Dorsey couple claims Allstate underpaid fire loss

Allstate Insurance did not pay a Dorsey couple more than $100,000 owed for damages caused to their home after it caught on fire, according to a recently filed lawsuit.

Timothy and Cynthia Long filed a lawsuit July 16 in Madison County Circuit Court against the insurance company.

The Longs claim they owned an insurance policy through Allstate that should have covered their home at 4833 Loop in Dorsey when a fire destroyed their residence on July 21, 2009.

By Oct. 31, the Longs provided Allstate with sufficient evidence of the proof of the loss to their dwelling, which equalled $162,780, according to the complaint. The couple later amended their complaint to increase the amount of their loss to $164,700, the suit states.

In addition, the Longs lost three television sets in the fire worth $4,300, the complaint says.

On Sept. 29, Allstate issued the Longs' mortgage company a check for $63,530.24.

"That due to the great disparity between Defendant's tender and Plaintiffs' estimated cost to repair, Plaintiff's did not negotiate Defendant's check in the amount of $63,530.24," the suit states.

In addition to the money they say Allstate owes them for their claim, the Longs seek pre- and post-judgment interest at the maximum rate allowed by law, costs and statutory penalties of at least $60,000, attorney's fees of $68,880 and other relief the court deems just.

Susan F. Grammer of East Alton will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-747.