Homeowners Insurance Estimate Missing Previous Items
Hello everyone,
I’m dealing with a hurricane damage claim through State Farm, and I’ve noticed some concerning discrepancies in my latest final estimate. It appears to be missing approximately $34,000 worth of damage, specifically for hazardous material/asbestos removal, water remediation, and tree removal. These items were included in earlier estimates, but they are nowhere to be found in the most recent one. In fact, two line items have been completely omitted, and the tree removal cost has been deducted from the demolition line item, now showing just $500 instead of the previous $9,000 that included the tree removal.
While the overall estimate has increased by about $40,000 due to other repairs, the removal of these $34,000 in line items seems concerning. I’m puzzled as to why they were omitted, and I’ve already reached out to the adjuster for clarification.
It’s hard to tell if this is an oversight or if they are testing to see if we’ll notice these changes. The items in question have already been paid for, and since the roofing is complete, I’m having a hard time understanding this situation. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds very frustrating to deal with discrepancies in your homeowners insurance estimate, especially after sustaining hurricane damage. Here are a few suggestions on how to approach this situation:
Document Everything: Make sure you have copies of all previous estimates, any correspondence with the insurance company, and photos of the damage. This documentation will be crucial in your discussions.
Clarify the Changes: When you speak with your adjuster, ask for a clear explanation of why those specific line items were removed. It’s important to understand if this was an oversight or if there’s a reason behind it.
Request a Detailed Breakdown: Ask for a detailed breakdown of the estimate to see where the changes occurred. This can help you understand how the items were adjusted or omitted.
Review Your Policy: Check your insurance policy to confirm whether asbestos removal, water remediation, and tree removal are covered. If they were covered in previous estimates, it’s reasonable to ask why they were omitted this time.
Escalate if Needed: If the adjuster doesn’t provide satisfactory answers or if you feel your concerns aren’t being addressed, consider escalating the issue to a claims manager or filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department.
Seek Professional Help: If you’re facing difficulty getting the issues resolved, you might want to consult with a public adjuster who can advocate on your behalf and help ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
Hopefully, your adjuster will provide clarity during your call, but it’s always good to be prepared for further action if necessary. Good luck!