Subject: Homeowners Appraisal and Ordinance in Law Coverage Update
Hello everyone! I’m currently navigating the appraisal process for my homeowners insurance related to a hurricane claim (specifically wind damage, not flood). I’m curious if the processing of ordinance in law claims is paused during the appraisal. Additionally, I have a personal inventory claim that has seen no progress in the last five months since the storm in Milton, and I’m concerned about that as well.
I’m hoping to show the house in its stripped-down state before the appraisal, which is still a month away. I’ve been waiting a long time to replace essential items like a refrigerator. It feels reasonable to expect some sort of “estimate/supplement” for my personal items before they start using the lack of response against me in negotiations.
Though they claim everything will be resolved post-appraisal, communication has been lacking, and there seems to be no resolution on the horizon. At this point, we’re leaning toward the possibility of pursuing legal action even after the appraisal.
For context, I’m in Florida and dealing with Citizens Insurance. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
It sounds like you’re in a really frustrating situation with your homeowners claim, and it’s understandable to want some clarity and action while going through the appraisal process. Here are a few points to consider:
Ordinance or Law Coverage: Typically, the appraisal process is mainly focused on the specific damages to your property and may not directly halt the evaluation of ordinance or law coverage. However, you should check your policy specifics or consult your insurance agent for precise information on how your insurer is handling this during the appraisal.
Personal Inventory Items: It’s concerning that you’re still waiting on the personal items assessment, especially after five months. While the appraisal process is underway, it may slow down the processing of personal inventory claims, but you have the right to request separate evaluations for items that need immediate replacement. You can push for a status update or at least an interim estimate, as this could help in negotiating a fair settlement.
Urgent Needs: If you’re in urgent need of essentials like a refrigerator, document that need clearly in your communications with the insurer. They may be more responsive if they understand the immediate impact of their delays.
Legal Action: If you feel that you may need to pursue legal action after the appraisal, it might be wise to consult with a legal professional who specializes in insurance claims. They can offer you tailored advice based on your situation and help prepare you for potential next steps.
Documentation: Keep thorough records of all communications with your insurance company, including dates, what was discussed, and any commitments made. This can be crucial if you do decide to escalate the situation or consider legal action.
State Resources: Since this is in Florida, consider reaching out to your state’s department of insurance or a local consumer advocacy group for additional support or guidance.
Stay persistent in your communications, and don’t hesitate to advocate for your needs throughout this process. Good luck!