by normsan3287 » Wed Jun 18, 2008 01:33 am
My home had a pipe burst under the house. Today is the second day and they still can't find leak. The plumbers claimed to use all kinds of equipment to find it, however, 2 holes in the kitchen slab, one in my daughters room and the other in my sons and also the garage and still can't find leak.The insurance claims they don't pay for repairs just replacements.No adjuster from insurance yet.My question is: Does the insurance have a responsibility to us to provide temporary accomodations because I have 4 kids and no running water and no kitchen.At what point do I consider a public adjuster?
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 11:03 am Post Subject:
The insurance claims they don't pay for repairs just replacements.
huh? Who told you this?Does the insurance have a responsibility to us to provide temporary accomodations because I have 4 kids and no running water and no kitchen
Most (all I've seen), home owners policys have ALE (additional living expenses) coverage...this provides money for ''additional' (very important word in this coverage) expenses over your regular monthly home owning expenses...like a hotel, eating out etc....it must be a covered loss of course...You need to call your adjuster and keep calling them until someone gets to your house...
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 11:36 am Post Subject:
I think the OP means that the insurance only covers resulting water damage, not to locate and repair the pipe itself. It's very possible that water in the slab is not going to cause any additional damages and if so, nothing would be covered.
If I remember correctly, ALE are extended when the home is not livable but it needs to be from a covered loss. In this case, it appears the reason why the home is not livable is not from a covered loss.
I'm reading this at 5:34MST so it's 7:34EST on the 18th. So if they started yesterday they have really only been working 1 day to locate the leak. My guess is that they will probably locate it and have it repaired today.
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 12:02 pm Post Subject:
If I remember correctly, ALE are extended when the home is not livable but it needs to be from a covered loss.
That's how I'm remembering it as well..In this case, it appears the reason why the home is not livable is not from a covered loss.
maybe...but doesn't she say a pipe 'burst' under the house? Might be some coverage...What it boils down to OP is 'if' the loss is a covered loss, and your house is uninhabitable, then yes, there is coverage for ALE, if the loss is not covered, or if the house is inhabitable, then ALE would not apply.Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 05:44 pm Post Subject:
Today is the third day the plumbers are here trying to find the leak.
The insurance company is telling me the replacement of anything damaged is covered but the repairs to the broken pipe or anything done involved in fixing the pipe is not covered.
As far as ALE - insurance says if the house is not uninhabitable they wont cover. Doesn't having no running water for 3 days make it uninhabitable.
Still no adjuster.
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 07:59 pm Post Subject:
Posted: 18 Jun 2008 01:33
[quote]Posted: 18 Jun 2008 17:44Today is the second day and they still can't find leak.
Today is the third day the plumbers are here trying to find the leak.[quote]
Days appear to be very short where you live.
You state "no adjuster" but it seems like the adjuster has informed you of what is covered and what is not and that repairs are still ongoing. What else should the adjuster be doing?
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 11:00 pm Post Subject:
As far as ALE - insurance says if the house is not uninhabitable they wont cover. Doesn't having no running water for 3 days make it uninhabitable.
Yes, and Yes again to both questions..Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 01:35 pm Post Subject:
What a frustrating experience for you!
If I understand correctly the burst pipe is not in your house but somewhere underground? If this is covered in your home policy then the Additional LIving Expenses should apply as well.
Have you tried calling the person who sold you this policy? If you bought online or through a toll free number that will be impossible. But if you bought from a local broker or agent they would likely be able to make a call or two for you.
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 02:02 pm Post Subject:
If I understand correctly the burst pipe is not in your house but somewhere underground?
The pipe is in the slab of the home. So, yes, it is inside the home. Some homes are built on cement "slabs".Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 12:02 am Post Subject:
today is 6-19 and the pipe is fixed. Tcope, the plumbers where called on Monday and began work. Monday, Tuesday, Wednsday, Thursday, I am taking the liberty of rounding thursday up to a full day even though they left at 2pm - 4days.
Turns out the leak was in the wall, not the slab. The plumbers say this was the toughest leak they ever had. As the pass the bill for 1800.00.
I havent spoken to an adjuster, just the lady that answers the phone. She did put me in touch with a claims representative who says they are not sending and adjuster, but we can chose to accept one of their authorized contractors or chose 2 from a list of other contractors they provide to get estimates. But I can only chose one option.
This is from a big insurance company with the initials SF.
I don't know if I should call my own contractor or get a public adjuster.
Today we also received a letter from the insurance saying they are terminating our policy on Oct 1st (end of hurricane seaon) because we are to close to the gulf. This is the original policy on this home from 1985. Now we get to be put into the state pool. Thanx SF
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:38 am Post Subject:
I havent spoken to an adjuster, just the lady that answers the phone. She did put me in touch with a claims representative who says they are not sending and adjuster, but we can chose to accept one of their authorized contractors or chose 2 from a list of other contractors they provide to get estimates. But I can only chose one option.
You have already repaired the damage right? Prior to talking with an adjuster and getting this information? Oh man, this is gonna be a problem I think...Did you tell the claims rep that it is ALREADY fixed?Add your comment