set forth above. USAA has failed and/or refused to thoroughly, accurately, and completely investigate and evaluate the Insureds’ insurance claim for damages. Florida statute § 624.02 defines insurance as a contract whereby one undertakes to indemnify another or pay or allow a specified amount or a determinable benefit upon determinable contingencies. Inherent is the fact that payment must be made timely and promptly so that the insured may mitigate their damages to put them back into the position they were prior to loss as quickly as possible. USAA breached this duty. The actions taken by USAA in the handling / adjustment of the Insured’s claim were willful, wanton, and with complete disregard for the rights of its insured and occur with such a frequency as to indicate a general business practice and are in violation of Fla. Stat. 624.155 and 626.9541. USAA’s actions amount to but are not limited to the following: 1. Claim delay 2. Wrongful claim denial 3. Unfair trade practice 4. Unfair claim settlement practices 5. Unreasonable investigation 6. Failure to act on claim 7. Failure to conduct a reasonable investigation based on available information 8. Failure to maintain proper complaint handling procedures 9. Misrepresenting the insurance policy provisions to the insured 10. Misrepresenting Florida statutory provisions to the insured 11. Misrepresenting facts to the insured 12. Failure to acknowledge and act promptly upon communications with respect to claims 13. Denying claims without conducting reasonable investigations based upon available information 14. Failing to affirm or deny full or partial coverage of claims, and, as to partial coverage, the dollar amount or extent of coverage, or failing to provide a written statement that the claim is being investigated, upon the written request of the insured within 30 days after proof-of-loss statements have been completed. 15. 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. 16. Failing to promptly notify the insured of any additional information necessary for the processing of a claim. 17. Failing to clearly explain the nature of the requested information and the reasons why such information is necessary. 18. Failing to pay undisputed amounts of partial or full benefits owed under first-party property insurance policies within 90 days after an insurer receives notice of a residential property insurance claim, determines the amounts of partial or full benefits, and agrees to coverage, unless payment of the undisputed benefits is prevented by an act of God, prevented by the impossibility of performance, or due to actions by the insured or claimant that constitute fraud, lack of cooperation, or intentional misrepresentation regarding the claim for which benefits are owed. Therefore, to cure the defects outlined in this civil remedy notice, USAA must: (1): Admit full coverage for the insured’s loss; (2): Tender all insurance monies due and owing to the insured for the loss under the subject Policy; A copy of this form submitted to the FDFS has been emailed and/or uploaded and also printed out and mailed to the following parties providing them notice of the filing of this civil remedy notice: USAA Claims Department P.O. Box 33490 San Antonio, TX 78265
Comments
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