Woman sues insurance company for allegedly refusing to pay for damages caused to stolen vehicle

A woman alleges her insurance company refuses to reimburse her for damages caused to her vehicle after a driver stole it and proceeded to crash it.

Kelneshia S. Nelson filed a lawsuit Jan. 22 in Madison County Circuit Court against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company.

According to the complaint, Nelson's vehicle was stolen May 26, 2014, and the thief then caused a collision with her vehicle at the intersection of state Route 161 and Dutch Hollow Road in Belleville.

At the time of the incident, Nelson had an insurance policy with State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, the suit states, and she made a claim against the policy for damages incurred but the company refuses to reimburse her.

"The defendant's actions in denying what the plaintiff is entitled to is vexatious and unreasonable and not based upon any facts relevant to the applicability of any defenses the defendant may claim under the terms of said insurance policy," the complaint says.

Nelson seeks a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs and attorney fees. Attorney John L. Bitzer, of Bitzer Law Firm in Collinsville, will represent Nelson.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 15-L-83.