Man sues insurer over claim for stolen vehicle

GALVESTON � A Galveston County man claims that his insurance company did not compensate him after he reported his vehicle stolen last year.

Estanislao Lopez's lawsuit against Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. accuses the insurer of not honoring its guarantee to provide coverage in the event the policyholder is a victim of auto theft.

The suit was filed Jan. 12 in Galveston County District Court.

Unknown persons stole Lopez's vehicle on Feb. 19, 2010. To this date, said vehicle has never been recovered, according to the original petition.

The complainant filed a report with police and then presented his claim to the defendant.

Lopez explains that he fully complied with all policy revisions and requirements as requested by Nationwide, but the defendant subsequently denied the claim.

"When the plaintiff requested further explanation, the defendant refused to cooperate or provide any explanation," the suit says.

It adds the company "further set about to harass the plaintiff, going so far as to make inquiry into (his) immigration status and to demand records and documents from the plaintiff and the plaintiff's family members who are not related to this claim."

Lopez asserts Nationwide's alleged actions and misconduct violated Texas law. He has not received full payment under the policy, the suit says.

The plaintiff seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.

Arguello, Hope & Associates, PLLC is representing Lopez, and Galveston County 212th

District Court Judge Susan Criss is presiding over the case.

Case No. 11-cv-0045