Homeowners fighting insurance company over explosion damage | khou.com

Nov 01, 2024

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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — We have obtained a new video showing the exact moment a MUD tank exploded in July, sending water rushing into two nearby homes.

Now, one family is suing their insurance company as their claims continue to be denied.

On Thursday night, KHOU 11 News learned Kevin Jennings and his family are now suing both Progressive and Homesite Insurance Company.

When we first met Jennings a few weeks ago, he was hopeful they would work with him on the damages. Now, he said despite sending them several pieces of evidence to show it is an explosion that damaged their home, nothing has changed.

At the same time, a much-needed renovation is underway at the Steiner's northwest Houston home.

“I know it’s ugly but it’s so exciting,” Janet Steiner said.

Steiner called the renovations an exciting step forward in a three-month-long nightmare.

In late July, a Municipal Utility District storage tank right behind their home exploded. We’ve obtained a new video showing the moment water rushed into two homes, including the Steiner's home.

“You said it’s hard because as happy as you are you’re also devastated about [your neighbors],” Reporter Amanda Henderson said. “It just breaks my heart,” Steiner said.

Janet is talking about the reality her next-door neighbors the Jennings are facing.

While both families have similar damage from the explosion, Steiner’s insurance company is working with them to start repairs.

The Jennings are still in limbo.

“I just want to go back to some type of normalcy,” Jennings said.

Kevin Jennings said he believes his home has taken on $160,000 to $170,000 in damages.

“I still don’t have a sink, cabinet spaces, pots and pans or anything like that,” Jennings said.

He said he’s sent information to his insurance company, Progressive, and an adjuster from his subsidiary company, Homesite Insurance. Among the documents included a letter from the legal team representing the MUD District said an explosion ruptured the tank. Jennings said he’s also sent a video and an affidavit stating an explosion occurred.

“They sent out a reservation of rights letter after being denied three times. I’m no real estate person but it kind of means they’re still thinking about it and they’re reserving the right to determine if we’re going to pay it or not going to pay it,” Jennings said.

Kevin showed his insurance policy to us. Several times it states damages from explosions should be covered.

“For them to not take responsibility and for them to keep dragging this on to leave my family out like this is totally, totally wrong,” Jennings said.

He said now, he and his family are waiting to let the legal process play out.

“It’s been hell every day staying here. There’s no excuse for them to continue to treat me and my family like this,” Jennings said.

We did reach out to both the insurance company and the adjuster for comment and to get an explanation for why his claim continues to be denied but have yet to hear back.

In the meantime, the MUD tank has been taken down.