ClaimAdvocate
Ft Wayne,#2Consumer Comment
Thu, March 14, 2013
If your assessment of the loss is $40,000 at REPLACEMENT cost value, then you have a large claim. All insurers will adjust the loss down to the Actual Cash Value or depreciated amount. Once paid you can make replacement and only after replacing the items will you get paid the full value. First you need to agree upon the total loss value.
I can tell by your remarks that you have done a lot of self collateral damages by talking to much. Most insureds do not know the policy and claim protocols that trip up their claim. What you say will be used against you. You do need to file proof of your loss, the insurer cannot prove your loss for you since its your stuff and your claim. Even then, they will consider you a suspect, its the nature of any theft loss, and every insurer has to use the honor system. It appears they are making a "benefit of the doubt " payment to you based on your details of the loss inventory. Did you give them the full Replacement cost value? Did you research each item or its today market value? Do you have photos during Xmas showing some of those items in them, do you have receipts? You need to build your own claim or hire help. The burden to file proof rests with you as the policyholder, not the insurer.
There are hundreds of nuances involved in every claim and thefts are the worst. You need to hire a claim advocate or Public adjuster-someone who has worked inside the insurer as a real time adjuster (not a restoration contractor as many want-a -be- public adjusters have become) and he may charge you up to 20% to handle it for you , but will get you far more than you will ever get on your own as he will know the in-and out of claim adjusting protocols, State regulations, and codes. Its worth the money unless you hire a bad PA. Be sure he has 10-15 yrs inside working for the insurance companies.
Under your policy you may be able to invoke the Appraisal Clause if you are disputing the values of each item and the depreciation amounts. The appraisal process is spelled out in the conditions of your policy and will cost you $2-5000 by the time your done and almost always gets you a lot more money that offsets the expense. But you need to know what your doing as the insurer will rig it in their favor with bias appraisers and an umpire.
My choice is a good Public Adjuster to take it to the Appraisal Under the Policy process or let them keep $35,000 of your money.
The Claim Advocate
TheMan
Wellston,#3Author of original report
Mon, February 04, 2013
2/4/13 Still nothing .......
TheMan
Wellston,#4Author of original report
Mon, January 28, 2013
i e-mailed my info. but, was never contacted....
AssurantSP
Atlanta,#5UPDATE Employee
Thu, January 24, 2013
Hi, I work at Assurant and saw your post. We want to check and make sure you get the help you need. Please send me your contact information so we can get you to the right place for assistance. I can be reached at robert.byrd[at]assurant.com.