Can My Insurance Require Me to Pay to Add Personal Items to My Claim?
I filed a lightning strike claim in July 2024, and during the process, an adjuster along with a strike team came out to assess the damage to various items, including my A/C heat pump and home theater system. Unfortunately, some items were overlooked because they couldn’t be properly tested without the damaged components.
In October, I discovered additional damaged items and a second strike team was dispatched. They evaluated some items from my list but declined to inspect one item noted by the initial adjuster and two more that I found just before their visit.
In November, I requested yet another strike team or adjuster to assess the previously missed items. However, the adjuster informed me that a third visit from the strike team wouldn’t be feasible due to cost concerns, advising me not to submit those items through my claims portal. I was told I needed to hire a technician to provide an affidavit confirming that the items were damaged by lightning, but I haven’t been able to find any local technicians or repair shops willing to do this. Consequently, my only option appears to be to hire an outside adjuster at nearly the cost of replacing the damaged items.
Isn’t it the adjuster’s responsibility to evaluate whether my claimed items should be included in the report? Am I really left with no choice but to pay an outside adjuster to add these damaged items to my claim?
It sounds like you’re navigating a frustrating situation with your insurance claim. Typically, the insurance company’s adjuster’s primary role is to assess and determine the extent of damages and to evaluate items for coverage. However, there are limits to what they may do, and sometimes they can be reluctant to revisit previous evaluations.
If the adjuster is stating that they won’t send another team and you’re unable to get professional confirmation of damage for those additional items, it can be challenging. Here are a few steps you might consider:
Request Documentation: Make sure you have all correspondence and documentation in writing. This will be essential if you decide to appeal the decision or escalate the matter.
Review Your Policy: Check your insurance policy for language regarding claims and assessments. It may specify the insurer’s obligations and your rights in situations like this.
File a Formal Appeal: Many insurance companies have a formal appeals process. If you feel like your claim is being unfairly handled, this might be a route to consider.
Use an Independent Adjuster: While it may seem costly to hire an independent adjuster, if it helps you recover the cost of the damaged items, it might be worth considering.
Consult a Lawyer: If you feel that your insurance company is not fulfilling their obligations, consulting with a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims might provide you with options you hadn’t considered.
State Insurance Department: Consider reaching out to your state’s insurance department for guidance. They can provide assistance and may help mediate a solution.
Ultimately, while you may need to incur some costs to get a proper evaluation of your claim, there are options available to pursue further action with your insurance company without necessarily paying a hefty fee for an independent adjuster. Good luck, and I hope you find a resolution to your claim soon!