Home Owners insurance

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:50 am Post Subject:

Erb, something I failed to mention...did this insurance company give you a list of contractors that THEY will back? meaning contractors that the insurance company will gaurantee their work? If not (and they may not do this all companies do not) please be sure whomever you hire is insured and licensed and will provide you with a written warranty for their work...also don't turn over that insurance money to the contractor until the job is finished...you probably already know these things....just adding this info for those that might read this thread for information that may not know...please do keep us updated, and anything that comes up that we can be of assistance with please do let us know.

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 12:18 pm Post Subject:

They did not give me a list, but there are a few around here that are licensed and insured and have really good reputations for backing up their work. I have one that gave me an estimate on repair that I think I will use.

I got the paperwork in the mail, it included paperwork that asks me to list anything inside the premise that was damaged in the accident, they said it was in the original paperwork, but I did not get it or I would have had it and reciepts of purchase in my return. They said that as soon as they get it back with the estimate of chimney repair that they will cut a repair check.

I won't be able to get any work done till spring anyway, except for the chimney work and that will depend on the weather if I choose repair, but if I choose replacement and kick in some money myself, I may wait till spring on it too.

I need a new furnace, not from this but the one that is here is very old, so I am thinking in the spring of just doing a whole new heating system. I am just tired of thinking about all this stuff. Once I get the insurance check I will put the money in the bank until I can get the work done.

thanks for all you help on this.

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 08:17 pm Post Subject:

Make sure that you receive a breakdown of everything that they are paying you and make sure that everything that you want paid for is on the list before you agree to any payment.

It is okay to wait till spring to repair the damage if you want to, you make that choice, I am not sure that you can get a construction company to come in and do that type of work in the middle of winter anyway can you?

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 12:29 am Post Subject:

I will, I am following all the advice that I got here and lord knows that I got some really good advice and guidance. I am going to go through the paperwork before I send it in, list everything, wait till they send me back the itemized list and then compare it and see where it all stands, then I will send in the ok for the payment.

I am so glad that I came here, I feel so much more informed and feel like I can handle this situation now. thank you all for all your help.

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 12:32 am Post Subject:

I forgot to mention, that since my income is so low, I finally did get some help with my furnace, it is like twenty years old and bangs, it is being replaced sometime this month. I could never afford this on my own, my hours were cut at work, so now I am down to 22 hours a week, can barely keep up with my winter utilities as it is. I have never gotten any help like this before, My furnace guys told me that my furnace is not safe, I did not think that they would replace the whole system, I am so greatful for this help.

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 10:54 am Post Subject:

From all of us, you're welcome Erb and so glad you came for answers and stayed to contribute! that's great! and wonderful contributor you are!

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 01:58 pm Post Subject:

thank you Lori, I have learned so much from you guys, I think that this is a good place and I want to stay involved where I can. I think this would be a real good place to refer friends who have problems. I would not hesitate to send them here for help.

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:48 am Post Subject:

Listen erb, most public utilities like gas company have programs where they will write off a portion of your gas bill in the winter (think only one bill) if you can prove your (lack of) income etc...call your gas company today! I don't go for people abusing the system either, but when you are atleast trying (working) then I'm 100% for you getting help..our daughter still gets some assistance, but the girl works 30 or 40 hours a week waiting tables to support herself and son...so i'm cool with anyone that doesn't set on their butts watching them get bigger, and collecting aid...in my opinion that is what aid was meant for people that are struggling....not those just laying around pulling in a govt check! call your gas company!

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 11:47 am Post Subject:

Thanks Lori, I will do that, I work and my husband did work on road construction for years, he had enough to recieve a pension over 30 years, he had a severe stroke 10 years ago and has not been the same since, It still is not enough to cover all the expenses and we are not extravagant people, we are very simple people. we only have one vehicle, our home is really small, for the two of us last year we did not even bring home $15,000, it is so had to go from making a living wage to this. I felt kind of embarrassed about the furnace at first and in no way feel any sense of entitlement, but I do feel thankful, I would have struggled and got another one in a year or two, but this is a great help to us, one worry tucked away.

I have always tried not to resent the people who choose not to work but it can be a mental challenge sometimes, after he had his stroke, I guess I seen him struggle with wanting to work and be part of the team again at work and loose that part of his life, he lost a big part of his life there, they all move on you know. His job was a big part of his identity, I remember how sad it was to see him after a recovery period go to the local bar when the guys had come home from work and when he could not talk about the day or the project they were on, he really became a little bitter at home. for some people work is that important.

I just wish those who chose not to work would be able to truly feel what that pain and loss feels like, if they were reading this they would think I was nuts. But I am sure that you know where I am coming from.

I will call the gas company, thank you for the tip, I have not been exposed to this before, so don't really know what all is out there. Have a great day Lori.

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 12:30 pm Post Subject:

His job was a big part of his identity,