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2010-03-24 7:22 PM
in reply to: #2746467

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Electrical contractors fried my house - legal questions
McFuzz - 2010-03-24 8:10 PM

TriRSquared - 2010-03-24 4:21 PM
Groan....

So spoke with their insurance company.  They wanted me to fill out all these forms (the contracts already took all the model #s and such) and told me "I'm sure you are going to be disappointed but we will only offer cash value, not replacement."  She had quite the attitude like she was doing me a favor by paying me anything.

So at this point I'm ticked.  I call the contractor back and tell them I'm not going to be satisfied with this.  I bring up the potential safety issues etc.. He tells me to give them a # I will settle for.  So I add up all the items and replace them with comparable NEW items.  No upgrades.  Just back to square one.  Have not heard back yet.

In the meantime I call my HO agent.  He tells me that my HO policy will provide replacement value.  If the contractor balks at my # I can file a claim and they will sick the HO insurance vampires .. ahem, lawyers... on the contractor.

If that happens I'm making them pay my deductible as well.

We shall see...


You might point out to the kind lady that this is a liability claim, not a comprehensive claim.  Their client screwed up and if it goes to court, they'll lose. 



Win!
Also, ask based on what depreciation schedule are they setting a value. Where is the market for this item and where could you buy it? I don't know of a blue book value for a 8yo over the stove microwave or 10yo refrigerator?

Edited by pitt83 2010-03-24 7:28 PM


2010-03-26 9:31 AM
in reply to: #2743496

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Champion
7347
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SRQ, FL
Subject: RE: Electrical contractors fried my house - legal questions
So their insurance wanted to low ball me.  I ignore them and went back to the contractors and told them I was not deal w/ their insurance company.  I sent them a list of the items and example online of replacements for them with a list of prices.

They came back $500 less than what I wanted.

I could have fought for more but to be honest it would have taken months to get it all hashed out if I went via my insurance or via the legal route.

The fridge could *probably* be repaired so in the end I think the settlement was fair.

This weekend... appliance and TV shopping (oh joy!)
2010-03-27 4:27 PM
in reply to: #2743496

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Master
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Beijing
Subject: RE: Electrical contractors fried my house - legal questions
Glad you ended up with something you're happy with! 

have fun shopping!
2010-03-27 4:45 PM
in reply to: #2743496

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Veteran
840
50010010010025
Subject: RE: Electrical contractors fried my house - legal questions
Talk to your insurance agent about this. It is very easy for two insurance companies to work it out and your insurance company has to operate in you best interest. Agents also like being on the other side. IE helping you stick it to someone else. They get tired of being on the receiving side.
2010-03-27 9:44 PM
in reply to: #2743496

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Master
2447
200010010010010025
White Oak, Texas
Subject: RE: Electrical contractors fried my house - legal questions
I still would be very concerned with the condition of the wiring in your house (all of it) it was exposed to a greater voltage than its design rating.  You need to get it checked it could be a very real fire hazard.
2010-03-28 8:59 AM
in reply to: #2746194

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Master
2006
2000
Portland, ME
Subject: RE: Electrical contractors fried my house - legal questions
TriRSquared - 2010-03-24 4:21 PM
condorman - 2010-03-24 4:16 PM

my suggestion would be to stay positive and always keep yourself grounded.

**golf clap**



Groan....

So spoke with their insurance company.  They wanted me to fill out all these forms (the contracts already took all the model #s and such) and told me "I'm sure you are going to be disappointed but we will only offer cash value, not replacement."  She had quite the attitude like she was doing me a favor by paying me anything.

So at this point I'm ticked.  I call the contractor back and tell them I'm not going to be satisfied with this.  I bring up the potential safety issues etc.. He tells me to give them a # I will settle for.  So I add up all the items and replace them with comparable NEW items.  No upgrades.  Just back to square one.  Have not heard back yet.

In the meantime I call my HO agent.  He tells me that my HO policy will provide replacement value.  If the contractor balks at my # I can file a claim and they will sick the HO insurance vampires .. ahem, lawyers... on the contractor.

If that happens I'm making them pay my deductible as well.

We shall see...




Any money your insurance gets back from their insurance goes towards paying your deductible first. If all they get is the full amount of your deductible, they you'll get it all. Not sure if it is the law, but that is how it works.





2010-03-28 9:01 AM
in reply to: #2750408

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Master
2006
2000
Portland, ME
Subject: RE: Electrical contractors fried my house - legal questions
TriRSquared - 2010-03-26 9:31 AM So their insurance wanted to low ball me.  I ignore them and went back to the contractors and told them I was not deal w/ their insurance company.  I sent them a list of the items and example online of replacements for them with a list of prices.

They came back $500 less than what I wanted.

I could have fought for more but to be honest it would have taken months to get it all hashed out if I went via my insurance or via the legal route.

The fridge could *probably* be repaired so in the end I think the settlement was fair.

This weekend... appliance and TV shopping (oh joy!)



Why would that be? your insurance would pay the claim immediately and you'd be out of the picture other than to provide a deposition.


2010-03-28 6:31 PM
in reply to: #2743496

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Champion
7347
5000200010010010025
SRQ, FL
Subject: RE: Electrical contractors fried my house - legal questions
I meant the legal route.  Good news is I found all the items cheaper than my estimates so i got everything replaced and still had a little $ left over ($50)
2010-03-28 6:37 PM
in reply to: #2753945

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Champion
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Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: Electrical contractors fried my house - legal questions
TriRSquared - 2010-03-28 7:31 PM

I meant the legal route.  Good news is I found all the items cheaper than my estimates so i got everything replaced and still had a little $ left over ($50)


Best route. Solve it and be done. Seems like it worked out OK.
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