Man sues insurer for failing to cover damages to aircraft

GALVESTON - Claiming his insurer lied to him about covering any damages to his plane, Benson Scott Wyly has filed a lawsuit. 

Recent court papers filed April 24 in Galveston County District Court show Essex Insurance Co. notified Wyly that a Glasair aircraft he ordered from Bristol, Tenn., was insured only to refuse coverage for the plane after it sustained damage in transit to League City.

Wyly sought the defendant's services on July 17, 2012.

The suit says the plaintiff requested the aircraft be fully covered against all possible losses, specifically "from the time the aircraft was loaded to the time the aircraft was unloaded."

He then paid a premium of $1,311.38.

Sometime during the delivery process, according to the original petition, the plane "was severely damaged through no fault of Mr. Wyly."

Wyly asserts the damages to the plane exceed $100,000.

A claim was subsequently filed, but Coastal Claims Services Inc., on the respondent's behalf, turned it down on Aug. 23, 2012, the suit says.

A jury trial is requested.

Attorney Keith Gross of League City is representing the complainant, and Galveston County 10th District Court Judge Kerry L. Neves is presiding over the case.

Case No. 13-CV-583