Home First Agency insurance company Assurant American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida Vandals disassembled everything off the bottom of my home and severely damaged the structural integrity. Home First Agency has repeated denied my claims, which have been ongoing effective 2015. ALDOI is closing my complaint# 131802. Maryville Tennessee

I recently received my eleventh claim denial letters dated December 20, 2021 from Home First Agency. For the first time in six years, I really noticed a serious pattern regarding their business practices. Refer to a copy of my email message to this insurance company. 

Dear Brandy Christopher,

I received your denial letters and would like to know why there is no report regarding the leak that has destroyed my kitchen. Do you remember telling me on the telephone that, "you would want to get that leak fixed," right? That was on December 20, 2021 at 9:24am. You do realize that my home is a manufactured home, do you not? You should, AJ9624PPC-0208 is specifically for manufactured homes.

You should also know that there is virtually no access to the plumbing or any other home system. My policy states: Under Section I-Coverages, Limit Of Liability for Fungi, Wet Or Dry Rot, Or Bacteria." The coverage is for a limit of $5,000, but all I receive from Home First Agency is a report that tells me that my property losses do not meet the deductible. The cabinets have severe water damage. I have the Homeowners Plus Program, so why has this loss type not been addressed?

One of these denial letters states: "Loss Type: Wind. Your investigation indicates that your loss is due to: Wind. Cost of repair does not meet the $500 deductible." I disagree with this statement. If you are talking about the severe damage to the siding on the entire house, it was installed as sheets and cannot be repaired. The sheets of siding will no longer remain attached to the metal strip and/or metal lip, like it was designed to do. Where is the estimate? An estimate should reflect repair and/or replacement costs at today's pricing? 

The damage to the siding was caused by vandalism and malicious mischief. In accordance with Section I-Perils Insured Against, 8. "Vandalism or malicious mischief. This peril does not include loss to property on the residence premises if the dwelling has been vacant for more than 30 consecutive days immediately before the loss. A dwelling being constructed is not considered vacant."  My home has not been vacant, I notified the Sheriff's department and they did respond. Unfortunately, they were unable to do anything, i.e., check for fingerprints. Aaron Esmark sent me copies of old claims and an email message that gave me the impression that he was angry with me for continually filing frivolous claims and did not understand my policy. Your letters reads poorly, like you are grasping for pitiful excuses to deny me what I pay for over the last seven years.

You also referenced AL8309EPC-0809, which has WHAT to do with my policy? I only have AJ9624PPC-0208, which includes Coverages, Perils Insured Against, Exclusions, and Conditions under Section I. Section II is Additional Coverage. Page 7 tells me to notify Home First Agency and the police to protect the property, which I did. Unfortunately, they were unable to arrest anyone. What else would you like to say my duties and responsibilities are or should be? 

I want to ask you about the report that reflects the loss type of "Settling." Has Home First Agency obtained a geological survey report? I know a geological survey was required for my home in California. I also know that the insurance company could not use this exclusion excuse because my home was built on a "land cut," not a "land fill." Do you understand what I am referring too? I have read the geological survey report for my home in the past. I DO KNOW THAT MY HOME IS NOT IN A MOUNTAINOUS REGION, does not sit on sandy land, is not in a flood zone, etc. My home is only seven (7) years old!  My home in California was sixty (60) years old and I NEVER experienced a loss due to SETTLING. The only condition that currently exists that MIGHT be a concern, would be the excess water drainage coming from Clements High School. That flooding skirts the property line, flows through a culvert, and goes through a drain across the street. What are you referring to when you use this terminology, SETTLING?

I want to ask you about the report that reflects the loss type of Animal Damage. Your report cited damages "Caused by birds, rodents, insects, vermin or animals." Do you truly believe that birds damaged the home's siding? Did David Tuck provide pictures of rodent, insect, vermin or animal damages to the home? Why did you inadvertently include Page 7, Section I-Exclusions, item 26 (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e)? This has to do with planning, zoning, development, surveying, siting, etc. Are you saying that the County Commission, Clayton Homes, and/or Teaven and Sons Excavation did not know what they were doing when the land was prepared and the home installed in 2014? You cited design, specifications, workmanship, repair, construction, remodeling, grading, materials, etc., caused the damages to my home?  I THINK YOUR LETTERS ARE FOR THE BIRDS and you are just throwing out parts of the policy that do not make sense OR fit the damages to my home! In my opinion, Home First Agency appears to use fear, intimidation, and confusion to shirk their responsibility. 

Finally, let us take a look at the denial letter with the loss type of Special Peril, another favorite excuse of Home First Agency. To me, this is a complete waste of my time and has exhausted my patience with Home First Agency. A loss "Due and confined to wear and tear, latent defects, marring, deterioration, inherent vice, neglect, abusive use, mechanical or electrical breakdown or failure, or manufacturer defect." ????? Do you realize that you used this policy description on the "Animal Damage" letter? This is not a gradual loss due to the ineptness of the aforementioned authorities. This is the letter where you cited AL8309EPC-0809, which is not listed on the Homeowners Plus Program booklet.

Do you know that there are complaints against Home First Agency on the RIPOFFREPORT.com website and the Better Business Bureau? I just discovered this today. I can no longer deal with your asinine letters. HOME FIRST AGENCY NEEDS TO RETHINK THEIR BUSINESS PRACTICES!!!!!!!!!!    

Sincerely, 

Denise McCafferrey