BELLEVILLE — A motorist claims her insurer denied her claim after her vehicle caught fire on the side of the road.
Jennifer A. Meisenheimer and Ronda L. Bailie filed a complaint in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Progressive Universal Insurance Company, alleging breach of contract and other claims.
According to their complaint, on July 29, 2023, the plaintiffs were driving their vehicle to inflate the left rear tire when it had to be left on the side of the road near the entrance ramp to 255. They claim that within a couple of hours, the police were called because the car was on fire. The plaintiffs allege the fire was caused by either vandalism or it overheated because of a tire explosion.
The plaintiffs allegedly filed a claim with their insurer, Progressive, and the company has "injected every way imaginable to delay payment" of the claim. The plaintiffs also allege Progressive denied their claim due to the vehicle being involved in a collision, which they had allegedly failed to report. They claim the allegation is false, and Progressive is using it as reason to avoid payment of the claim.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief of more than $50,000, plus interest and all other just relief. They are represented by Brian Wendler and Angie Zinzilieta of Wendler & Zinzilieta PC in Maryville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 24840616