Dickinson woman alleges insurer tricked her into buying 'useless' policies

GALVESTON - A Dickinson woman has filed a lawsuit against her insurance company, claiming it tricked her into buying what she calls "useless" policies.

Melissa Smith launched the litigation against Maxim Insurance Services Inc. in Galveston County Court at Law No. 3 on June 18.

Prior to the events of which she complains, Smith, a longtime client of the defendant, inquired about renters insurance coverage.

It was shortly afterwards when Maxim purportedly suggested to the complainant that she buy windstorm and flood insurance for the house she was renting.

A fire consumed said house as well as Smith's personal belongings totaling around $200,000 on or around May 7, 2011.

"It was not until after the fire that the plaintiff learned that she was severely underinsured and that she had been duped into purchasing useless flood and windstorm policies for a house she did not even own," the original petition says.

Consequently, the plaintiff sues for:

• Out-of-pocket expenses, including but not limited to the cost of the flood and windstorm policies; and
• Cost of replacement of all of her personal property.

She is represented by attorney Albert Lee Giddens of Pasadena.

Cause No. 70,140