Homeowner sues insurer over contractor's shabby job

A man has filed suit against his insurance company, alleging they should reimburse him for the fraud of another company that was supposed to fix damages to his home.

John Honchak Sr. claims he was insured by Country Mutual Insurance Company, doing business as Country Financial, on Aug. 18, 2008, when he sustained a "covered loss."

Although Honchak does not specify what happened, he does say Country Financial settled the loss.

So, Honchak hired a contractor to correct the damages he incurred, according to the complaint filed Aug. 17 in Madison County Circuit Court.

"The Company that came to fix the damages caused by the occurrence of August 18, 2008, was totally unqualified and defrauded John Honchak and/or his guardian out of a significant sum of money in excess of $50,000," the suit states.

Later, Honchak demanded Country Financial to adjust the loss and cover the theft. However, Country Financial has failed to do so, the complaint says.

Honchak is seeking an unspecified judgment, plus costs, expenses and attorney's fees.

He is represented by John D. Wendler of Edwardsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-861.