When a burst pipe causes water damage to your home, never let the insurance make your claim for you. After all, do you know the insurance claim process?
www.propertyclaimtips.com offers homeowner insurance claim kits that help homeowners.
Posts Tagged ‘Homeowner Insurance Claims’
Cold punishes pipes, heaters in Myrtle Beach area – Local – TheSunNews.com
Friday, January 8th, 2010Insurance Agents Must Exercise Reasonable Care…
Monday, December 1st, 2008Rick Kinney,
An insured bought an ‘Allstate’ homeowner insurance policy from his agent who advised him that he did not need flood insurance. The policy holder relied on the agent’s recommendations and did not purchase a flood policy. Well don’t you know that Hurricane Katrina came along and guess what, that’s right, the homeowner had major flood damage and filed suit against the agent because the agent offered negligent representations that the homeowner relied on and suffered damage.
Pierce v. Reynolds, Civil Action No. 1:06CV363 LTS-JMR, 2006 WL 1328899 (S.D. Miss. May 15, 2006)
The court said that an insurance agent or broker is under a duty to exercise reasonable care. Any broker, agent, adjuster, and or public adjuster that acts with gross negligence, malice or reckless disregard for the rights of the insured during the process of adjusting a property damage homeowner insurance claim loss or considering the merits of a claim, may incur individual liability for such acts.
So, independent adjusters, public adjusters, agents and brokers beware you could possibly be sued individually and held accountable for the lack of “duty to exercise reasonable care.”
Rick Kinney,
Property Claim Tips, LLC Your Advocate in Property Damage Homeowner Insurance Claims
Basement Flooding Assistance May Be Available for St. Louis September Storm Disaster Recovery
Friday, November 21st, 2008JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — For St. Louis City and County residents who suffered basement damages due to sewer backup from the severe storms, flooding and tornado during the period of Sept. 11-24, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may cover damages due to sewer back up if coverage is not duplicated by a homeowner insurance claim.
Some insurance companies offer a back up of sewer and drain endorsement or a sump pump overflow endorsement that provides coverage for this particular type of property damage. Ask your agent if they offer this endorsement that would provide additional coverage. Some companies place a limit on the amount of liability and a separate deductible.
FEMA will evaluate damages to real property items in the basement including the water heater, furnace and electrical panel box. FEMA may provide assistance for repairs or replacement for these items to owner-occupied residences only.
Finished basements are not generally considered essential living spaces by FEMA. If there is an occupied bedroom in the finished basement, FEMA will evaluate the damages to that bedroom with respect to the needs of the family. The agency may provide funds for the remaining portion of the basement to be cleaned and sanitized.
Personal property, such as washers and dryers in basements, may or may not be covered depending on the situation. Homeowners and renters who sustained damages to personal property are encouraged to apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA offers disaster loans up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace their damaged or destroyed structure. Homeowners as well as renters are eligible to borrow up to $40,000 for the repair or replacement of their personal property. Completing the SBA loan application is a crucial step in the recovery process and may determine eligibility for other types of disaster assistance including FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program. For more information contact SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
The ONA program is a grant program funded by the State and FEMA for disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs such as personal property, transportation, medical, dental, and other expenses. Financial assistance from the FEMA housing assistance program or the ONA program is provided in the form of a check or electronic funds transfer to a personal savings or checking account. Notification of award by letter will arrive separately.
FEMA assistance helps disaster victims get started in the recovery process. However, FEMA cannot return everything to its pre-disaster condition.
To register with FEMA, call the toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. The line is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through Saturdays until further notice. Online registration is available anytime at www.fema.gov.
FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Rick Kinney
Property Claim Tips, LLC Your Advocate in Property Damage Homeowner Insurance Claims
New York Warns Insurers about Some Homeowners’ Cancellations
Friday, November 21st, 2008New York Department of Insurance has this advice for insurers in the Empire State: Stop canceling homeowners’ policies simply because a house in unoccupied.
That announcement came in the form a circular letter – essentially, an advisory bulletin to insurers – reiterating that cancellation of the policies solely on the basis of non-occupancy is illegal.
The warning follows numerous complaints made to the department by consumers about cancellation notices.
The Department said it investigated cancellation by a number of insurers that – after apparently determining a residence had become unoccupied – improperly cancelled the owners’ policies on the grounds that the lack of occupancy constituted physical changes within the meaning of the policy language.
One investigation even revealed an incident where an insurer improperly cancelled the policy of a husband and wife – who were residing at the time in a nursing home.
Another improper reason for cancellation was Foreclosures.
The circular letter also reiterated that insurers may not use the existence of a foreclosure action as a basis to cancel a homeowners’ insurance policy, since filings do not constitute a willful or reckless act or omission or increase the hazard of an insured property.
Superintendent Eric Dinallo is urging consumers who believe they may have illegally been issued cancellation notices to contact the Insurance Department.
“Consumers should know that the Insurance Department will act vigorously to protect homeowners,” he said. “This includes homeowners who may be involved in forfeiture proceedings, which have increased because of the troubled economy. Insurance companies need to understand that the insurance law protects all homeowners from improper non-occupancy cancellations.”
It is our opinion here at Property Claim Tips, LLC that no matter where you live in the U.S. if you receive a cancellation notice, then contact the state insurance department and file a formal complaint against your insurance company and agent immediately.
Rick Kinney Your Advocate in Property DamageHomeowner Insurance Claims
The Homeowner Insurance Claim Game
Thursday, November 20th, 2008By Rick Kinney
If you’ve never had to file a homeowner insurance claim then consider yourself lucky, because it can become a real nightmare if you do not know or understand the claim process.
KNOWLEDGE = POWER to negotiate yourself by understanding the entire process from start to finish, keeping you in control the entire way.
How do you play the insurance claim game without knowing the rules?
Let’s just say that there’s more involved than 4 downs in order to get a new fresh set of downs moving the ball into the end zone or kicking a field goal.
While the object of most games is to win, this game starts with a loss. It doesn’t matter what the loss is; it could be a fire, theft, accidental discharge of water that escaped the plumbing system, fallen tree, windstorm, ice damming and etc… The point here is that whatever the loss is then this is the hand you’re dealt.
Each loss type has its own related hassles and protocol that surround a particular problem. This makes the game more challenging! You must first determine if your policy covers the problem that has caused the property damage.
Let’s say that your house has been inundated with a huge amount of fresh water thanks to a burst pipe in the wall. Not only do you have a loss, you have a major mess and the potential for further damage (such as mold growth if the home is not dried out within 72 hours). The clock is ticking and you do have duties and responsibilities that you must follow which are stated in SECTION – 1 CONDITIONS part of most homeowner insurance policies.
But we’re just getting started. You also have safety hazards to deal with, emergency repairs to make, insurance paperwork to file, water damage professionals to hire, and temporary lodging to find if necessary and the home is not habitable.
Now, your opponent takes a turn. Who’s the other player in this game? Your insurance company and, yes, they are playing against you, make no mistake about it. After all it is your money and property we are speaking about. You could potentially have tens of thousands of dollars at risk. Over worked, under paid adjusters could possibly forget one item that could be a huge amount of money. This isn’t Monopoly money we’re talking about. This is real U.S. Dollars.
You’ve paid your premiums and you are entitled to a fair insurance settlement, so you think. However, the insurance company is a business that must minimize losses in order to be profitable. This includes minimizing YOUR loss.
Insurance companies have contracts with “preferred” vendors who have agreed to pre-determined rates in order to earn their business. One of the first moves any insurance company makes is to steer you to their preferred vendors.
The insurance company’s can control the pricing this way and pay what they want if the contractor desires the amount of work they can send his way. So, most vendors actually wind up working for wages instead of making a profit for the quantity of work they get.
This leads into problems like poor workmanship, quick fix repairs, hurry up and get done so they can move on to the next job. After all, if they are not getting paid prevailing rates such as contractors that do not have the opportunity to get hundreds if not thousands of jobs every year given to them, then how do they make their money? HURRY UP and move on to the next job.
While using the insurance company’s recommended contractor may be fine if you don’t have a preference and are unsure of whom to call for repairs, you are under no obligation to follow their recommendation. Most states allow “customer choice,” meaning you can pick your own contractor for repairs as long as their prices are reasonable.
Example: if you choose a contractor that wants $17,000.00 to paint your living room ceiling then this doesn’t mean that the insurance company has to pay this amount. On the other hand, say your insurance company only wants to pay $150.00 to paint the ceiling and this is not a realistic, then you do not have to accept the offer. YOU DO HAVE OPTIONS www.propertyclaimtips.com
Your insurance company is on the offense and will send an adjuster to your home to estimate the damage. This adjuster is friendly and like able. However, he is a company representative that needs to minimize losses. He may overlook those warped baseboards or suggest a coat of paint rather than complete drywall removal. In addition, he won’t necessarily prompt you to list all damaged personal belongings.
Because your opponent is on the offense, you must put up a strong defense. Start by having either your contractor or a public insurance adjuster (an insurance adjuster that represents you) present when the adjuster arrives.
By having a professional on your side, less obvious damage won’t get overlooked or underestimated. In addition, have a complete inventory on hand documenting ALL damaged items, big and small. This ensures that nothing is overlooked.
The game continues with your opponent throwing mountains of paperwork your way, claim denials, low-ball settlement offers, unnecessary delays, and other tricks from their play book. If you play your downs right, you’ll work out a fair settlement offer, hire a reputable contractor for repairs, replace your damaged items, and restore your home to its previous condition.
If you must play the insurance claim game, remember that your insurance company has a huge home field advantage because the company plays day in and day out. You only play it a few times in your lifetime – if you’re lucky.
In order to win the claim game KNOWLEDGE = POWER and an understanding on how to play by the rules and steps that have been laid out just for you in an easy to follow (9) step process designed just for you. Check out our claim kits and spread the news by telling your family, friends and co-workers that there is finally a web site that is here to help the consumer through the homeowner insurance claim game. We are the referee making sure the playing field is on equal terms for all.
Rick Kinney,
Property Claim Tips, LLC Your Advocate in Property Damage Homeowner Insurance Claims
FEMA Decisions Can Be Appealed
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008LONG BEACH, Miss. — Applicants for disaster aid who receive a denial letter declaring them ineligible for disaster assistance can follow a process to appeal decisions, according to officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
“The recovery process doesn’t necessarily end with a denial letter,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Michael L. Parker. “Sometimes a denial simply means that more information is needed before the analysis can be completed.”
By law, FEMA cannot duplicate financial assistance that is paid by insurance agencies or other organizations. Therefore, an applicant who has filed an insurance claim, but has not yet settled that claim, may receive an ineligibility letter. Once the applicant’s insurance claim is settled, FEMA should be notified of that amount so a registration can continue to be processed.
“The disaster recovery process can be complicated,” said MEMA Director Mike Womack. “Often when residents receive this denial letter, they believe this is a final determination; but that’s not true. I hope that anybody who receives a denial letter follows up with a recovery specialist, whether in person at a Disaster Recovery Center or by calling FEMA’s toll free phone line.”
Residents located in the five disaster-declared counties – Adams, Hancock, Harrison, Washington and Wilkinson – who have suffered damage from Hurricane Gustav during the Aug. 28 to Sept. 8, 2008 period should register for assistance whether they have settled an insurance claim or not. The general rule is to call your insurance agent, get a claim number and then call FEMA’s toll-free registration line, 1-800-621 FEMA (3362). Hearing- or speech-impaired individuals should call 1-800-462-7585.
Other issues may arise that may cause an applicant to be eligible for more assistance. For instance, if a registrant was given money to repair a furnace and a contractor said it was beyond repair and must be replaced, FEMA should be contacted with the actual cost of replacement. Also, when a contractor begins an estimate for repairs and additional damages come to light, that information should be supplied to FEMA as well.
Applicants denied assistance have 60 days from the date of their determination letter to appeal the decision. All appeals must be submitted in writing.
In their appeal letters, registrants should explain why they think the decision about the amount or type of assistance they received is not correct. They should be as specific as possible in describing any issues they think were not addressed in the inspection process.
Appeal letters should include the applicant’s FEMA disaster registration number and the federal disaster declaration number. It is important to have the appeal letter postmarked within 60 days of the date on the decision letter. The appeal letter should be addressed to:
FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
Letters also can be faxed to 1-800-827-8112 with a cover sheet addressed as follows: Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program. For more information about a FEMA appeal, call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.
FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Rick Kinney Your Advocate in Homeowner Insurance Claims
Farm and Ranch Equipment Breakdown Coverage…do you have it?
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008Rick Kinney
Property Claim Tips, LLC
Some insurance companies offer farm and ranch equipment breakdown coverage. Farm risks have changed through the years because of the use of sophisticated computers and technology that analyzes soil and weather to high-tech sensors that monitor the size and quality of crops — and such non-traditional farm equipment has never been more valuable to agricultural operation or more vulnerable.
Most standard Farm & Rancher insurance policies don’t cover equipment breakdown and must deny this type of insurance claim, so to address this issue, see if your insurance agent offers equipment breakdown insurance that protects against short circuits and power surges to mechanical breakdown, motor burnout and boiler damage under one policy. Don’t wait do it now!!!
“Equipment has become more sophisticated, harder to repair, and more expensive to replace.”
This is why you should ask your insurance agency about this type of coverage for a direct property loss of spoiled products and materials, lost farm income, and extra expenses to limit loss and speed recovery.”
Equipment breakdown insurance offers protection from a broad range of exposures, including mechanical equipment, electrical distribution systems, heating and cooling systems, electronic systems and communication equipment, and boiler and pressure vessels.
The insurance covers the physical and financial damage associated with breakdowns, including:
-Direct property loss – covers the cost to repair or replace the damaged equipment;
-Business income – replaces income lost due to a total or partial business interruption following equipment breakdown;
-Service interruption – income coverage for interruptions due to loss of electricity and other services caused by equipment breakdown;
-Extra expenses – pays the extra costs to sustain normal operations, such as jobbing work out or renting equipment; and
-Expediting expenses – covers other expenses incurred to limit the loss of business restoration.
This coverage is available to a range of agricultural operations including crop farms and livestock ranches, orchards, vineyards, and affluent hobby farms.
Rick Kinney Your Advocate in Homeowner Insurance Claims