Urgent: Approaching Proof of Loss Deadline – Seeking Advice
I’m facing an urgent situation with a complex fire loss on my home, and the deadline for my Statutory Proof of Loss (SPPOL) is just one week away. My policy is through State Farm.
The documentation requires specific amounts for my claims and details regarding Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost Value (RCV). Unfortunately, despite my and my field adjuster’s best efforts, we haven’t been able to finalize these details yet. The property adjuster has not provided feedback or ACV for my property list, leaving me uneasy about making any assumptions on values. The only figures I feel confident substantiating are the Replacement Cost Values for my personal property.
Adding to the complexity, there’s a significant issue regarding a potential total loss related to the repair plan, so I’ve hired an engineer for an objective assessment.
Since the SPPOL is a formal legal document with specific sections outlining my claims, and because my field adjuster has emphasized the need to substantiate every figure, I feel stuck. I’ve combed through Reddit and Google for guidance, but there seems to be no clear consensus. Typically, I would provide a contractor’s estimate, but given the extensive nature of the repairs and the risks involved, over a dozen contractors have declined or gone silent. The few off-the-record comments I’ve received suggest that the project may require complete removal and replacement from the first to third stories.
I genuinely want to avoid adding footnotes to every figure or submitting a lengthy supplement full of explanations, but I’m running out of options and might need to formally request an extension. However, my adjuster mentioned he’s never seen an extension granted in his experience. He also mistakenly stated that a SSPOL is only necessary for public adjusters before quickly backtracking, which adds to my confusion.
Ultimately, I need to take action by the end of this week. Despite the concerted efforts of everyone involved, we haven’t finalized any of these critical numbers.
Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation, and it’s important to approach this with a clear strategy. Here are some steps and considerations you might find helpful:
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications with your adjuster, contractors, and the engineer you’ve hired. This documentation can be critical if your claim process becomes contentious.
Request an Extension: While your adjuster mentioned extensions are rare, it doesn’t hurt to formally request one. Clearly explain your situation—including the complexity of the repairs and the difficulties you’ve faced in getting estimates. Even if the adjuster has not seen this happen, it’s worth trying to put your request in writing.
Clarify the Details: If you need to submit a Proof of Loss (POL) with unclear figures, consider including a cover letter that explains the challenges you’re facing. Acknowledge the uncertainty while providing the best estimates you have, along with explanations for those figures. You can state that you are still awaiting final assessments.
Consult with Professionals: If you haven’t done so already, it may be beneficial to consult a public adjuster who can help navigate this complex situation and ensure your claim is presented properly. They are experienced in dealing with insurance claims and can often provide clarity on the best approach to take.
Be Clear on What You’re Submitting: When submitting your POL, outline clearly what values are complete and what is still pending. If possible, categorize your claims into definite figures and those that are estimates, clarifying that you’re still waiting for additional verification. Providing transparency could be helpful.
Focus on the Most Critical Areas: Given the potential for a total loss, prioritize the most significant claims that need to be substantiated. Concentrate on the personal property RCV and any urgent repair costs necessary to stabilize the property.
Stay Persistent and Flexible: Given the circumstances, it’s vital to remain proactive. Communicate regularly with your adjusters and try to keep the lines of communication open. If the contractor situation changes, reach out to different construction firms that might be willing to assist.
Follow Up: After you submit your POL, keep following up to ensure it’s being processed and to move the discussion forward. You might also consider escalating to a supervisor if you encounter continued delays or roadblocks.
This is a stressful experience, but focusing on clear communication and solid documentation can help fortify your position. Good luck, and I hope you get a resolution soon!