PINEVILLE—A Wyoming County couple is suing a Chevrolet dealership and an insurance firm, alleging breach of contract in two vehicle insurance purchases for which the couple says they are entitled to benefits.
Calvin D. Lafferty and Joyce A. Lafferty of Ravencliff filed a lawsuit July 21 in Wyoming Circuit Court against Financial American Life Insurance Company, formerly known as Cardif Life Insurance Company, and Ramey Chevrolet Inc, alleging breach of contract in their 2010 vehicle purchase insurance riders.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 13, 2010, the Laffertys bought a new 2010 Dodge Ram pickup truck from Ramey in North Tazewell, Va., financing the purchase through General Motors Acceptance Corporation (now Ally Bank). The couple also purchased a used 2007 Dodge Ram pickup from Ramey on Nov. 16, 2010, the suit says.
In both transactions, the couple also purchased credit life and credit disability insurance through an insurance firm at defendant Ramey’s suggestion, according to the lawsuit.
According to the lawsuit, Calvin Lafferty was determined to be disabled by the Social Security Administration as of Aug. 17, 2013, and has since been unable to work due to poor health. He alleges after making a claim on said insurance policy, Financial American refused to pay benefits.
Consequently, the plaintiffs argue, the couple’s monthly payment on both vehicles have become burdensome. They say they owe $8,550 on the first loan and $6,750 on the second loan.
The Laffertys seek compensation in the amount of $20,100, plus interest on the first vehicle, $15,000 for the second vehicle, interest, damages for annoyance, aggravation and inconvenience, and loss of use of the insurance proceeds, plus attorney fees and costs. They are represented by attorneys Kevin Burgess, Christopher Frost, Steven R. Broadwater Jr., and Jed Nolan of Hamilton, Burgess, Young & Pollard in Fayetteville and Princeton. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Warren Randolph McGraw.
Wyoming Circuit Court case number 15-C-140.