We had a tornado come through on May 9th. We have had structural engineers out to look at the house along with asbestos and lead testing. The adjuster says he is still waiting for the results. He is on vacation right now so we can not even contact him. Our neighbors have already started repair on their homes and some are almost completed. Some were demolished after determined not rebuildable. what can I do to get some answers from the insurance company. It is Travelers. Thanks.
You can call the insurance company and ask to speak with a different adjuster, or you can write them a letter voicing your concern over their slow pace. The time-frame for insurance company action is somewhere between slow and glacial. My point is, they don't move fast for anyone. So, this may be something that is going to drag on a while. If you want to give them a good prodding, you may consider hiring an attorney to send them a certified letter demanding prompt action. That usually gets their attention and gets them moving a little faster.
They have a reasonable time under the circumstances. Just pester the heck out of them by calling, e-mailing, texting and writing letters. Mention the movement on your neighbor's homes.
Speak with your adjuster. Review your insurance contract. Generally, you should get a response within 60 days - which will be here shortly. I am sure that you have a home office number to contact, so contact the home office if your adjuster fails to return your calls.
Might be time for you to consult with an Insurance Law attorney.
Most of us handle claim cases across the state, offer free consultations, and work on a contingency basis.
Sorry you are having to wait.
http://vondohlenlaw.com/
Texas citizens are fortunate to have a set of laws passed by the state legislature (statutes) which set out specific deadlines for insurance companies to meet. Your situation is the reason we passed those laws. Insurers in Texas have so many days to respond to your notice of the claim, so many days to complete their investigation (ask you for documents, inspect the house, and so on), so many days to tell if they are going to pay your claim and how much, and then so many days to actually pay you. If the insurer misses the deadlines, they have to pay you 18% interest, plus they have to reimburse you for any attorney fees you may incur to get the insurer to pay you. This kind of delay you are describing by Travelers is not proper or acceptable.
You should ask for a copy of the engineers' reports. If Travelers won't give it to you, that's a red flag. If the engineer report says there's no structural damage, and you suspect there may be some, then spend a couple hundred dollars having your own engineer give an opinion. Some engineers make a living working for insurance companies, and they know what side their bread is buttered on. You should not rely on those engineering reports when it comes to your family's safety, or your insurance claim. Get another opinion.
Also ask for the estimate of Travelers' adjuster. Take it to your own reputable contractor and find out if your home can actually be repaired for what Travelers estimates it will cost. If not, then confront the Travelers' adjuster about this.
When it comes to insurance claims, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Stay after Travelers. Communicate primarily in writing --- email is okay - -- so that your demands are documented. Be polite but firm in your communications. If you have a telephone conversation, follow it up with a letter or email that recounts and confirms what you discussed on the phone.
Hopefully, you will get your claim resolved soon, so you can get started putting your lives back together. If Travelers does not step up and pay your claim timely and fully, you should consult a lawyer who is familiar with property insurance law. It is possible that Travelers will have to pay your attorney fees if you do.
Generally 542 provides around 15 days from them to accept or reject the claim after they receive all the documents requested. They can ask for additional time and explain why that time is necessary.
If there is a violation of Texas Insurance Code 542 you are entitled to attorney fees and statutory interest.
Probably want to talk to a lawyer.
Insurance companies will "nice guy" you to death. This means that they never refuse to pay you, they just never get around to doing it.
Decide how much the insurance owes you. DO NOT rely on the claims adjustor's to tell you what your home needs or how much it will cost. Once you know how much you have coming, tell the insurance company how much you want and ask them if they are going to pay it. If they say they need more time, get them to commit to a date. NEVER give them more than two weeks, at least at the stage you are at.
If they don't agree to pay you, refuse to pay you, or refuse to commit to a deadline, you need to contact an attorney who is board certified in consumer law. If they agree to pay you, insist that they commit to when you will receive your money.
