Subject: Questions About Homeowners Appraisal Process and Coverage
Hello everyone! I’m currently going through the appraisal process for my homeowners insurance due to a hurricane claim (wind damage only, not related to flooding). I have a couple of questions:
- Do they pause processing things like ordinance and law coverage while the appraisal is taking place?
- What about the claim for personal inventory items? It’s been five months since the incident in Milton, and I haven’t seen any progress on that front.
I really need my home to be assessed in its current condition, and we still have about a month before the appraisal happens. I’ve been waiting a long time to replace essential items like a refrigerator. I feel that for the personal items claim, I should at least get an “estimate/supplement” prepared before they start using it as a negotiation tool to offer me less.
They’ve stated that everything will be resolved in the end, but communication has been lacking, and we’re not seeing any movement toward a resolution. At this point, we’re tentatively considering legal action even after the appraisal.
Just for context, this is happening in Florida and my insurer is Citizens. Any advice or insights would be appreciated! Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you’re facing with your hurricane claim—it can be incredibly frustrating to wait for so long without resolution. Regarding your questions:
Ordinance or Law Coverage: Generally, the process of appraisal should not halt the processing of other coverages such as ordinance or law. However, each insurance company may handle these matters differently. It’s essential to clarify with your adjuster if they can provide updates on these aspects while the appraisal is ongoing.
Personal Inventory Items: It’s reasonable to expect some communication about your personal items, especially after such an extended wait. While they may prefer to finalize the appraisal before issuing estimates for personal items, you should not be left without essentials for this length of time. It sounds like it may be worth pushing for at least an interim acknowledgment or estimate to assist you in replacing what you need in the meantime.
House Condition: If you want the appraisers to see the house stripped down, you might consider scheduling a visit with your adjuster or appraiser to discuss your situation and emphasize the urgency. Documenting everything with photos or notes can also help your case.
Legal Action: If you’re considering legal action, it might be beneficial to speak with an attorney experienced in insurance disputes. They can provide guidance on your options and help ensure you’re not at a disadvantage during negotiations.
It’s tough to navigate this process, but staying proactive, keeping detailed records, and communicating clearly with your insurer can help expedite a resolution. Good luck!