Insurance Claim Help

59 Responses to “Policy Forms”

1. August 17th, 2008 at 4:18 am #Alex

   Your blog is interesting!

   Keep up the good work!

2. August 17th, 2008 at 5:44 pm #admin

   Glad you like it. Please refer anyone you know with an insurance claim question.

3. March 8th, 2009 at 7:58 pm #Robert

   None of these policy copies are on th Uclaim website.

4. March 10th, 2009 at 6:42 pm #admin

   Hello Robert,

   They are on the Products page at UClaim.com. I just did a test download. It’s possible they were temporarily unavailable during recent server maintenance there.

5. April 13th, 2009 at 8:08 am #Gary

   Great site–valuable information.

   When were the ISO Homeowner policy forms most recently updated? The most recent ones I’ve found were 2000. Is that right?

6. April 13th, 2009 at 12:34 pm #admin

   Hello Gary,

   Thanks for the nice comments.

   It’s an ongoing process for each form. The latest editions I have seen are 2002 on some dwelling and commercial policies. And there are later “ISO” custom made forms for some insurers.

7. May 9th, 2009 at 7:12 am #Ingrid

   Would you have a copy of the ISO HO3 or know if there is anywhere that it can be downloaded from the web?

8. May 12th, 2009 at 3:46 pm #admin

   Hello Ingrid,

   There are 5 editions of the ISO HO3 listed above from 1988 to 2000 (latest HO3). They are available for download at http://www.uclaim.com/products.asp .

9. June 11th, 2009 at 5:33 am #Cinde

   I have been in Insurance for 30 yrs and I have been an adjuster/Claims processer, Underwriter and Agent and the bottom line is…they will tell you anything to not cover a claim…The biggest one is “the damage is not bad and under your deductible”…I just had my first claim after being a homeowner for 30 yrs. The first adjuster came when I was out of town and he said my roof did not have much damage and under my $500 ded (surprise)…well I then had him come back out and he admitted it was bad storm damage and for me to get 2 estimates. A week later w/estimates in hand…I called him but he was no longer w/the company and my claim was closed…”how sneaky”…Got new adjuster and my claim now is up to him paying $5200…is that not a big difference…but I still am not accepting that…its a low ball estimate because my 3 estimates were range $5800 to $6600 so where did he get $5200 less my $500 ded he plans on giving me check for $4700. My two friends accepted their adjuster saying under $500 and they are sick now…Please NEVER accept the adjuster’s estimate if you feel you have a true claim…If you have wear and tear and not a direct physical loss from storm like me…thats a different story…wear & tear is not and should not be a covered claim.

10. June 12th, 2009 at 12:21 am #admin

    Hello Cinde,

    Thanks for your bold comments and please give your comments on any posted questions on this website. And please consider making ratings in the “Consumer’s Ratings” page of this website to help do what government and the media fail to do. You can always give your name as “Anonymous” if you are not comfortable identifying yourself there.

11. June 17th, 2009 at 8:53 pm #anonymus

    Could you please give me your input, I had a claim for flood insurance, we had a bad storm and did bad damage to a rental property, the claim adjuster did a good job, was very professional and sent all the documentation to my ins. co. right away, now my insurance company, all they say when I ask them for an update, when I am going to get the funds, they say: “each claim is different, we got the final report, it is being reviewed, we don’t have a specific date to give you an answer when you will hear from us”, the tenants had to move out, it got 5 to 6 inches of water inside, it’s being two months, I had to pay the mortgage May and June out of my pocket because the tenants had to leave, this affected my bills, I am behind, overdrafted, you name it,
    Do you know if the insurance company has to pay me for these 2 months of rent that these tenants could not pay because they had to leave?
    I will call my ins. co. tomorrow to ask them, but still I would appreciate your comments.

12. June 20th, 2009 at 1:35 am #admin

    Anonymous,

    Questions like this should be posted on the Home Insurance Claims page.

    Most rental policies cover loss of rents if your claim is covered. It pays for the time to do the repairs as well as the time it takes to reach an agreed cost on the repairs. So if your insurer wants to delay their investigation and drag their feet, then they owe you for that time (as long as they don’t deny the underlying flood claim). Read your policy or get a copy at UClaim.com.

    If your insurer is dragging its feet, you need to start building your own file. Your word against the adjusters word will be of no help 6 months later when you discover that some adjusters tell lies and mislead. You should consider the eBook entitled “LANDLORD RENTAL PROPERTY INSURANCE CLAIM ADVICE AND HELP, HOW TO PLAY THE GAME – DELUXE VERSION” at UClaim.com. Read it’s table of contents.

13. August 13th, 2009 at 7:35 pm #admin

    Check out the new Discussion Forum on our website!

14. October 13th, 2009 at 11:28 am #NFIP adjuster

    As far as FLOOD INSURANCE goes, the adjuster does not have control over the process. He is provided as a courtesy – read the policy. Actually, it is not even a typical policy – it is written into the US code 42. All flood insurance goes back to the federal goverment and there is no coverage for such things as loss of use, even for commercial properties. In fact, with a rental property, you will get Actual Cash Value, not replacement cost. It is the way the feds wrote the policy. There is no additional living expenses, no loss of use, no replacement cost for commercial properties, second homes, or rental properties.

    It is a “bar bones” “policy”, but it is the only one available, and they are all the same. Additionally, the feds give the crrier/insurance company/WYO 60 days from the day they receive the Proof of Loss/Final Report to send the check.

15. October 13th, 2009 at 1:33 pm #admin

    NFIP,

    Yes, we are so spoiled today, living off the fruits of the labor of “The Great Generation”. But its coming home, as our roads, bridges and infrastructure crumble around us. We may all soon have those bare bones policies if our government and economy can’t get back to the basics and stop trying to save the rest of the world and every freeloader and corporate swindler here at home.

16. October 13th, 2009 at 7:18 pm #John

    uclaim charges about $10 for each policy document. I have 9 policy documents listed in the Declarations Page = $90. That is really shady of them to charge for docs they’ve pilfered from others.

17. October 15th, 2009 at 10:46 am #admin

    John,

    It’s MISLEADING the way you explain it, and that’s why UClaim has a disclaimer for customers purchasing those policies. Most policyholders have ONE policy per Declatations page and “endorsements” added to that.

    UClaim does charge $9.95 for the main policy booklets, and they charge 3.95 extra if the buyer wants the endorsements, and that is for ALL of the endorsements UClaim has available for that policy, not “each”. The typical buyer purchases one policy form copy, without endorsements. Why? Because something is better than nothing, and most buyers are “penny wise, pound foolish” when it comes to insurance claims (that’s why this free website is so popular).

    If you have a Declarations page with 10 policy forms (not endorsements) we would very much like to see that. You can email a copy to info@insuranceclaimhelp.org and Cc to info@ulaim.com.

    As to whether its is a ripoff, most visitors know full well that they can’t even get a copy of “their own policy” from “their own insurer” after a loss, at least not when they need it. They may get it weeks or months after a loss, too late to help the policy holder.

    And John, “pilfering” is not a wise choice of words. Sorry if I sound harsh, but UClaim.com is a gift to the insurance claim consumer by a semi retired public adjuster, Ron Cercone. And as the saying goes “you are looking at a gift horse in the mouth”.

18. October 23rd, 2009 at 9:35 am #PR

    I have only had my Geico insurance and truck for a few months before it was broken into on the street. I had a touch screen Navigation unit in the truck. The agent told me he could only compensate $400. I am not sure if it was aftermarket or not. He told me that if it was aftermarket the policy does not cover it, that you have to pay more for that coverage. I didn’t know that was an option as it didnt ask when i signed up online. What options do i have here?

19. October 23rd, 2009 at 10:42 pm #Dennis Bran

    My dads house just burned down and the adjuster is trying to settle quickly. The maximum limit on the building is $343,580.00 and they are willing to settle at 335,000.00. However, there are endorsements and riders I am not familiar with such as OPT. OL, Debris Removal, Opt ID.
    I am going to look for the policy however it may have been destroed in the fire. Have the Dec. Page and requested full docs but not expecting quick response.
    Suggestions?

20. October 24th, 2009 at 7:04 pm #admin

    Hello Dennis,

    Three suggestions:

    1. Get the UClaim.com eBook Homeowners Loss Deluxe (half price with money back guarantee). Look at the table of contents online free to get an idea of what you don’t know.

    2. Get the policy copy and endorsements at UClaim.com, now. The longer you go without information, the harder it is to get “unscrewed”.

    3. Consider hiring a good public adjuster either now or later. Read the UClaim.com advice on how to hire a good public adjuster to work on a percentage on the recovery amount for “over” what you got on your own.

    Good luck to you

21. October 24th, 2009 at 7:38 pm #admin

    Hello PR,

    Most auto policies don’t cover aftermarket items. But they should cover “factory” options. Is the insurer obligated to point this out when you buy your policy? Not in America.

    You could argue in small claims court that the agent or company was negligent in not pointing this out, and hope that the judge agrees with you?

    Yes, there ought to be a notification of this when you buy your policy, but that might “kill the sale.” This is one of those “buyer beware” things in our unregulated economy that allows big businesses to screw the little guy.

    Next time around, fax your agent or company a letter with a complete description of your vehicle and advise that you want it fully covered. If they ignore it and if you later have a claim, they won’t be able to deny it.

22. October 25th, 2009 at 5:27 am #Cinde

    This post is to Dennis Bran regarding house burning down. First you are doing right by trying to get the policy forms to see what is covered and what is excluded. See if your father had a “Homeowner” policy or a “Fire policy”. Homeowner could have the Replacement Cost and a Fire policy is usually ACV (actual cash value, less depreciation) which is what it looks like the adjuster is doing. You possibly could have loss of use which is 20% of your Cov A amount which could pay for expenses while you or father could not be in house while repairing fire damage or loss or rents if its a fire policy. The policy makes all the difference. Also, remember you could have separate contents coverage. Be sure to look at type of policy, then coverage and forms for exclusions. Let us know what you find out. Also the State makes a difference as coverage could be different in another state. Good Luck!

23. December 9th, 2009 at 6:26 pm #A claims adjuster

    your statements are misleading and untrue. You failed to note on your self-advertising link that all insurance companies are regulated by each Department of Insurance. In CA if a homeowner requests his/her policy the insurer is required by law to send a copy no later than 15 days from the request.
    Why would anybody pay to get something that is completely free and comes directly from their insurance company? You do not have all the forms listed by the company I work for and I found some of them to be outdated.

    Companies like yours should be put out of business as they are ill advised and full of misleading and untrue information.

    Sincerely,

    A reputable claims adjuster that actually works for a large insurance company.

24. December 10th, 2009 at 4:52 am #admin

    Dear “A Claims Adjuster”,

    This response is to help educate the visitors to this website, not to un-brainwash Mr. “A Claims Adjuster”.

    1. Mr. “A Claims Adjuster” is a good example of many ignorant, uninformed, brainwashed and downright prejudiced personnel handling claims for many insurers today. And sadly, this is 99% of the pool of talent (and attitude) that all US states departments of insurance have to hire from.

    2. So let me first respond by saying I believe it is “you”, who has made the “misleading and untrue statements”.

    2. Yes, in California, insurers are required by law to respond to “communications” within 15 days. That’s great, but guess what, insurers openly and grossly break this law as well as many other laws. I have never seen a press release from the California DOI boasting punishment for this flagrant practice.

    3. And if there is a statute in the California Insurance Code or Code of Regulations or Fair Claims Practices Regulations that SPECIFICALLY refers to providing a copy of the policy upon request, then please educate us and tell us what it is, instead of making drama.

    4. As a public adjuster who has handled hundreds of claims on behalf of homeowners against many insurers, I can tell you that in fact, most insurers take between 6 weeks and 3 months to provide a full copy of the policy after a loss. And that is with a request from a legally authorized representative. The same request from a policy holder after a loss usually is ignored, or results in nothing more than a copy of the Declarations page from the agent.

    5. Yes, some companies will provide a copy of the policy “completely free” as you say. But come on now, is it really “free” if the policy holder has already paid $1,000.00 in premiums??? Do you have the audacity to expect UClaim.com to provide a “free” service while your precious insurance companies gouge consumers, raking in billions of dollars with record breaking profits in the last 10 years??? Do you work for free?

    And let me ask you this Mr. “A Claims Adjuster”, have you ever asked an insurance company for a copy of their policy BEFORE you purchased their policy, so you could “compare” policies? It won’t happen 9 times out of 10.

    6. Of course UClaim.com does not have every policy form from every company. Do you know how many insurance companies are licensed to sell insurance just in the State of California? Why don’t you find out and report back for us (I’ll give you a hint, it’s in the tens of thousands).
    7. Of course UClaim.com provides older editions of policies. Do you have any idea how many agents and companies prefer to sell the older editions for one reason or another? The policies at UClaim.com are identified specifically by form number, so there is no intent to mislead. And let’s face it, for a homeowner who just got burned out of his home and who can’t get a policy from his agent or adjuster, any policy edition is better than no policy at all.

    Just because you work for one company that does things their own way does not mean all companies are like the one you work for. If UClaim.com does not have the latest edition of policies from your particular insurance company, then why not have your company post them on it’s website … FOR FREE … ??? Why? Because you see my friend, maybe it is you who is the bad guy wearing the black hat, who is working for the bad guys. Think about that when you look in the mirror.

    If your company does post its policies, please let us know what that company is, so we can sing their praises!

    Anyone else want to put their two cents worth in here?

25. December 12th, 2009 at 9:13 pm #gee

    am i abligated to turn in my phone records? even though theres police reports idicating that theres no way i was involved.

26. December 16th, 2009 at 7:21 pm #admin

    Gee,

    If the adjuster is asking you for your phone records, I would only provide them during an EUO (Examination Under Oath), and, only if they were reasonably relevant to the claim.

27. January 19th, 2010 at 4:48 pm #admin

    Please, Visitors who monitor this website via RSS feeds or other ways. Because of the burden of more visitors with questions, your answers are needed. Questions will be posted, but Admin response may now either be delayed, or even not given. Here is your chance to give back. Your involvement in the Discussion Forum of this website is also desired. Thanks.

28. February 19th, 2010 at 5:31 am #Free

    http://www.insuranceclaimhelp.org/free-policy-copies

    I’m looking for the “free-policy-copies.” Where would I find that?

29. February 19th, 2010 at 9:20 am #Philip

    Wow. I came here looking to find and read a potential clients dwelling policy from Allstate, but did not realize that there would be a charge to download it. As an independent agent with access to dozens of markets, I will not write through a company that does not supply a copy of the policy form.

    Reading some of these comments blows my mind. I write insurance in Texas, and thoroughly review each clients policy to ensure my apprehension of their coverages (and the ability to explain to the client). I can’t imagine another insurance agent not providing a copy of their clients policy at the very request.

    I not only retain a copy of the clients policy, but routinely provide them for clients and assist in the filing of claims (first notice of loss, explaining the importance of calculating the total cost of the loss minus the deductible and the effect on their future rates).

    I had no idea that my associates and I were the exception and not the rule. My only advice to people is to purchase your home, auto, and commercial insurance from someone who is knowledgeable and trustworthy. Often times they will find you the best rates and the best coverage at the same time!

    philip@chrislaneinsurance.com

30. February 21st, 2010 at 2:52 am #admin

    “Mr. Free”,

    It’s a url, not a page title or advertisement, smart boy.

    It’s the original URL address for the page when the website was created and the policy copies were originally free. Unfortunately the source, UClaim.com, started charging because adjusters (like you) were downloading everything, tying up the UClaim server, and giving back nothing, not even one policy form.

    So here’s a suggestion Mr. Free, why not take a look at the policy form list at UClaim.com, pick out the policy you want, and offer UClaim one from your own company that you don’t see on the list? A straight across trade.

    And Mr. Free, since you are a computer genius, maybe you can tell us how to change that URL name in WordPress. When we change the Permalink using the WordPress Manage Pages control panel editor, the Policy Forms page fails to load. Any of you WordPress experts want to help here?

    As of 3-4-10, UClaim.com began a new free policy offer (based on this discussion), details of which you will find on their product page. We have still been unable to solve the url problem with this WordPress page.

31. February 21st, 2010 at 3:39 am #admin

    Dear Phillip,

    You sound like one of the good agents out there, but can you REALLY name one or several of the insurers who have their policies available for download to the public?

    And I’m not talking about AFTER you buy the policy. I’m talking about BEFORE you buy the policy.

    If you can, I’m sure the email link you posted will get you some new business, even mine!

    This would not only help people with claims, but more important, help them to attempt to compare policies before making the purchase .

    I myself purchased Farmers Insurance Group auto, motorcycle and boat policies a year ago at the same time in California. It took them SIX weeks to mail me my policy booklets, and the agent who was a great guy, could not get them any sooner. I had to fax a couple of letters to the Farmers home office CEO to get them mailed. And yes, I have since found another insurer

32. March 9th, 2010 at 9:03 am #David

    On the TDP-1 is there a 10% extention of out buildings and fences

33. March 13th, 2010 at 5:09 pm #admin

    David,

    If the TDP-1 stands for the Texas DP-1, I don’t know. But there is a 10% of structure limits, but does not increase policy limits in the non Texas DP-1: ISO Dwelling Property Insurance Basic Form DP-1 12-02.

    However the DP-1 offered by Safeco in Texas does have a 10% extension that “DOES” increase the policy limits by 10%. A copy at UClaim.com is available: Safeco Texas Dwelling Insurance Policy DP1-1.

    It’s amazing what a difference ONE WORD can make in a policy. All the more reason to compare policies when shopping! And actually, all the more reason to have national uniformly worded policies! And this will probably never happen in our corporate controlled government, not in our lifetime!

34. March 28th, 2010 at 2:30 am #EDWARD R REMOVCHIK

    i just wanted to know something about a recent claim we submitted. i have a check for $6784.14. i want to have access to claim info. how do i get going.

35. March 28th, 2010 at 2:35 am #EDWARD R REMOVCHIK

    how do i access my claim info. claim #-38-P861-280.DATE-02-06-2010.POLICY #-38-GA-2116-7.REMOVCHIK/JULIANE.118 DYERS STONE DR,84,PA,15330. 724-864-7746.PLEASE CALL.

36. March 28th, 2010 at 8:54 pm #admin

    Edward,

    What do you think about contacting your adjuster, or someone from your insurance company? Have you done that and they are not responding?

37. March 31st, 2010 at 11:11 am #Bob

    I bought a place 1 1/2 years ago. I now find there is extensive mold in the attic (underside of roof plywood) due to moisture build-up, due to poor ventilation. I am being told I need to replace the roof completely. Home insurance policy says it covers water damage but not mold. Is this my only approach?

38. April 4th, 2010 at 9:53 pm #admin

    Bob,

    Unless you can show the mold was from a “sudden and accidental” loss, it does not look like you will get coverage. And even if you do find a way, most policies now days have a small mold policy limit, for example $5,000.00. See if your policy has a clause that covers “hidden damage”.

39. April 5th, 2010 at 7:45 am #Carmine

    What is the limit of coverage I can get with the HO 04 77 04 91 Ordinance or Law endorsement. I also have the HO 00 03 04 91 policy.

40. April 7th, 2010 at 6:35 pm #admin

    Carmine,

    Doesn’t the endorsement tell you?

41. May 11th, 2010 at 6:32 pm #Gabriel Ellis

    After the Typhoon Katrina incident, we always make sure that our home is always insured that is why we always get premium home insurance. ~,:

42. July 26th, 2010 at 6:54 am #Lynn

    Good Morning!
    My home suffered a major fire in December ’09. Our Homeowners Insurance is RCV on Dwelling and Content and we also have ALE. We purchased the UClaim.com eBook Homeowners Loss Deluxe and it has been a huge help – I don’t no what I would have done without it. We have collected the policy limits on the contents coverage and I fully credit UClaim for that along with some sweat and many tears on my part. My husband and I want to rebuild our home. My insurance adjuster has sent us a repair estimate for our dwelling along with a check for about 80% of the policy limit. The adjuster has determined that the four walls and slab should stay. The house was built (CBS) in 1959 and since over 50% of the home was destroyed we will have to bring it up to code (South Florida). We have received 3 estimates from 3 different contractors to make the ‘repairs’ according to the estimate. All 3 estimates are higher than the 80% payout by the insurance. We would like to realize the fully policy limits on the dwelling. Our plan is to send the 3 estimates to the insurance adjuster but I am a little stuck on what my letter should say and how to word it.
    Thank you for any advice you may be able to offer.
    Sincerely Lynn.
    PS We have not hired a public adjuster.

43. August 1st, 2010 at 12:52 am #admin

    Lynn,
    Just keep it simple and non demanding. Write “Attached are 3 estimates for your consideration from contractors of our choosing.”

    You should copy paste some of your UClaim comments to the UClaim.com Feedback page.

44. August 25th, 2010 at 10:31 pm #Mark

    As an insurance agent, independent adjuster and roofing salesman who has spent thousands of dollars for my insurance knowledge and experience my question to you is why give these people FREE help? I know it is a nice thing to do but after looking at some of the excellent material that you have studied and pay a lot of money for it is unfair to yourself to help these people for free. But if it makes you happy then keep on doing it. Though I might have an AIC designation I gotta admit IRMI and Rough Notes have got the best books.

45. August 25th, 2010 at 10:53 pm #Mark

    To Admin:

    FYI

    Re: All the Expert IAs and Contractors who Really do NOT know Very Much

    I took the Program In General Insurance back in 2006. Regarding ISO policies; Loss of Use According to the IIA was increased to 30% of Cov A.

    Furthermore, every single insurance policy is different. Just because in the State Farm form 7955 (covers food in a refrigerator as personal property for the same causes of loss in a Special Form policy as well as covering food for an Off Premises Power Failure does NOT mean every insurance company will do so!] But these contractors run around telling their roof salesman during a hurricane that they can get an extra $500 for food spoilage. Which is another one of those stupid facts that an ARROGANT IDIOT will spout off.

    Policy Form 7955 is what __Claim Service sells to its prospective IAs who want to get State Farm certified to handle HO 3 claims.

    Anyway… I am planning to become a Certified Paralegal so that I can work for a Plaintiff’s Attorney when I do not feel like chasing hail storms some place in the USA as a roofing salesman.

46. August 26th, 2010 at 12:00 am #admin

    Mark,
    Your passion and comments are appreciated, but try not to get too upset about the “free” advice given by the generous contributors here. It’s not like the contributors are handling entire claims “pro bono” like some lawyers do.

    On a different note, do you, or any reader here, have any idea as to why the “Rate Your Adjuster” page in this blog has not taken off, considering most visitors are already “unhappy campers”?

47. September 15th, 2010 at 1:43 pm #Ria

    I filed an accident claim for hurting my knee. I submitted a claim for longer than I thought I was going to be off work. Can I amend my claim by changing the date I returned to work so I cannot be overpaid?

48. October 17th, 2010 at 7:20 pm #Annie

    I am trying to determine if my homeowners policy will cover water damage caused from water coming in under my garage door??? I was told by an acquaintance that it would and am getting ready to contact my insurance agent, yet I am concerned I won’t know how to really know what is or isn’t covered on my policy. I have had water seep into my garage for a while and put in a new garage door and it is still seeping. Now I am noticing the framing in the garage walls looks to be rotting…. Where should I look in my policy to see if I have coverage?

    Thanks ahead of time for your help!

49. March 8th, 2011 at 3:23 pm #cinde

    I just saw that post about “free” advice and there is nothing wrong with helping another human being. As I said before, I have been in Insurance for 30 yrs… I think an Insurance policy was written so the average person would never understand it…The way an Insurance policy is written will never change, but…maybe someone can be decent and help others understand it better. I enjoy reading the information here and hope it continues.

50. March 8th, 2011 at 3:24 pm #cinde

    Just saw the post from Annie and you need to turn the claim in and let us know what the adjuster says. Good Luck!

51. March 10th, 2011 at 4:23 pm #ThereGoesOurWedding

    Hello:
    We’ve used the same agent for 13 years, all claim free, to insure both our cars and home, an umbrella policy, etc. Just days ago I went to bed, but woke up in the middle of the night and found our first floor room’s ceiling dripping water from large bulges in it.

    Like many I’ve read about here, we do not have our policy book- and we just renewed in January, so I don’t understand why we haven’t received it yet. Of course now that I really need it, and fast, I am getting the runaround and the damage is est. to be around $30,000!!! I am being told water damage is only covered if it is a pipe bursting-but that is all they are saying. No adjuster has contacted me, and I am hoping that they don’t until I can arm myself with the knowledge I need, because I’ve heard about their practices. State Farm urged me to use their remediation service, but they were yelped very negatively, and so I chose my own independent. Problem is I still cannot obtain a copy of my policy, and don’t know what they have amended etc. I don’t know the cause yet, but the upstairs bathroom is directly above the room damaged. I was told it would only be covered if it was a sudden loss of water from a pressurized source like a pipe bursting- but get this- if your pipe is corroded and bursts its not covered!!! How the heck could we ever detect these things, and if its a leak or break in a seal its not covered, but how exactly are people supposed to detect these types of things in order to prevent them from happening on a constant basis when there is no way to physically inspect the area?! The ceiling of the first floor room can’t be torn opened to check every other day- and who would do that and be qualified to identify these types of things anyway besides plumbers, who I don’t have over every day to inspect every inch of the inside of my home that is only 10 years old, and who cannot prevent a sudden release of water from a seal that suddenly fails or pipe that is corroded on the inside concealing it until it suddenly fails…..this is not only unreasonable, but another way honest people are being taken advantage of by large organizations in unregulated industries. Everything is ruined in the room below that upstairs bathroom, and I believed we had a homeowners policy to protect us for exactly this type of sudden, un-forseen event-but I’m being told not this and that! Please let me know how I may best approach handling this devastating nightmare, because that adjust will be coming to deny my claim soon, and I cannot get my policy nor do I know exactly what the cause it yet. Do I hire an investigator to make their own assessment? I just don’t know what to do and we saved for 8 years to get married and budgeted 15K for that, but if we are denied coverage….there goes the wedding and probably our house.

52. March 11th, 2011 at 12:08 pm #admin

    Tthere Goes”,

    You would actually be better off using the insurer’s water damage restorator for the initial remediation,because if your claim is denied under the policy, but the insurer and or restorater screwed up (and they usually do), you could make a “third party claim” against both of them. There is a whole detailed discussion on this in the eBook “Homeowners Loss Advice”at http://www.uclaim.com. And it has a money back guarantee and free consultation with the author.

    And for your $30,000 at stake, wouldn’t it make sense to spend $10.00 to buy a policy copy at UClaim.com? Keep us posted.

53. May 2nd, 2011 at 1:10 am #FRANK LAVENDER

    explain what state farm homeowners insurance coverage FP-7955 is

54. June 30th, 2011 at 8:36 am #Keith

    Wow, you’re very wrong with a lot of your statements. I am an agent and I have never and will never hide a client’s policy from them because I am afraid that their loss will effect my commissions because a loss does not effect them what so ever.
    I will go over anything in the policy my client has a question about. The policy is sent to them so they can read it and have it for themselves and it is available for download as well from the company website.
    Also I do not simply suggest a coverage without an explanation. Unfortunately there are a lot of agent that do and they do so with the sale in mind. If anyone on this site is interested, insurance is the transfer of risk. You pay a small amount to offset a large payment for say being liable in an auto accident.
    Most people don’t understand this and they want to get the state minimum coverages because they’re thinking that they only need to be insured to drive. Then they’re in an accident and they still have to pay a huge amount. I make it a point to steer my clients away from those situations. That is why you pay for insurance. But someone can easily say my intent for suggesting the higher limits is to get bigger commissions. The amounts you pay for the higher limits compared to the amount of coverage are staggering. You can easily pay only $10 to $20 extra a month for $150k to $250k extra coverage. The agent will only make $1 to $2 dollars more. What I want to see for my clients is that, if they do experience a loss, that they are really covered for that loss.
    Having a good agent can mean you recovering from a loss as opposed to having to pay for a liability claim for the rest of your life.
    In business insurance a good agent can mean that yo0u can still have your business after a loss instead of having to pay a huge amount extra because you were under insured thereby making you go bankrupt.
    The company makes a contract and as an agent I make sure my clients understand that there is a contract and that they need to know so they can benefit. I am sure there are agents out there who are misleading. A leaking roof won’t be covered because insurance doesn’t cover wear and tear. But of you have a windstorm blow off your roof it will be covered because that is a sudden and unexpected accident. That is why as a client you need to read your policy and if the agent is dragging their feet with helping you either get the policy or understand it, drop them right away and look for one that actually cares.
    Another problem is you do have agents that simply want commissions so they write risks that the company doesn’t want so the agent hides things to get it through. A good agent won’t do that. If they write good business they will get good business. I will not write a risk that doesn’t meet the underwriting guidelines. I will help a client get their home or business where it needs to be so it can be written, but I won’t write them until it’s done. If I do it will only hurt the client anyways because they’ll believe that they’re covered when they are not.
    But that “stiff resistance” your talking about is wrong. Sorry man but saying a comment like that means you know what every agent is like and that is not true.
    I agree that the client needs to be informed, but your misleading people as well. I’ve seen an insurer pay out claims that were clearly fraudulent but because there wasn’t enough physical evidence, they couldn’t contest it.
    There are laws in place to protect consumers and every state has some Department of Insurance who they can contact in the event of a questionable situation. That department will go after any agent that lies to their clients, etc.

55. June 30th, 2011 at 12:40 pm #admin

    Keith,
    If all agents and insurers were like you, there would be no need for this website. Thats a compliment. But you have never worked as a public adjuster and you are totally out of touch with how “MOST” insurers handle claims and delay and avoid providing a policy copy after a loss. So Keith, can you name a few, if any, companies that post their policy booklets online?

    A few insurers may have copies online ONLY for existing policy holders. But if you want to compare coverages from different insurers, you are out of luck. Not even the individual states Departments of Insurance make the policies available online, even though they have them on file. Does that give you a clue as to who provides campaign money to our elected legislators and insurance committee members? Your “Good Neighbor” insurance company.

    So Keith, give us the name of just one company that posts policy copies online for the public to see.

56. October 16th, 2011 at 7:34 pm #Wayne

    I have damage to my ceilings due to roof leak. The adjuster states that under Special Provisions endorsement FP 23 10 09, they will be paying their own contractor (no check to me) to come out and repair the damage. I am also to pay the contractor $1,000 for my deductable. If I refuse access to the contractor, my claim will be denied. Have you ever heard of this? My policy specifically states that “payment will be made to me”. This is with Peninsula.

57. October 23rd, 2011 at 3:23 am #Vickie Pritchett

    I am seeking an HO 00 08 05 01. Would someone happen to have a copy for me?

    Thanks.

    Vickie

58. February 2nd, 2012 at 10:40 am #Rochelle

    Can an insurance company tell an auto body shop where they MUST get their parts from? We choose to order locally. It makes no sense to order a part from Florida when we are in Idaho.

59. February 2nd, 2012 at 7:58 pm #Jason

    Rochelle,
    Absolutely not. We live in a completely fee market system and that goes completely what our market system is bout.

Comment

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail