(WSVN) – A truck crashed into its barrier. They had insurance to replace his fence, but the company continued to fail month after month. Can an insurance company stop paying a claim? This is what one South Florida woman told Help Me Howard.
When you walk into Evon’s home, you can’t miss what he calls his famous wall.
Evon Whitaker: “My sisters, my brother-in-law, my children, grandchildren, grandparents. That’s Miracles and Brodasia.”
Every day he sees all the family members and all the big things.
Evon Whitaker: “Family reunions, weddings. It makes you feel good.”
Inside it makes him smile. Outside, meanwhile, Evon is freaking out.
Evon Whitaker: “Why are they giving me the tour? They should fix the fence.”
Back in June, a truck hit his fence, damaging it. Sadly, the owner of the truck died.
Evon Whitaker: “He went one way, and their truck went into the fence.”
The driver had insurance. Evon filed a lawsuit against his company, and his battle began.
Evon Whitaker: “And every time I call him, he gives me excuse after excuse: ‘We’re still investigating.'”
Evon was told to get an estimate, one for $5,800 and one for $5,900.
Evon doesn’t have much money, but he needs a fence for his property on Sistrunk Boulevard.
Evon Whitaker: “It’s not the best neighborhood in the world, but it’s not the worst neighborhood in the world, and I really like my backyard.”
When the insurance company got nothing, Evon complained to the State of Florida.
Patrick Fraser: “What did they tell you?”
Evon Whitaker: “That, in so many words, they told me I needed a lawyer … and I couldn’t afford a lawyer.”
After seven months, Evon now believes he may never find his father.
Evon Whitaker: “Not happy. Destruction, indeed. They try to push me until I forget, and I told them, I say, no, I will never stop.
How long does an insurance company wait to pay a claim, Howard?
Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “First of all, it takes at least 60 days for them to investigate the merits of the claim, and in some cases longer if it’s a complicated case, but it’s not complicated at all . If the insurance company drags their feet after 60 days, let them know you won’t give up and will hire an attorney to sue. It will cost the insurance company more because they have to pay you and your attorney.
Evon fought with Infinity Assurance Insurance Company.
I called Lemper, their parent company in Chicago.
A spokesman wrote, “Normally, we cannot make a claim until we receive all the necessary information from all parties. This can cause delays if there are many claimants involved.”
A few days later, Evon called me.
Evon Whitaker: “And they sent me a check for $5,800. Now I am ready to fix my fence as soon as possible.”
Evon smiled again after that call to Help Me Howard.
Evon Whitaker: “I’m so happy, and I thank you, Patrick. Tell Howard I say thank you. You are all a blessing.”
Thanks, Evon, and glad we could help.
Well, if you want to pay a claim quickly, file it with your insurance company because they usually take care of their customers. Of course, you have to pay a deductible and your costs may go up, so you have to decide which option you choose.
Is this a problem you are having? Want to make sure someone helps? Let us investigate your claim and try to open the door to a solution.
With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.
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