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Answers To Commonly Asked
Questions |
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Question: When will I be contacted by a
claims adjuster?
Answer: Following a major storm or catastrophe, even with many additional
adjusters on site and other en route, it will take time to process an
extraordinary number of claims. If your home has been destroyed, or the damages
make your home unlivable, tell your agent that you need priority help.
Question: Can I remove a tree from my damaged structure without prior
approval from an agent or claims adjuster?
Answer: Yes. Your policy will cover to remove the tree from a damaged
covered structure. Your policy will only pay the reasonable cost to remove the
tree off the structure and place it onto the ground. Some policies do give up to
a $500.00 aggregate allowance to remove the tree off the insured premises. We do
not pay for the removal of a tree that is leaning toward a structure and not
touching it.
Question: Can I complete temporary repairs without approval from a claims
adjuster?
Answer: Yes. Your policy actually requires that you take all necessary
steps to protect you property from further damage. You should make sure you get
detailed receipts for these temporary repairs and present them to your claims
adjuster.
Question: Will I be reimbursed for additional living expenses if my home
is unlivable?
Answer: Yes, If your dwelling is damaged by a peril covered under your
additional living expense coverage. These expenses are limited to those reasonable expenses over
and above your normal living expenses, while your home is unlivable and for a
reasonable repair time period. Loss of electricity and/or water does not qualify
your home as unlivable. The only exception would be those insured who have a
documented medical condition that requires the maintenance of electricity and/or
water.
Question: Does my homeowners policy pay for spoiled food as the result of
an electrical power interruption?
Answer: There may be a limited amount of coverage available under
homeowners and farmowners policies for spoiled food as the result of an
electrical power interruption. Please contact your agent for the
availability of this coverage.
Question: Can I discard my damaged or destroyed personal contents prior
to being inspected by a claims adjuster?
Answer: You should wait until your claims adjuster inspects your damaged
or destroyed personal contents before discarding them. You should prepare a
detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Your list
should be as complete as you can make it and should include: a description of
the item (and number, if more than one); date of purchase or approximate age;
and estimated replacement cost today. Include as much information as possible.
Question: Should I obtain a repair estimate prior to a claims adjuster
inspecting my property?
Answer: If you feel it is necessary, secure a detailed estimate for
permanent repairs from a reliable contractor and give it to the adjuster when he
or she arrives. Minor repair estimates (under $2000.00) should be copied and
forwarded to your agent. These minor repair claims may not require an on site
inspection by a claims adjuster. The estimate should contain: detailed
specifications of the proposed repairs, and detailed repair cost prices and
replacement prices. The estimate should also be accompanied with detailed
photographs of the damage.
Question: Is there a limit on the amount you will allow on certain repair
costs?
Answer: Your policy will pay for average workmanship, at a local market
repair cost average, to repair damage to your covered property, as a result of a
covered loss.
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