Need help with large renter's claim

[tiptonic]

I am helping an elderly friend with his insurance claim and I think we might need some expert advise. My friend had a very valueable library that was damaged as a result of a flood caused by a broken pipe. He has a very large policy and wants to make sure he gets a fair deal from the insurance company. I am helping him put together a report of all the damaged property but I have no experience dealing with insurance claims. I'm sure there is an experienced person out there somewhere that would be willing to help us with this claim for a reasonable fee. My question is who, what and where. What type of expert would be the best for this type of job? Who is the best expert in this field?
I would like to get some decent legal advise before we file a claim I'm just not sure where to start. I realize that there a tons of attorneys out there but we are looking for the best. The flood occured in Colorado and the insured has recently moved to Nevada. Any ideas or advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time...

 

[Banned_Princess]

I am helping an elderly friend with his insurance claim and I think we might need some expert advise. My friend had a very valueable library that was damaged as a result of a flood caused by a broken pipe. He has a very large policy and wants to make sure he gets a fair deal from the insurance company. I am helping him put together a report of all the damaged property but I have no experience dealing with insurance claims. I'm sure there is an experienced person out there somewhere that would be willing to help us with this claim for a reasonable fee. My question is who, what and where. What type of expert would be the best for this type of job? Who is the best expert in this field?
I would like to get some decent legal advise before we file a claim I'm just not sure where to start. I realize that there a tons of attorneys out there but we are looking for the best. The flood occured in Colorado and the insured has recently moved to Nevada. Any ideas or advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time...

How long ago was the loss!!! ??????


What happened to the damaged property!! ???

 

[ecmst12]

You don't need a lawyer to file an insurance claim. The adjuster should tell you what kind of documentation they require. It should be a fairly straightforward process.

 

[Banned_Princess]

You don't need a lawyer to file an insurance claim. The adjuster should tell you what kind of documentation they require. It should be a fairly straightforward process.

I agree, extremely straightforward process.

as long as it just happened and the damaged property hasn't been disposed of.


The OP might need a specialist to value the books, but other then that, I suggest the insured make the call to the insurance company .. like tonight.

 

[moburkes]

But if the books are truly "valuable" your nieghbor HAD to have purchased specific "valuable" property coverage for the books, or he will just get regular coverage for them. That's the issue...

 

[ecmst12]

Of course if he didn't have appropriate coverage, no lawyer in the world is going to be able to help him.

 

[Banned_Princess]

Well the poster said he

"He has a very large policy and wants to make sure he gets a fair deal from the insurance company"

He might have that very large policy, but neglected to cover the library with a floater, thats a non issue, since he is o u t of luck.


We really need more info, and I bet we dont get it.

Cheers all.

 

[tiptonic]

Re

How long ago was the loss!!! ??????

the flood happened in early december about a week before he was scheduled to move out of state

What happened to the damaged property!! ???

the property was meticulously recorded and photographed then discarded per the insurance agents instruction.

But if the books are truly "valuable" your nieghbor HAD to have purchased specific "valuable" property coverage for the books, or he will just get regular coverage for them. That's the issue...

he says that he increased his coverage to 1.5 mill to cover the books last time he moved. I have a copy of the insurance policy but not sure what some of it means. This is one of the main reasons I thought about seeking advise.

We really need more info, and I bet we dont get it.

what info would you like? and what did I do to you?

Thanks for the help!

 

[moburkes]

Increasing Coverage C means NOTHING if he didn't schedule each item or requested higher limits on specific items. Document the coverages (for example C, D, E, F) listed on the dec page.

 

[Banned_Princess]

the flood happened in early december about a week before he was scheduled to move out of state

and you called the insurance company for the claim right away? come to look at the property, the cause of damage and whatnot?

the property was meticulously recorded and photographed then discarded per the insurance agents instruction.

Very good then, was the collection ever appraised?

he says that he increased his coverage to 1.5 mill to cover the books last time he moved.

When you say "cover the books" do you mean the books are listed as specifically insured valuables? or is is just his "personal property" insured amount 1.5m.

I have a copy of the insurance policy but not sure what some of it means. This is one of the main reasons I thought about seeking advise.

Good, please pay close attention to the paragraphs explaining the definition of what is covered on line [1 Renters policy or 2 homeowners policy] the personal property coverage.

Does it in any vague terms say that certain valuables need to be listed and separately covered or does it say everything is covered under the title? Does he have anything else separately covered, like jewelry?

what info would you like? and what did I do to you?

Please see above. Additionally, what is the insurance company saying, that you feel like you need a lawyer? are they denying it? how much were the books worth? what kind of evidence do you have of it?

 

[tiptonic]

and you called the insurance company for the claim right away? come to look at the property, the cause of damage and whatnot?

The insurance company was contacted the day of the flood. The agent did not come look at the damage, he just told us to photograph and document everything.

Very good then, was the collection ever appraised?

The collection is being appraised by a certified book appraiser as we speak. It was a large list so it's taking a while.

When you say "cover the books" do you mean the books are listed as specifically insured valuables? or is is just his "personal property" insured amount 1.5m.

Coverage C - personal property with replacement cost 1.5m. There is no specific property listed but the insured TOLD his agent he was increasing his coverage specifically for the books.

Does it in any vague terms say that certain valuables need to be listed and separately covered or does it say everything is covered under the title?

It reads: Your policy will pay for loss or damage to your house, your furniture, and other personal belongings when caused by the losses shown in the attached chart. Only limited coverage is provided for jewelry, silverware, furs, business property and other valuables.

Does he have anything else separately covered, like jewelry?

apparently not

Additionally, what is the insurance company saying, that you feel like you need a lawyer? are they denying it? how much were the books worth? what kind of evidence do you have of it?

They denied a claim from a previous loss and are not being very helpfull with this process. The books, magazines, periodicals, etc. are probably going to be over $100k. Evidence is the certified appraiser's report.

In addition to the value of the library and other lost property, there were many expenses incurred to sort, seperate, salvage, catalogue, appraise and document the losses. Should these costs be covered? What about loss of use of residence? The residence was unfit for use for atleast a month before the insured finally moved out. Then there were 2 months left on his lease which was mutually cancelled by the tenant and owner. The tenant felt forced to move from the residence due to it's condition. I know it's a long shot but he wants to ask for coverage on the move as well. Any thoughts?

 

[ecmst12]

He should have gotten the collection appraised BEFORE the flood and had a rider on the policy specifically to cover them.

 

[tiptonic]

After researching a bit I think I need a good public adjuster to help us present this claim.

 

[Zigner]

One question: How does the appraiser plan to certify that the collection was in a better condition prior to the flood?

 

[moburkes]

I don't think ANY adjuster is going to help. The insured should have scheduled the books, and it doesn't appear that he did.

What was the last claim denied for?