Appraisal Process for Homeowners and Coverage for Ordinance and Law/Personal Items
Hello everyone! I’m currently undergoing the appraisal process for my homeowners insurance after submitting a hurricane claim (wind damage only, no flooding). I’m curious—does the appraisal process hold up the processing of items like ordinance and law coverage? Additionally, what about personal inventory items? It’s been five months since the hurricane and there hasn’t been any movement on that front.
I want to ensure that the house is prepared for the appraisal, which is still a month away. I have had to wait a long time for necessary replacements, such as a refrigerator and other essentials. For my personal items, I believe I should at least receive an estimate or a supplement before they start using this process as leverage to negotiate a lower payout.
They mentioned that everything would be settled in the end, but communication has been lacking, and there seems to be no clear resolution in sight. We’re considering taking legal action even after the appraisal.
Just a note: I’m in Florida and dealing with Citizens Insurance, in case that’s relevant. Any advice or insights would be appreciated! Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you’re facing with your homeowner’s insurance claim—navigating the appraisal process can be really frustrating, especially when you need essential items replaced.
Regarding your questions, typically, the appraisal process focuses on the property damage rather than personal items and ordinance or law coverage. Insurance companies generally want to resolve claims related to structural damage first before they address personal property and ordinance or law issues. However, it’s important to stay proactive since you’ve already waited so long.
For your personal inventory items, it might be worth reaching out to your adjuster and clearly articulating your needs—especially for urgent essentials like a refrigerator. You could ask if they can expedite a preliminary estimate for your personal items, even if the full inventory claim isn’t resolved yet. Document everything and follow up regularly to ensure your requests are being addressed.
As for the ordinance and law coverage, it may be worth discussing this separately with your adjuster to understand how they will handle it during the appraisal process. If they haven’t provided you with a clear answer or timeline, don’t hesitate to press for more clarity.
Since you’re considering legal action after the appraisal, it could also be helpful to consult with a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims. They can provide you with guidance specific to your situation and help advocate for your interests, especially if you’re worried about reaching an unfavorable settlement.
Wishing you the best of luck! Stay persistent and don’t hesitate to keep pushing for what you need.