Couple sues Citizens Insurance | News

St. Petersburg, FL -- A Bay Area couple has filed a lawsuit against state-backed Citizens Insurance for breach of contract.

Maryellen and Jonathan Sheldon said the insurer won't pay them the full amount needed to repair their home, along 34th Avenue North.

Back in January, an electrical fire ignited in the home, where they lived for 15 years. With water, fire, and smoke damage, it needs to be gutted and repaired.

They got a check in February from Citizens, for just more than $64,000. However, the couple says the repair estimates they received were close to $100,000 or more and the state insurer won't pay the balance.

Rick Tutwiler, a public adjuster who the Sheldons hired, said he's seeing a lot of underpaid and delayed claims. He feels because there have been no hurricanes in years, companies are now picking claims apart and delaying the progress.

A spokeswoman with Citizens said they have "continued to work with" the Sheldons and have made "significant payments". She adds they "have been very responsive with the claim", "want to resolve the issues" and "would accept and review any other documents and information" the couple has.

The Sheldons and their three children have been living with Maryellen's mother since June. They are still paying their insurance premium and mortgage on their damaged house.