Fellow Hurricane survivors....

[2 Dogs]

It's been said that I have a strong loyalty to my personal friends and have a tendency to get pretty cranky when they are mistreated.

That said, a good deal of my fellow sixgunners here in S. Texas and now Florida have just been run over by these freight trains called Harvey and Irma.

Some of us got really lucky and only suffered some power outage and relatively minor damages. Others lost everything. That last just injures my soul in a way I cannot describe.

Now, I can't say my experience with the big insurance company adjuster was the same for everyone, but it didn't sit well with me. And my wife was just mad as HELL. Make that furious. (Note to self: Don't marry the dominant female in the pack you idiot!)

Pretty much my adjuster denied my claim as not enough damage to make my deductible. He gave me a really nifty red folder complete with a number to call to dispute his findings. Sorry, I wasn't buying that day. So the whole point of this post is to make sure that my fellow sixgunners know that that big company adjuster is NOT the last word. There are independent contractors who have all the same accreditation and use the same formulae to assess the damage to your property. My independent contractor guy showed up and showed me all sorts of things that were damaged that were not plain to see. He hasn't charged me a dime. He simply asks that if he does counter the big company's low ball evaluation with an evaluation that actually shows more damage than meets the eye and in fact a return is forthcoming that we consider hiring his firm to do any repairs.

As an example, he led me to the corner of my home and poked the soffit with his finger which was clearly holding water. You could see it move like it was soft like a piece of bread. He explained to me how driving rain could enter my ceiling and cause damage that while not immediately visible would clearly cause problems (rot) later. He showed me enough examples of injury to my home that I felt I might should share this information with my friends, brothers and fellow sixgunners on this forum. Now, this guy might not be in your neck of the woods. But if you care to PM me, I will give you his information. Perhaps, he can point you toward another company in your own area that might prevent your being treated unfairly.

It is hard enough to heal from this sort of injury as it is without the insurance company you have trusted for so long to make you whole after such a terrible event to just brush you off so easily.

[jsh]

Fermin, I didn't have what you folks did, but we still had some tough storms this year.
However I am still dealing with the insurance people. I have had exactly one claim in 25+ years. This one is the second and will be the last with this company, it's time to move on.
I have spoke to enough folks on this subject that it seems you get no more from a company with lower premiums than one with higher premiums. Seems like all want to low ball as well.

[cmh]

[alukban]

May you fairly prevail with a cool head and maintain your dignity

[contender]

Fermin,,, I feel your pain as well. I often get this helpless feeling when I can't help someone because of things totally uncontrollable. But insurance companies,,, and their adjusters,, well,,,, I know you are tough enough to lock horns & do the right battle.
You are correct in knowing that the adjuster is not the final word.
I once had a woman fall asleep at the wheel, sideswipe me, and then left the scene. She was caught, and her insurance company tried all kinds of things to reduce THEIR expenses.
I disputed a claim check, because at the bottom of the check,, were the words; "full & final payment." They had to re-send me a check, just for the repair shop bill. Then the adjuster,,, tried to say he could not give me much in "diminished value" as he was "only authorized so much. I had the figures & facts to back up a much higher amount. Told him I'd see him in court. I filed charges upon his client. They told her to not even come to court. The insurance adjuster was there,,, the judge didn't allow him to even speak, (he wasn't the defendant,) and gave me every penny I requested. When we went to the clerks office, for the adjuster to give them the check, THAT WAS ALREADY PRINTED OUT, the amount was off by $2.31. He was short by that amount. He had the gall to ask; You'll let that go won't you? To which I replied; "Hell no,,, you adjusters are blood suckers who cancel or deny so much that I'll not budge an inch. I expect full payment,, and if you want to see how far I will go, we'll see you tomorrow here,, with the additional daily interest, allowed by law." The adjuster dug out cash out of his own pocket to make up the $2.31 difference.

Stand strong,,, be willing to fight them,,, as their job is to deny, reduce, and do everything they can to avoid paying out any money.

[bradshaw]

"There are independent contractors who have all the same accreditation...” “... damage... not immediately visible...”
----2 Dogs

*****

Fermin.... insurance agent/adjuster wants to get in & out before the CONTINUING DAMGE shows up later, up to 6 months----or more----later. Like the insurance adjust who tried cut a friend in New Orleans a check for $4,000 after Katrina. Friend’s house sat in 8 feet of water (water 12 feet deep on the street). House insured for $300,000. The independent inspectors I’ve heard about take a cut of the settlement; settlement many times higher than payment “offered” by insurance company.

You are correct to caution others to get what they pay for. Speaking of getting what you pay for in Texas, CONVERSION----to not get what you pay for----is a felony in Texas.
David Bradshaw

[Ken O'Neill]

I'm proud of you, Tyrone. Hang tough all the way, Fermin

[Snyd]

I knew a insurance adjuster in Montana back in the late 80's. I was in commission sales and sold him a new Ford truck. I don't remember all the details but his pay was based on how much he saved the company on a claim. The more he saved the more he made. Like a "reverse" commission so to speak. Bottom line is don't take no for an answer. It is standard practice to deny or offer a small amount the first go round.

On another note. The wifey and I are still trying to figure out where to give for hurricane relief. I have issues with the Red Cross. Not sure I want to give to them. I'd appreciate any info on solid organizations that are helping folks with the funds given. Hang in their folks.

[paulg]

Well, Fermin gives solid advice and shares wisdom and personal experience as only Fermin can. This is the first chance I've had to take time to post anything here. I much appreciate Doug keeping y'all up to speed on my neck of the woods in a seperate thread that was kindly started by Craig (cmh). Doug and Fermin both were my connection to encouragement, prayers and friendship during Irma's tirade through Florida. My wife and I made it through the storm in relatively good shape without major damage. A few roof leaks in the garage and one that I could see in the house. Also lost a few shingles BUT as Fermin pointed out that is damage that my inexperienced eyes can see. We were scheduled to have some termite damage repaired and a new roof put on prior to the storm but we postponed that until after Irma did her thing. Fortunately both our GC and our roofing contractor are long time friends and acquaintances. Both have advised to wait until they have done a thorough inspection before contacting our insurance company which by the way just happens to be the same company Fermin has and we have also had them for over 20 years without a single claim. Both our GC and roofing contractors know how to get around the high defuctibles, yes you read that right, involved with hurricane damage. Take Fermin's wisdom, experience and advice to heart for he knows of what he speaks. As an aside, Fermin was a great friend and advisor for some of my storm preps especially on how to watch the winds to minimize damage. It's been a very long 11 days since the storm with 14-16 hour days at work with recovery efforts along with debris clean up at home. I'm tired but blessed with so much that I can't really complain about much. Once again a BIG thanks to Fermin and Doug for their friendship and prayers across the miles. Two men that have my respect, admiration and a brotherly love that only comes trough riding the river together even if it is only through technology.