MIAMI – A Miami homeowner is suing PennyMac Loan Services LLC and three insurance companies, claiming they charge borrowers undisclosed and illegitimate costs in connection with force-placed insurance.
Gary Cooper filed a class-action lawsuit on Feb. 4 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against PennyMac Loan Services, QBE Specialty Insurance Co., QBE First Insurance Agency Inc. and Praetorian Insurance Co., alleging breach of contract, deceptive and unfair trade practices, unjust enrichment, and violations of the Truth in Lending Act.
According to the complaint, Cooper’s case is one of 19 similar cases protesting alleged unlawful insurance schemes. The suit says PennyMac required Cooper to carry insurance on his home, paying premiums many times more than the rate he paid for voluntary insurance. Cooper says PennyMac is still trying to collect an additional $30,105, despite the fact that he paid his premiums.
Cooper and other plaintiff class members seek a jury trial, compensatory and treble damages, plus attorneys’ fees. They are represented by attorneys Adam M. Moskowitz, Thomas A. Tucker Ronzetti, Rachel Sullivan and Robert J. Neary of Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton LLP in Coral Gables; Aaron S. Podhurst, Peter Prieto and Matthew Weinshall of Podhurst Orseck P.A. in Miami; and Lance A. Harke, Sarah Engel and Howard M. Bushman of Harke Clasby & Bushman LLP in Miami Shores.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida Case number 1:16-cv-20413