Contractor’s Right to Insurance Benefits of Homeowner

Does a remediation or restoration contractor have the right to sue a homeowner’s insurance company for nonpayment for construction work performed?

Yes.  In the case of United Water Restoration Group, Inc. v. State Farm Florida Insurance Company, a homeowner, Mr. Walker, experienced water damage to his home. 2015 WL 4111662 (July 8, 2015).  Mr. Walker hired United Water to repair the damage.  In connection with the construction contract, Mr. Walker executed a written assignment of ‘any and all insurance rights, benefits, and proceeds’ from his State Farm Policy to United Water.

State Farm refused to pay United Water’s bill and United Water sued State Farm for breach of the insurance contract as assignee of Mr. Walker’s rights and benefits.  State Farm moved to dismiss the case on the basis that it had inspected the home which showed that the damage was consistent with a policy exclusion  — “repeated leakage and seepage”.  The trial court granted State Farm’s motion holding that only the insured (Mr. Walker) can challenge the issue of coverage.

On appeal, the First District Court of Appeal reversed, holding that “an assignee of post-loss insurance benefits can sue for breach of such benefits.”  The assignee stands in the shoes of the assignor and is able to maintain suit in its own name as the real party in interest.  Therefore, United Water could bring suit seeking recovery under the State Farm policy.