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Ask an Advisor – Must an Insurance Claim CramDown be Accepted?

39 Responses

1. Insurance Agent, on September 24, 2009 at 6:21 PM said:

   You most likely do not have to accept the cramdown. But, get everything in writing and never cash a check that says “Final Payment” until totally satisfied.

   Otherwise, it is you against the insuranc company retroactiverly, and you will not prevail.

   An Insurance Agent

   LikeLike
2. Sam, on September 28, 2009 at 5:57 PM said:

   Never trust your insurance agent, advisor, adjuster, company, phone rep or website. Verify all, in wiritng.

   Sam

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3. James, on October 4, 2009 at 12:52 PM said:

   ME-P Reporters,

   Please ask your reader to contact me privately. I may be of some assistance to her.

   James

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4. Andy, on October 6, 2009 at 12:43 PM said:

   The American Association of Justice (AAJ) has just named the ten worst insurance companies in America based on claim denials, premium increases and refusing insurance to those who need it most.

   So, who’s on the list? Some of the names – and what they did to make the list – might surprise you.

   http://injurylaw.labovick.com/2009/06/articles/insurance-law/ten-worst-insurance-companies-ranked-by-aaj-part-1-of-5/

   Andy

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5. Joe, on October 10, 2009 at 6:12 PM said:

   ME-P

   I suspect that your insurance problem may be with the company Allstate, and it is not unusual. They will “deny” and “defend” unless you pitch a fit. The new CEO, Tom Wilson, needs to get the public stock price up some way.

   http://www.allstateinsurancesucks.com/

   And no, you don’t have to accept the cramdown. Only naive, or uninformed, people do that! Good luck.

   Joseph

   LikeLike
6. Ann, on October 14, 2009 at 1:01 PM said:

   Tom Wilson – Allstate CEO – has a Kellogg MBA?

   Read about his “people-first” policy”
   http://centennial.kellogg.northwestern.edu/alumni/twilson.html

   Tom on YouTube: regarding industry regulation.

   Tom on YouTube: regarding healthcare insurance.

   Do you believe him?
   Ann

   LikeLike
7. Hope, on October 14, 2009 at 8:08 PM said:

   Dear ME-P Readers and Subscribers,

   I will no longer be silent on this issue, and now come-out to you as the insured party in this Allstate show-down. I will present my opinions and allegations against Allstate for you to decide on the merits presented. And, David will assist me.

   As a token of “good-faith”, adjuster John Bell, supervisor Justin Owens and Allstate Insurance Company CEO Tom Wilson are all invited to reply in kind.

   My original sales agent: http://allstateagencies.com/wkelly/AgencyInfo/MyBackground.aspx

   Of course, I ask for your advice on how to proceed, and for assistance going forward. Thank you for allowing me to be your managing editor.

   Fraternally.
   Hope R. Hetico; RN, MHA
   [Managing Editor]

   LikeLike
8. Hope Hetico; RN, MHA, on October 15, 2009 at 11:02 AM said:

   ME-P Readers and Subscribers,

   The Allstate claim estimate by adjuster John Bell was about $ 23,000.
   Here is his link: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-bell/7/589/5a9
   He appears to be a newbie and may be searching for a new job.
   I may be wrong.

   1. First estimate by Smith-Bailey Construction in Atlanta was about $41,000.

   2. Second estimate by Huff Construction in Atlanta was about $44,000

   3. Third estimate by AllGood Construction of Atlanta was about $56,000

   Here is Mr. Bell’s response to the above, after his demand for three estimates.

   Dear Clients,

   I am sorry you disagree with the estimate created to address those damages to your home; however, we are confident our estimate is sufficient to complete covered repairs to your property. As an option, we would be happy to assist you by assigning one of our approved vendors to complete the repairs based on the estimate we have provided.

   I have forwarded your prior correspondence to my manager, Justin Owens, per your request. It is my understanding he has attempted to contact you to discuss your concerns. Feel free to call him.

   John Bell
   Claim Service Adjuster
   Southeastern Property MCO

   Allstate Insurance Company
   P.O. Box 274
   Suwanee, GA 30024

   Here is our response to Mr. Bell, as sent to CEO Tom Wilson

   Thomas J. Wilson, II
   CEO: Allstate Insurance Company
   Corporate Headquarters
   2775 Sanders Road
   Northbrook, IL 60062 USA

   RE: Open Claim

   Mr. Wilson,

   We received the above email from Mr. John Bell, which seems illogical for several reasons:

   1. We know the [hearsay] reputation of “mom & pop” Allstate “preferred” reconstruction vendors in our area; now out of business for alleged shoddy work. Others; enter-leave the system at ease!

   2. Mr. Bell’s insistence that we submit two additional unaddressed estimates demonstrates a lack of respect for us – and these credible remodeling engineers. Such shenanigans earn their ire, and further taints AS’s flagging reputation. It emboldens their extreme reluctance to work with Allstate – often leaving only the charlatans!

   3. It is not only we who disagree with Mr. Bell’s subjective assessment, but our 3 experienced contractors. His concept of “sufficient” repair work is not “indemnification”. Please remind him that the burden-of-proof is not on us.

   Tom – thank you for dis-intermediating the inexperienced and young John Bell from our claims’ process. We appreciate your input and for allowing us to keep you – and our mutual spheres of influence – informed of our opinions on a micro-managerial level.

   Hopefully, this dreadful experience does not represent a collusive Allstate policy of “bad-faith”, but merely the actions of rogue agent[s], or a simple misunderstanding.

   Feel free to respond. Thank you for hearing our opinion.
   Candor – Intelligence – Goodwill

   Fraternally
   Hope

   To all ME-P Readers

   Feel free to request the detailed reports, to compare and contrast, as needed. Will keep you all informed as the saga unfolds; so please advise.

   Hope Hetico; RN, MHA
   [Managing Editor and insured]

   LikeLike
9. Mike, on October 16, 2009 at 12:17 PM said:

   About John Bell,

   I just checked the link for your Allstate property adjuster. Presumably he posted it himself; so I offer three comments.

   1. I would never have talked to this guy in the first place; not with just six months of training against your interests. Your demand for a “real” adjuster is most reasonable.

   2. He does seem to be job hunting. I wonder if Allstate is aware?

   3. He has seven [7] linked-in contacts, to date; not big player.

   Keep fighting the good fight; you will prevail.

   Mike

   LikeLike
10. Mike, on October 16, 2009 at 12:25 PM said:

    About Justin Owens

    Hope – I just searched the web and think this guy is your insurance adjuster’s [John Bell] supervisor; but mabe not. Decide for yourself.

    I am a Catastophic Insurance Adjuster and I’m deployed in Houston right now …

    He probably has relocated to Atlanta looking for a job; or coincidence?

    Mike

    LikeLike
11. Carl, on October 17, 2009 at 12:58 AM said:

    Hope,

    I bet the “supervisor” has a cubicle next to the “adjuster”.

    Carl

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12. Faith, on October 18, 2009 at 11:55 AM said:

    Hope

    Note the careful wording of your adjuster Mr. Bell above. He is offering you an “option”.
    You do not have to take it. Please ask him to inform you in writing that you have no other “options” – or that you must accept the “cram-down.” I believe he will not, and can not. You are in control. His “confidence” is meaningless.

    Allstate has 180 days to settle in most states. So, do not settle until satisfied. Plus, they wil not like a carry-over into FY 2010. It makes the adjuster look bad [incompetent]. And, you have the right to appeal his estimate to the insurance comissioner in your state, in most cases.

    Do not let these guys jerk you around. And, keep looking for more documented evidence of damage. Insurance companies know that some damages may be occult and thus they pursue premature claim settlements. But somehow, I think you already knew that!

    Faith

    LikeLike
13. Hope, on October 18, 2009 at 6:05 PM said:

    Faith,

    Thanks for the encouragement. I just sent this email and snail mail to Tom; regarding the above comments by adjuster Mr. Bell.

    Thomas J. Wilson, II
    CEO: Allstate Insurance Company
    Corporate Headquarters
    2775 Sanders Road
    Northbrook, IL 60062 USA

    RE: Open Claim #

    Mr. Wilson,

    We received this email from John Bell, which seems illogical for several reasons:

    1. We know the reputation of “mom & pop” Allstate “preferred” reconstruction vendors in our area; now out of business for alleged shoddy work. Others; enter-leave the system at ease!

    2. Mr. Bell’s insistence that we submit two additional unaddressed estimates demonstrates a lack of respect for us – and these credible remodeling engineers. Such shenanigans earn their ire, and further taints AS’s flagging reputation. It emboldens their extreme reluctance to work with Allstate – often leaving only the charlatans!

    3. It is not only we who disagree with Mr. Bell’s subjective assessment, but our 3 experienced contractors. His concept of “sufficient” repair work is not “indemnification”. Please remind him that the burden-of-proof is not on us.

    Tom – thank you for dis-intermediating the inexperienced and young John Bell from our claims’ process. We appreciate your input and for allowing us to keep you – and our mutual spheres of influence – informed of our opinions on a micro-managerial level.

    Hopefully, this dreadful experience does not represent a collusive Allstate policy of “bad-faith”, but merely the actions of rogue agent[s]; or a simple misunderstanding.

    Fraternally,
    HOPE

    LikeLike
14. Hope, on October 21, 2009 at 11:03 AM said:

    October 21, 2009

    Thomas J. Wilson, II
    CEO: Allstate Insurance Company
    Corporate Headquarters
    2775 Sanders Road
    Northbrook, IL 60062 USA

    Via: Electronic mail and USPS

    RE: Open Claim

    Mr. Wilson,

    We just received this estimate of about $24,000 for home floor reconstruction only. Please note the rather significant disparity between Allstate former adjuster John Bell for the entire project, and this estimate. Thus, we respectfully decline your premature cram-down payment in-toto, as offered by our former adjuster.

    Thank you for allowing us to keep you – and our mutual spheres of influence – in the loop. No doubt it would prove an interesting business school case model for you, or a real life example in the next edition of our best selling book: Insurance and Risk Management Strategies for Physicians and Advisors; don’t you agree?

    Hopefully, this experience does not represent a collusive Allstate policy of “bad-faith”, but merely the actions of rogue agent[s]; or a simple misunderstanding.

    Cordially
    Hope

    LikeLike
15. Hank, on October 21, 2009 at 10:52 PM said:

    Hope

    Wasn’t Allstate among six insurers approved by the U.S. government for TARP bailout funds after investment declines eroded capital across the industry. Will Tom Wilson be taking a pay-cut?

    Hank

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16. Mike, on October 22, 2009 at 8:12 PM said:

    Hope,

    I encourage anyone who’s going through this type of process to push back – to be respectful as you seem to have been – but to not give in to the ridiculous.

    Allstate will relent, or be shamed into action.

    Mike

    LikeLike
17. Editors, on October 22, 2009 at 10:08 PM said:

    From: McGinn, Mary (Law Dept.) (Mary.McGinn@allstate.com)
    Sent: Thu 10/22/09 6:07 PM
    To: iMBA Inc offices (marcinkoadvisors@msn.com)

    I will be out of the office on business on Thursday, October 22, and will have infrequent access to my e-mails, although I will be checking when possible. I will be checking voicemail at 847- 402-6146, but also on an infrequent basis. If you would like more prompt assistance while I am out, please contact Yvette Pilko at 847-402-4550 or Denise Lewandowski at 847-402-7735 who will be able to assist you or call my cell phone – 847-778-7396

    LikeLike
18. Mary, on October 28, 2009 at 2:30 PM said:

    TARP and Allstate

    Hope, didn’t Allstate take some TARP money? That means it is [partly] owned and operated by the US government.

    So, it also has to operate under the free speech provisions of the First Amendment … You go girl!

    Mary [Not McGinn]

    LikeLike
19. Sony, on November 3, 2009 at 12:31 AM said:

    Hope

    About 10-15 years ago, there was a sea-change in the home insurance claims adjusting business.

    Originally, on-site adjusters were mature carpenters or experienced general contractors who were getting a bit old for the rigors of real craftsmanship; the quality kind just not usually found today. As a change, they found the insurance adjusting business produced easy money and a nice career transition.

    The problem was that they cost the insurance companies too much money in repairs, even as customers never realized the like-kind or pre-loss quality construction they received. In other words, their mental transition from contractor [pro-customer] to agent [anti-customer] was a difficult one.

    Enter the Marketing Gurus

    Eventually, the insurance companies got rid of the craftsman and began using inexperienced college graduates with marketing or sales degrees. They saved the companies loads of money by convincing clients to accept repair work which was “just-like”, “similar-to”, “satisfactory” or “good-enough” as the original. Anything; but pre-loss condition or true indemnification. And, the insureds didn’t have a clue! It was also about this time that TV and radio ads became agent-friendly [warm-fuzzy-believable].

    So, keep fighting – you will persevere.

    Sony

    LikeLike
20. Hope, on November 6, 2009 at 6:47 PM said:

    UPDATE

    Sony; just received an increase in payout after my trip to Allstate headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois. Tom Wilson was unavailable but I pitched an objective data-driven fit. The increase is still “chump-change”, however.

    I will continue to seek full pre-loss indemnification and keep all our ME-P readers posted. Thanks for the private messages, and advice, too!

    Hope

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21. Brian, on November 6, 2009 at 7:01 PM said:

    Hope,

    Keep up the good work. Stay polite and factual, and you will succeed.

    Brian

    LikeLike
22. Hope, on November 7, 2009 at 5:32 PM said:

    Out of Office AutoReply:
    Your Open Claim
    RE: personal property inventory‏

    From: Owens, Justin (Philip.Owens@allstate.com)
    Sent: Fri 11/06/09 9:11 AM

    I am currently out of the office. I will return on Monday November 9.

    ###

    It figures.
    Hope

    LikeLike
23. Hope, on November 17, 2009 at 10:59 AM said:

    According to the AAJ, the following companies ranked as the top ten worst insurance companies:

    Allstate
    Unum
    AIG
    State Farm
    Conseco
    WellPoint
    Farmers
    United Health
    Torchmark
    Liberty Mutual

    Hope

    LikeLike
24. Hope, on November 21, 2009 at 11:57 AM said:

    Received our third pointless quality improvement phone call from Allstate – two days ago – by voice mail message! Agent didn’t know, or pretended not to know, situation? Cheesy tactics, if you ask me. But, we understand their ploy; very well.

    Hope

    LikeLike
25. Hope, on November 21, 2009 at 10:34 PM said:

    Received a letter from Allstate’s Ronald Waters, via the Georgia Insurance Commissioner and investigator Alonza Bennett. Told there will be no more claim “adjustments” possible.

    Letters sent to all concerned and will be posted shortly. Thanks for all the private emails and kind words. Will have a new post soonest.

    Hope

    LikeLike
26. Hope, on November 21, 2009 at 10:48 PM said:

    Ms. Ronnie Wallace Horsley
    Allstate Insurance Company
    2775 Sanders Road
    Northbrook, IL 60062 USA

    RE: Open Claim
    Via: Electronic and USPS mail

    Dear Ronnie,

    Many thanks for your email request. As visually impaired claimants, we are endeavoring to complete your inventory list as accurately as possible.

    But, in-as-much as a quick resolution of our insurance claim seems unlikely, please arrange for our local Ritz-Carlton in Atlanta, GA to be directly paid by Allstate for the treacherously frigid upcoming winter months. As confirmed by you previously, we are allowed up-to two years extended stay accommodations [lose-of-use, food, and/or additional living expenses, etc]. We just can not remain in an un-insulated directly exposed and destroyed home, against medical advice, and at our own physical peril. Don’t you agree?

    http://www.ritzcarlton.com
    3434 Peachtree Rd NE
    Atlanta, GA 30326
    (404) 237-2700

    And so, please arrange for the most cost-efficient accommodations possible, and advise. We will keep a log of our stay to monitor the invoice for you.

    Many thanks.
    Hope

    cc: Tom Wilson, Justin Owens, William Kelly, John Oxendine, etc

    LikeLike
27. Becker, on November 21, 2009 at 10:50 PM said:

    Hello Hope,
    If visually impaired, why don’t you submit a complaint about Allstate to the DOJ in Washington regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act?
    All the best.
    Becker

    LikeLike
28. Laura, on November 22, 2009 at 12:38 PM said:

    Hope,

    I am sorry for your loss. But, there are other credible insurance providers hungry for your business. Check out their payout ratios, credit ratings and interview several agents. And, be sure to get multiple quotes with a higher deductible before you commit to any policy. It could save you money on your policy and the aggravation you are now experiencing.

    Lara T. Stern.

    LikeLike
29. Hope, on November 22, 2009 at 2:18 PM said:

    Hello Ronnie,

    Please see the attached as our second request to facilitate our Allstate hotel policy provisions.

    Also, note that our land-line integrity is still sporadic since the claims incident. Two engineers suggested a complete electrical check with fix. And, the phone company again attempted same every day for a week recently, also citing internal difficulties.

    Therefore, our preferred method of communication is by email, in-as-much as our separate cable line works fine. And, it is difficult to hear our rarely used cell phones.

    Many thanks again for facilitating our policy provisions.

    Hope

    ###

    From: Horsley, Ronnie (Ronnie.Wallace@Allstate.com)
    Sent: Sun 11/22/09 9:08 AM
    To: iMBA Inc offices (marcinkoadvisors@msn.com)

    I am out of the office until 11/30. I will respond as needed when I return.

    ###

    From: McGinn, Mary (Law Dept.) (Mary.McGinn@allstate.com)
    Sent: Sun 11/22/09 9:08 AM
    To: iMBA Inc offices (marcinkoadvisors@msn.com)

    I will be out of the office Friday afternoon, November 20 through Friday, November 27, but will be checking e-mails when possible. I will be checking voicemail at 847- 402-6146, but on an infrequent basis. If you would like more prompt assistance while I am out, please contact Yvette Pilko at 847-402-4550 or Denise Lewandowski at 847-402-7735 who will be able to assist you or call my cell phone – 847-778-7396

    ###

    These Allstate folks do not seem very responsive, do they? OR, it is me?
    Hope

    LikeLike
30. Sam, on November 25, 2009 at 11:40 AM said:

    Hope,

    Don’t forget that any usual, customary and reasonable fees that assist in claim adjudication are probably covered as reimbursed expenses in your insurance policy. So, check with your agent and be sure to bill Allstate for them.

    I also gather from various posts and comments that this may include travel, food, lodging accommodations and airfare to Chicago, etc. And, please don’t forget postage for letters of complaints, etc, either. Keep good records.

    Sam

    LikeLike
31. Hope, on November 30, 2009 at 10:13 PM said:

    Letter from our Allstate Adjuster

    November 25, 2009
    RE: Claim #

    This letter will serve to address your recent correspondence seeking Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage addressed in the Additional Protection section of your Deluxe Plus Homeowners Policy. The Additional Living Expense provision extends coverage to pay the reasonable increase in living expenses when a direct physical loss covered by the policy makes the residence premises uninhabitable. Based on the evaluation of the damages to your home, the insured location is not uninhabitable; and therefore the policy will not extend coverage to relocate your household.

    However, the payment we issued to you included replacing the flooring in the kitchen. This area would be unusable while those repairs are being completed. During the restoration of the kitchen you might see an increase in your regular food purchase expense. The Additional Living Expense provision will provide payment for any expense above and beyond what your household usually spends for meals. Since ALE is paid on a reimbursement basis, we will need to communicate and confirm with your contractor the amount of time the kitchen will be unavailable due to the restoration process. Please contact me with any additional questions or concerns.

    Sincerely,
    John Bell
    Field Property Adjuster

    LikeLike
32. Hope, on November 30, 2009 at 10:16 PM said:

    Thanks Sam

    Here is a letter I just sent to Allstate regarding the above and our destoyed den and the soon-to-be cold winter months. To date, they have refused coverage.

    Ms. Ronnie Wallace Horsley
    Allstate Insurance Company
    2775 Sanders Road
    Northbrook, IL 60062 USA

    RE: Open Claim #

    Via: Electronic and USPS mail

    Dear Ronnie,

    In-as-much as a quick resolution of our insurance claim [scope and price] seems unlikely, and we reject the November 25th letter of a former inexperienced Allstate field adjuster [non-licensed plumber, non-licensed electrician, non-licensed contractor and non-licensed medical professional – as far as we can determine], please arrange for our local Homewood Suites in Atlanta, GA to be directly paid for the treacherously frigid upcoming winter months. The special Ritz-Carlton deal which we referred to you earlier has since expired. However, we trust this will be a mild 2009-10 season.

    As you stated in our policy provisions, we are allowed extended stay accommodations [lose-of-use, food, and/or additional living expenses, etc]. We just can not remain in an un-insulated directly exposed and destroyed living room at our own physical peril; unless potential medical expenses are subrogated. Moreover, the exposed un-remodeled and non-Itel reviewed living-room continues to decay as we speak, just as occult damages and scope increases were itemized by licensed professionals and referred to Tom Wilson.

    This includes damages caused, and contemporaneously documented but not yet remitted, by former Allstate water mitigator Larry Fried; evidencing both superficial adjuster inspection and inferior work by “approved vendors”. Please be aware of time-lag differentials for recent correspondences.

    Thus, we politely continue to disagree with the disingenuous scope and cost estimates of those who have [briefly] visited our home – and those who have not – but still subjectively opine whimsically despite three industry standard independent Xactimate® itemized submissions to Mr. Wilson. As you know, this estimating flagship software tool is used by more than 70% of the credible industry; but not Allstate.

    And so, in the spirit of collegiality and co-operation, please pre-arrange for the most cost-efficient accommodations possible, should it be needed this winter, and advise. We will keep a log of our stay to fairly monitor the invoice for you. Moreover, please advise where I should remit food, lodging and Northbrook travel receipts as a necessary expense to satisfy our claim.

    Many thanks, yet again.

    ###

    I just received this email reply from Allstate regarding the above letter.

    Out of Office AutoReply: Open Claim #
    From: Owens, Justin (Philip.Owens@allstate.com)
    Sent: Mon 11/30/09 5:26 PM

    I am currently out of the office. I will return on Monday December 7th.

    ###

    QUESTION: Is this the kind of service you might wish from an insurance company? Please advise.

    Thanks.
    HOPE

    LikeLike
33. Stuart, on December 6, 2009 at 2:01 PM said:

    Hope,

    RE: Appraisal Policy Clause

    Only the insured can authorize repairs to damaged property and choose the contractor who does the work. And, I have taken this info directly from the Georgia State Insurance Commissioner’s website. I am sure you are aware of it.

    ###

    The process of determining the cost of and who will perform the repairs often causes disagreement and delay. The insurance company will estimate the cost to repair or replace your damaged property based upon prevalent labor and material charges in your area. The insurer’s estimate is valid only if a reputable contractor is willing to perform the work based upon the insurer’s estimate.

    If you prefer a different contractor who is also willing to perform the work based upon the insurer’s estimate, you should have no problem.

    However, if your contractor submits a substantially higher bid, the insurer will request a detailed and itemized estimate of work to be performed by your contractor.

    Differences in estimates occur primarily for three reasons:

    (1) Difference in hourly wage charges
    (2) Difference in opinion regarding the extent of damage and
    (3) What can be repaired versus replaced.

    If these differences cannot be reconciled, refer to the Appraisal Clause of your contract. The Appraisal Clause permits you and the insurance company to present the claim to an independent umpire to decide what should be covered and how much should be paid.

    ###

    Of course, a fourth reason is that Allstate simply does not want to adequately pay your claim, thinks you will not protest reasonably, and/or obviously does not want your business any longer.

    Do not let these folks mislead you. Then again, I am not sure that would be possible; given your excellent work, thus far.

    Stuart

    LikeLike
34. Hope, on December 10, 2009 at 5:41 PM said:

    We just received this email. Can you believe how poorly informed our Allstate representatives seem to be regarding our claim status?

    Is this common for the industry, or just poor Allstate communications; please advise?

    ###

    Good morning Mr. & Mrs.

    I just wanted to follow up with you and get a status on our personal property damage list. The completed list can be e-mailed to me or you can fax it to me at 866-758-3834. Please let me know if you have any questions.

    Ronnie Horsley
    Staff Claim Service Adj.
    Southeastern Property MCO
    P O Box 34212
    Charlotte NC 28234
    800-825-3659 Ext. 2908
    866-758-3834 Fax
    ronnie.wallace@allstate.com

    ###

    We will formulate, and post a response, soonest.
    Hope

    LikeLike
35. Hope, on December 11, 2009 at 10:34 PM said:

    December 12, 2009

    Ms. Ronnie Wallace Horsley
    Allstate Insurance Company
    2775 Sanders Road
    Northbrook, IL 60062 USA

    RE: Open Claim # [personal property damage list].

    Via: Electronic mail and USPS

    Dear Ms. Ronnie Horsley,

    Many thanks for your email of 12/10/2009 and USPS letter of 12/4/09. Please allow us to update you on our claim [non] progress; as you may be out of the information loop.

    In-as-much as a “reasonable” resolution of our insurance claim [scope and price] seems unlikely with 30 days; we are unable to complete your personal property damage list at this time. And, it would seem highly imprudent given that we have no place for new furniture in a damaged, and still un-repaired, home whose living room is directly exposed to the elements. Moreover, we must again politely reject the additional living expense clause denial of our former field adjuster. Or, perhaps he misunderstood our request?

    And so, please arrange for our local Homewood Suites in Atlanta, GA [or venue of choice] to be directly paid for any extended stay accommodations needed during the treacherously frigid upcoming winter months. This is not a certainty as the future weather is unknown and we are hardy folks. But, we are merely trying to be pro-active for you in the spirit of co-operation and collegiality.

    We understand that medical documentation of our unique situation may be required for proof-of-necessity. And, we are willing to provide same, as needed. Clearly, this is not a medical opinion to be made by an unknowledgeable, unlicensed and over-reaching field property claims adjuster; ceteris paribus. Instead, we prefer our personal coterie of physician[s]; don’t you agree?

    Of course, we will keep a log of our stay to fairly monitor the hotel invoice for you. Moreover, please advise where, and to whom, we should remit my food, lodging and Northbrook travel receipts as a necessary expense to satisfy our claim?

    Many thanks, yet again.
    Hope

    LikeLike
36. Tom, on December 14, 2009 at 11:27 AM said:

    About Allstate’s Communication Director

    There was a leading and secondary article in the Atlanta Journal and Constitution [AJC] this week on Allstate’s woes and the claims paying hurdles it places before policy holders [December 13, 2009 and December 11, 2009]. The entire piece suggested a company wide conspiracy, but read for your-self.

    http://www.ajc.com/news/spotlight-complaints-against-insurers-238442.html

    Even their communication director – Shane Robinson – seemed flummoxed with an entirely impotent non-response when challenged by investigative reporter Carrie Teegarden.

    Shane Robinson is a journalism major from Georgia State University [BA – Journalism 1996 — 2001] and a 1984 — 1989 graduate of Pickens High School, Georgia.

    According to his linked-in post, this guy may be looking for a job, too!

    http://www.linkedin.com/pub/shane-robinson/10/3b3/79b

    email Carrie with more info, complaints, wrongdoing and related tips:
    CTeegardin@ajc.com

    This story may just have wings; thanks for sharing.

    Thomas

    LikeLike
37. Graham, on December 16, 2009 at 1:27 AM said:

    Insurance claims adjuster are advocates for the policyholder. Public Adjusters are experts on property loss adjustment who are retained by policy holders to assist in preparing, filing and adjusting insurance claims.

    A Public Adjuster inspects the loss site immediately, analyzes the damages, assembles claim support data, reviews the insured’s coverage, determines current replacement costs and exclusively serves the client, not the insurance company.

    Graham

    LikeLike
38. Mike, on December 20, 2009 at 2:47 PM said:

    You may also seek relief from the Office of Civil Rights [OCR] and the Department of Justice [DOJ]. Good luck.
    Mike

    LikeLike
39. Elaine, on January 20, 2010 at 10:33 AM said:

    I have been going thru a similar situation with Allstate insurance. Thanks for fighting; it gives me hope.
    Elaine

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