📧 to USAA Claims Dept
To the USAA Claims Department...
I received your October 30, 2026 Claims Coverage Decision denying this claim under the settling and earth-movement exclusions. I also spoke by phone today with Bryan Stewart, whose extension is 23804. I am not accepting the denial as final, and I am asking for the following so I can evaluate it and submit a response. Please add this email to the claim file.
1. Claim file and inspection materials
- The complete inspection or adjuster report, and the report of any vendor, contractor, or engineer who inspected the property.
- All photographs taken or reviewed in connection with the claim, including those of the patio roof, support posts and beams, downspouts, and drainage.
- The name of each vendor who inspected the property, the date of each inspection, and the vendor's qualifications to assess foundation or structural conditions.
- All notes, recordings, and communications in the claim file, including the file notes of today's call and any notes added at my request.
2. Basis for the decision
- Who determined that "the foundation support has settled," what evidence supports that finding, and whether any engineer or geotechnical professional was consulted.
- Documentation of the manager review Mr. Stewart described, including the reviewer's name and the date of review.
- Which specific facts led USAA to conclude that the damage to the downspouts and patio roof structure was caused by settling or earth movement rather than another cause.
3. Complete policy documents
- A complete, certified copy of the policy in effect on the date of loss, including every form and endorsement listed on the renewal declarations (QR9(02), HO-9R(02), CVLU, HO-ACPOR, HO-HS, HO-OR, HO-WDSM, HOSLS9OR, HO-208OR).
- Specifically, pages 15 through 17 of the policy form cited in your letter, including the full text of the "Losses We Do Not Cover" provisions, Section 3 and any exceptions referenced in the quoted language, and the complete Suit Against Us provision as modified by the Oregon endorsements.
4. Use of artificial intelligence
- Whether any AI, automated, or algorithmic tool was used in evaluating, triaging, or deciding this claim, and if so, which tool and at which stages.
- Whether a human reviewed any output from such a tool, and who.
- Any guidelines or criteria applied to the decision, to the extent USAA can share them.
5. Correction to the loss description
Please confirm how the loss is described in the file. During today's call, the loss was described to me as occurring at the back patio. Please tell me what description was recorded, and note that my claim concerns the damage to the structure and drainage components, including the downspouts, as documented in my photographs.
6. Preservation of records
Please preserve all records related to this claim, including photographs, inspection and vendor reports, call recordings, emails, and file notes.
I plan to obtain an independent evaluation from a qualified professional and submit it with a written request for reconsideration. Please send the materials above within 30 days, or tell me in writing when I can expect them and the reason for any delay. If any item is being withheld, please state which item and the specific policy provision or legal authority relied on.
Please reply in writing to this email address, or tell me which channel you prefer for secure delivery of the documents.
