Search
 

Judge: Homeowner can sue insurer USAA on fraud claim

A homeowner failed to file a claim because the carrier's representative told him it would probably be denied. When he later did file the claim, can he still recover under the policy?

By Joel Stashenko | Updated on March 16, 2017
Andrew Zelak cleans the snow from his roof on Irving Place in Alden, N.Y., Nov. 20, 2014. The weight of the snow has caused problems around the area with roofs collapsing and structures fracturing. (Photo: AP/Gary Wiepert)

A western New York man may sue for fraud for allegedly being told by a claims representative that his homeowner’s insurance policy would not cover property damage that was caused by the 5- to 7-foot snowfall in a November 2013 storm, a federal judge ruled.

Nicholas Kraatz did not file a claim based on the conversation he said he had with the USAA Casualty Insurance Co. claims representative 12 days after the record-setting storm in the Buffalo area. Kraatz maintained that the representative told him that because of his high deductible — $8,040 — it was probably not in his best interests to file a claim.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

Bank & Capital Markets Tax Institute (BTI) 2024Event

BTI provides leading tax professionals from financial institutions with unmatched tools and resources.

Get More Information
 

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.