Insurance – you can't live without it, but sometimes it is like fighting city hall to get a claim approved. It really shouldn't be as difficult as it often proves to be. I don't think my perception differs from that of John Q. Public.
I have a friend whose home incurred the same kind of damage that many other homes in the Henly neighborhood experienced in the hailstorm that occurred almost two months ago. Both of his vehicles were totaled by the insurance company. Long story short, he and his wife have now secured replacement vehicles.
The insurance company was not nearly as accommodating when it came to their willingness to replace the metal roof on his home. After all, what's a few thousand dents? While wanting to remain in his good graces, the company responded that a new roof was only in his dreams. It was one of those, "Close, but no cigar," kinds of messages.
The origin of that expression dates to the 1920s when carnivals would hand out cigars as prizes. The games were obviously targeted at adults and not children. Carnival games were difficult to win, and the stand owner would simply shout the phrase when the player failed miserably to win.
With the assistance of the roofing company, my friend pushed back. The roofing company referred him to an individual that could substantiate the level of damage. Her 192-page report, that mostly included photos was undeniable, the insurance company was at a loss (pun intended) to deny the claim.
Yesterday morning, I attended a brief meeting with four other people from church and a couple of men from the same roofing company. They are the folks that are going to replace the metal roofs on the buildings at church. Our insurance carrier identified the roofs as a total loss.
That being done, the roofing company can substantiate through pictures that the insurance company missed some things that need to be added. From their experience, it will be impossible for the insurance company not to ante-up and provide a higher amount.
I left the meeting with the thought, that I needed to play hard ball with my insurance company over my tough Ford truck that looks like…. It needs a lot more money for repair.
Today marks the end of the second full week my truck has been in the body shop for repair. The body shop was covered up with work, and they did not get the additional information to substantiate the extent of the damage to the insurance company until Monday of this week. I checked with the insurance company yesterday and they deny receipt of the information.
It is time to play hard ball! The damage sustained to the hood of my truck and the top of the cab justify replacement. It cannot be repaired otherwise. In addition, my insurance covers the use of a rental car. It is time for the insurance company to ante-up. My patience has worn thin.
Of course, I will be courteous and friendly. You never win if you come across as angry and demanding. That's not how I engage in business. I'm confident it will get worked out to my satisfaction.
All My Best!
Don
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