by dputnam33 » Tue Apr 24, 2012 06:53 pm
About a week ago my carpet started being damp. Not soaked just like high humidity damp. I started looking at causes and had a carpet restoration place come out. It seemed to lead to the bathtub so I had plumber come out. He thinks there's something going on under the bathtub or in the lining and needs to pull the bathtub to know. So I called my insurance and they are saying well too bad maintenance is your problem. How am I supposed to know if it is under the bathtub, there's no water in the bathroom? Nothing til the carpets started showing damp about last weekend. What do I do now? I have enough money to cover my deductible, but THAT'S ALL. My carpets are damp and they are saying to get them dried but if I spend my money that way and they won't pay..then I have no money to fix the plumbing. If I fix the plumbing the carpets are ruined. Please tell me what to do
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 04:15 am Post Subject:
If nothing else you need to know what is causing the issue. Certainly you finding out what the problem is is on you. From that point your carrier can determine if its a covered loss. Most likely they are not going to provide coverage for a leaking pipe or getting at the pipe (yes, that is maintenance) . They would probably also deny coverage for the damp carpeting as it's not sudden and accidental.
Let me ask you this.. how much to dry the carpets? How much is your deductible? Problem solved?
then I have no money to fix the plumbing. If I fix the plumbing the carpets are ruined. Please tell me what to do
Make more money... buy less house. Owning a home is not cheap and you need to factor in regular maintenance and issues that you are going to have. Do you have a credit card?
Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 12:16 pm Post Subject:
The correct answer to your situation starts with first knowing the policy. It is not accurate to state that it is not covered without first knowing the facts and in many cases there is coverage for this type of loss. Is this a home or a condo and on your policy if it is a home do you see HO-3 stated on the declarations page? If so, this is referred to by many as an "All-Risk" policy. That does not mean everything is covered, it means that you are covered for your loss unless it is listed as an exclusion. From the little bit of information you provided I would argue that you already did your part by contacting the insurance company reporting your wet carpeting and now it is on them to determine if it is a covered loss or not, you are not required to investigate and do there job for them. If not a covered loss they need to show you why and this is not always that easy for them to do and in many cases this can be disputed.
The other answer stating maintenance is true as the actual plumbing repair is ultimately your responsibility even if it is a covered loss, however if it is a covered loss you may very well be compensated for access to the plumbing repair and putting back any property that was damaged during access to it's pre-loss condition. I have assisted many homeowners with leaks under the slab of their home and out of a $2500 plumbing bill the insurance company pays all but the actual pipe repair which is minor, usually around $150 or so. You may want to speak with a Public Adjuster if they are licensed in your state as they will know all of the ins and outs of your policy and upon inspecting the loss should be able to explain to you the best course of action moving forward.
If you don't know anyone in your area that can help just let me know where you are and I will find you a reputable PA to assist you.
Good luck!
Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 12:17 pm Post Subject:
The correct answer to your situation starts with first knowing the policy. It is not accurate to state that it is not covered without first knowing the facts and in many cases there is coverage for this type of loss. Is this a home or a condo and on your policy if it is a home do you see HO-3 stated on the declarations page? If so, this is referred to by many as an "All-Risk" policy. That does not mean everything is covered, it means that you are covered for your loss unless it is listed as an exclusion. From the little bit of information you provided I would argue that you already did your part by contacting the insurance company reporting your wet carpeting and now it is on them to determine if it is a covered loss or not, you are not required to investigate and do there job for them. If not a covered loss they need to show you why and this is not always that easy for them to do and in many cases this can be disputed.
The other answer stating maintenance is true as the actual plumbing repair is ultimately your responsibility even if it is a covered loss, however if it is a covered loss you may very well be compensated for access to the plumbing repair and putting back any property that was damaged during access to it's pre-loss condition. I have assisted many homeowners with leaks under the slab of their home and out of a $2500 plumbing bill the insurance company pays all but the actual pipe repair which is minor, usually around $150 or so. You may want to speak with a Public Adjuster if they are licensed in your state as they will know all of the ins and outs of your policy and upon inspecting the loss should be able to explain to you the best course of action moving forward.
If you don't know anyone in your area that can help just let me know where you are and I will find you a reputable PA to assist you.
Good luck!
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:21 am Post Subject:
Over the years, our company has developed several industry specific programs for fire and water restoration contractors to meet the needs of your insured.Over the years, our company has developed several industry specific programs for fire and water restoration contractors to meet the needs of your insured. Find out more info here [Link removed as per TOU- Admin]
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:24 am Post Subject:
Over the years, our company has developed several industry specific programs for fire and water restoration contractors [Link deleted as per TOU - Admin] to meet the needs of your insured.
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