NBCLA gets results with an insurance claim

A Southern California man said he received full reimbursement from his car insurance company after seeking help from NBC Los Angeles’ consumer investigative team, following a dispute over repair costs tied to flood damage.

James Hornik said his 2016 Dodge Challenger was severely damaged during flash flooding that hit the Antelope Valley on Christmas Day last year. While attempting to drive through a flooded area near his home, Hornik said his car took in water after hitting a pothole.

“Our creek at the bottom of the street was flooded, and I just happened to hit a pothole crossing the creek,” Hornik said. “And it snorkeled water into the engine, and the engine was waterlogged.”

The car remained in floodwaters for two days before it was pulled out by his landlord using a tractor. Hornik said his insurance company, Geico, initially wanted to declare the vehicle a total loss. He instead pushed for repairs, including an engine replacement.

Hornik said repair estimates, including electrical damage, totaled about $8,000, but Geico offered roughly $4,000 — an amount he said was not enough to cover the work. The dispute left his car sitting in a repair shop for about a month.

At the time, Hornik said he was also dealing with serious health issues, which made it difficult to continue negotiating with the insurer.

“It really took away from my focus on getting treatment at UCLA by not having my car for so long,” he said.

Hornik eventually contacted NBCLA’s consumer investigative unit for assistance. After a producer reached out to Geico’s corporate office, Hornik said he quickly heard back from the company.

“Within an hour or two … I received a call from Geico corporate, and we were able to bring up the amount that they were going to pay,” he said.

Geico ultimately increased the payout by about $4,000, covering the engine replacement and additional repairs. The company also agreed to address a separate, older claim involving cosmetic damage to the vehicle, including missing pinstripes and a logo.

Hornik said thanks to NBCLA, he got his car back on the road.

Geico said in a statement that it was pleased the matter had been resolved but did not respond to questions about why additional intervention was needed to reach a final payment.

If you need help with a consumer problem reach out to NBCLA here.