by Garza » Sun Jan 22, 2012 02:04 am
I understand that insurance companies only pay for what was damaged. I have an older home that was damaged in a fire. Of course they only want to pay for the wiring that was actually damaged. Noone will tie into these wires because of the age. If it had not been for the fire I would not have to replace these wires. Is there some kind of middle ground here.
Also, this home is my second home. They were not wanting to pay for loss of dwelling because I have somewhere else to stay. I pointed out to them that when I purchased the policy they knew that it was a second home. I pay for loss of dwelling in my policy. They ending up saying they would reimburse me for hotel stays. I have 2 small children. I don't want to stay in a hotel in the outskirts of town every weekend. We stay in our second home every weekend.
What are my options?
My fire was 11/25/11. They paid most of my claim 2 weeks ago. We are still having problems with them paying me for my electrical. I paid my mortgage off with the first check. But I need the electrical fixed to do anything else.
Also, this home is my second home. They were not wanting to pay for loss of dwelling because I have somewhere else to stay. I pointed out to them that when I purchased the policy they knew that it was a second home. I pay for loss of dwelling in my policy. They ending up saying they would reimburse me for hotel stays. I have 2 small children. I don't want to stay in a hotel in the outskirts of town every weekend. We stay in our second home every weekend.
What are my options?
My fire was 11/25/11. They paid most of my claim 2 weeks ago. We are still having problems with them paying me for my electrical. I paid my mortgage off with the first check. But I need the electrical fixed to do anything else.
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 03:51 pm Post Subject:
They did pay you most of your claim? I don’t really see a problem here. As far as the wiring is concerned, they will pay for the installation charges and the amount that your old wires were worth. Now as per the state building code, you might have to upgrade to a higher grade of wiring. The cost difference between the value of the old wiring and the new wiring has to come out of your pocket. This is because homeowners policies usually carry a Ordinance or Law exclusion.
As for the ‘Loss of Dwelling’ claim, they haven’t denied it. They are ready to reimburse you for your hotel stays. You cannot use your dwelling and file a loss of dwelling claim at the same time.
Is your other home in the same state?
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 02:16 pm Post Subject:
I would read your policy very carefully. As Garza mentioned the type of coverage that would be needed in order for them to bring the electrical up to date would be potentially Law and Ordinance, if this is not excluded or added back in to your policy they don't have an argument. I do highly recommend that you consult with a Licensed Public Adjuster if they have them in the state you are located in. Many fire claims that I am called out to are not being handled properly, these are very complex claims and you should at least get a second opinion to make sure it is being handled properly. If you are in Florida I would be happy to review the file for you, if you are anywhere else let me know and I will try to find someone that is reputable to look it all over for you.
As for the additional living expense, I don't feel that you would need to stay in a hotel as that is not what you have. If you have a house they should put you up in a house, if you have a 1 bedroom apartment then possibly a hotel would be a fair choice. They are only going to pay you on the ALE as you spend the money so they are not just going to pay you for you being inconvenienced and having to stay in your other house.
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