Back to insurance complaintsMay 23, 2013
Insurance Company: Fidelity
Coverage Type: Homeowners Insurance
- PolicyHolder Service - Inadequate Service
- Claim Handling - Unsatisfactory Settlement/Offer
- Claim Handling - Denial of Claim
- General - I feel abused by this company
Approximately 3 1/2 weeks ago my garage cieling fell throwing insulation all over. I have no objects in my attic to cause this. An adjuster came out and stated I had no wind damage or water damage. I have a 2 car garage, however only part of it has come down but the other is just waiting to happen. Since then any contact I have had with them has been only that I contacted them. I have received 3 quotes from $1,800 - $3,000 to fix this.
However, once again I called today and was informed that they are not going to cover this as it was not put up with the proper screws. I purchased this home around 20 years ago. I had nothing to do with this installation.
I asked if they were going to pay me over my deductible and was told NO. I asked them is this how they operated and that out of all the millions that have to pay for homeowners insurance they are denying claims that have nothing to do with us the homeowners. Does this mean no homes should be sold if they are older than so many years.
I was not given a choice to select my carrier, I was given to them by another insurance company. They are saying in my policy it states they do not cover faulty installation.
I feel the public should be aware of this as this company is collecting our money and refusing to help.
I have to take out a loan to repair my ceiling, yet I am required to pay them over $1,600.00 per year to insure my home?
I would never have chosen an insurance company that says the correct screws were not used nor they will not value your claim due to faulty installation...
I am a very honest person and in reality I would like this to be used against them as people need to know what kind of insurance company the are.
The insurance company is not listed on your list so I am including this in this complaint.
Southern Fidelity
P.O. Box 13549
Tallahassee, Fl 32317
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July 21, 2013 at 12:55 PM
You have to have your insurance and dtcoor change your address in their records. I got my own insurance and live on my own. The insurance has my new address but the dtcoor didnt. So I had to make sure both were changed.
July 22, 2013 at 10:03 AM
Most of the time, yes they will find those prior claims.Many isunrance companies participate in a national database that tracks claims. They will also check you MVR records of any tickets or accidents. It is very difficult to slip one past an isunrance company.Fraudulently stating fewer claims than you actually have is not a good idea. If you filed another claim and the prior ones were discovered, they could deny the new claim, back charge you a higher rate, and/or cancel the policy on the spot.Because your rate went up due to the claims, it's not a bad idea to shop around, just make sure they are rating you with knowledge of those prior claims.
May 23, 2013 at 2:35 PM
I have worked in the insurance industry in FL for over 15 years. Unfortunately, most insurance policies do not cover faulty workmanship or general maintance. Also, with the estimates below $5000, it is recommended not to file a claim. These days, insurance is only to be used in catastrophic losses.