Rowlett Tornado Victim Displays His Anger With Insurance Company
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ROWLETT (CBS11) - A Rowlett man, who lost his home in the December tornado, is making a dispute with his insurance company public, posting large banners on the now empty property.
Michael Girouard spent $150 on three signs, reading "State Farm Neighborhood Bully," "I am being victimized by State Farm," and "Don't be State Farm's next victim."
"We've had visitor after visitor driver by and look and read and take pictures," he said.
Girouard says his initial insurance payment for tornado damage came up $35,000 short.
After contesting it, he says the company paid all but $6,000 he still believes he's owed.
"It just knocks the wind out of you because we paid premiums for 35 years to State Farm," said Girouard.
He says the disagreement turned personal, though, after he posted about his experience on a community Facebook page.
His insurance agent sent him this text message:
"I got a chance to read your silly and bogus claims on social media… Get ready for a lawsuit sir. This isn't a bluff either. The real story will be heard. Now your entire case full details and all can be shared on social media about the poor PTSD Girouards all having nervousness (sic) breakdowns. Should be entertaining unless you of course would like to publicly apologize. I'll give you till tomorrow."
When CBS11 reached out to State Farm, a spokesperson said it was the first the company was hearing of the agent's message and that it is now investigating.
In response to the claim dispute, the company released this statement:
"Due to our customer privacy policy, we are not able to discuss the specifics of any particular claim or customer's policy information. We are committed to paying what we owe promptly, efficiently, and courteously."
The agent who sent the message told CBS11 he and the company went "above and beyond" to please the family and the text message obtained by CBS11 does not tell the whole story.
Girouard says, after seven months spent trying to settle his claim, he hopes his signs get the company's attention.
"This is where our kids grew up. This is where all the memories were made. To be belittled like that. It's unethical, it's unprofessional. It's not what you expect from someone you put your trust in," he said.
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