Struggling with a $40K Delay in My Home Insurance Claim
Last November, my house suffered significant flooding, and I turned to Square One for home insurance coverage. They assigned me an independent adjuster, who thankfully met with me on-site that day. She reassured me that everything would be handled and guided me through the necessary procedures.
However, from that point on, reaching the adjuster became nearly impossible. We conducted emergency restoration work a week after the flooding because she didn’t convey the urgency of the situation, and I felt lost on what steps to take next.
For over three months now, I’ve spent countless hours and sent numerous emails trying to contact her. I had to completely pack up and vacate my home for extensive renovations since the floors needed to be replaced. Those renovations started and wrapped up in January, and I have just moved back in.
Every expense related to the repairs—totalling nearly $40,000—has come out of my own pocket, and I haven’t seen a single dollar from the insurance claim in all this time.
Despite my persistent follow-ups, the adjuster rarely answers calls or returns messages, and when I do manage to reach her, she often talks over me when I express my concerns. After escalating the issue to her manager, I was met with annoyance and very little follow-up.
I’ve already noticed the adjuster’s poor Google reviews, and I’m left wondering where else I can escalate this situation. The stress of this ordeal is overwhelming, as I’ve depleted my savings and now find myself needing a loan, all while anxiously waiting to see if and when I’ll get compensated.
I’m really sorry to hear what you’re going through. Dealing with a home insurance claim, especially after a traumatic event like flooding, can be incredibly stressful, and it sounds like you’ve been facing significant challenges with your adjuster and the claims process.
Here are a few steps you might consider taking to escalate the situation:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all your communications with the adjuster and the company. Note the dates, times, and content of your conversations, as well as any emails or letters. This documentation will be valuable if you need to escalate your complaint further.
Contact Customer Service: Reach out to Square One’s customer service line directly. Explain your situation and express your frustrations. Sometimes speaking with someone in customer service can yield quicker results.
Involve the Ombudsman: Depending on where you live, there may be an insurance ombudsman or regulatory body that oversees insurance companies and can assist you with your complaint.
State Insurance Department: You can file a complaint with your state or provincial insurance department. They can investigate your situation and may be able to intervene on your behalf.
Legal Advice: If you feel comfortable, it might be worth consulting with a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims. They can guide you on your rights and the next steps you can take.
Social Media & Public Reviews: If you’ve exhausted all other options, consider sharing your experience on social media or other review platforms. Companies often respond to public feedback more quickly than private complaints.
Look for Alternatives: If feasible, consider reaching out to a different insurance company to see if they can assist or offer advice on how to proceed.
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed, but pursuing these avenues may help you get the resolution you need. Hang in there, and I hope you receive a prompt and fair settlement soon.