Man whose auto insurance was canceled before accident sues title company that was working as insurance agent

GRETNA – An auto title company and one of its employees are being sued by a customer for allegedly failing to transmit payments he was making to them to his auto insurance agency, which resulted in his policy being canceled before he was involved in a hit and run accident.

Enrique Rico Almanza filed suit against Karen Rosales and Latino Auto Title LLC in the 24th Judicial District Court on May 6.

Almanza alleges that he visited Rosales and Latino Auto Title to purchase auto insurance during which time he paid $202 to Rosales, a portion of which she used to pay for an insurance policy from LIFCO. The plaintiff claims the next month he gave another $202 to Rosales, part of which was to go towards his insurance premium, however, his policy was canceled for non-payment a few days later. On Aug. 5, 2013 Almanza asserts he paid another $202 to Rosales and that almost two weeks later his truck was damaged in a hit and run accident.

The plaintiff alleges that when he made a claim to his insurer it was denied because the policy had been canceled. Almanza claims Rosales and Latino Auto Title  had an obligation to place his insurance order and to notify him if the insurance could not be obtained.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for penalties, attorney fees, legal costs and legal interest.

Almanza is represented by attorney Larue Haigler III of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Henry G. Sullivan Jr.

Case no. 738-132.