Title: Struggling to Secure Insurance Payout for My Elderly Parents
I’m reaching out for some advice regarding my elderly parents, who are facing a frustrating situation with their insurance company. They are nearly 80 years old and have fallen victim to unlicensed builders who removed their garage roof without permission. We have reported this to the police, and an investigation is currently ongoing.
Fortunately, a reputable contractor stepped in to fix the damage, but the costs have been significant, and we believed their insurance policy would cover it. The policy specifically states it protects against malicious acts of vandalism, but now the insurance company is requesting an itemized bill for the repairs before they will release any payment.
The problem is that the contractor who completed the repairs sources materials in bulk and therefore cannot provide a detailed breakdown of costs. Is this a common policy practice? Does anyone have suggestions on how we might recover these expenses, which amount to around $5,000? It feels incredibly unfair that elderly victims of crime are being treated this way. Thank you for any guidance!
I’m really sorry to hear about your parents’ situation; it sounds incredibly frustrating and stressful for them. While it can be disheartening to deal with insurance companies, requesting an itemized bill is actually a common practice. Insurers often need detailed documentation to assess the claim accurately and ensure that the costs align with the policy terms.
Here are a few suggestions to help you move forward:
Get a Detailed Invoice: Even if the builder doesn’t provide an itemized bill due to bulk purchasing, ask if they can create a detailed invoice outlining the work done, materials used, and any labor costs. This doesn’t have to be overly detailed but should cover the essentials.
Get a Quote from Another Contractor: If possible, you could obtain a quote or estimate from another licensed contractor who can provide the itemized breakdown that the insurance company is looking for. This might help your case.
Include Police Report: Make sure to include any documentation from the police regarding the vandalism, as this can strengthen your claim. It’s essential to show that there is an ongoing investigation.
Contact the Insurance Company: Reach out to the insurance company to explain your situation. Sometimes speaking with a representative can yield different results than just submitting documents. You might be able to negotiate or explain the challenges you’re facing regarding the itemized bill.
Consult an Insurance Adjuster or Public Adjuster: If negotiations stall, you might consider hiring a public adjuster to review your claim. They can help advocate for your parents and negotiate with the insurance company on their behalf.
Consumer Protection: Look into local consumer protection agencies or legal aid services. They may provide assistance or resources that can further help your parents navigate this situation.
Document Everything: Keep thorough records of all communications with the insurance company, any repair invoices, and anything related to the police report. This can be helpful if you need to escalate the claim or seek legal advice.
I hope these suggestions can assist you and your parents in resolving this issue. They deserve to have their claim honored without unnecessary stress, especially given their experience.