Former NFL Player Suing AIG Over California Burglary

Former NFL player Antonio Gates and his wife, Sasha Gates, are suing their homeowners insurer, AIG Property Casualty Co., accusing them of delaying coverage and ignoring their claim for insurance policy benefits after a burglary at their California home in December 2018.

They are being represented by attorney Derek Chaiken from Merlin Law Group.

When the San Diego Chargers relocated to Los Angeles in 2018, Gates purchased a newly constructed home in Encino. The home became a target for thieves and suffered at least one break-in while Sasha Gates and her children were sleeping. In total, the Gates say they were victimized for almost $1 million of personal property, including designer clothing, shoes, bags, artwork and sports memorabilia.

After discovering the loss, Gates reportedly filed a claim for benefits under the homeowners policy issued to them by AIG. Despite having enough coverage to replace their belongings, AIG conducted what the family says was an “invasive investigation” including a day-long search of their home for items that were stolen from them. There were also reported extensive reviews of the Gates’ financial and phone records and interviews with their household employees including nannies and maintenance workers.

An AIG spokesman declined to comment.

According to the suit, AIG has refused to timely provide coverage for the losses and indemnify the Gates. The lawsuit also alleges AIG failed to timely respond and communicate the status of its investigation in violation of California’s Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations.

The suit aims to hold AIG accountable for paying the full benefits for the losses suffered by the Gates as a result of what they Gates attorneys say are bad faith tactics. The lawsuit seeks an award of contractual, general and punitive damages against AIG.

Topics Lawsuits California AIG