Vail v. Texas Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.

SPEARS, Justice.

This case presents the question of whether an insured has a cause of action against an insurer for unfair claims settlement practices under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act or the Texas Insurance Code. Petitioners Melvin and Maryanne Vail insured their home under a policy issued by respondent Texas Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. The home was destroyed by fire during the policy period, and Texas Farm refused to pay the Vails’ claim. The Vails sued Texas Farm for the full amount of the policy and for damages under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA), Tex.Bus. &…