Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Heater Fire Update - August 2011

In November of 2010, we had a heater fire in our brick and mortar store. Nine months later the insurance company has not settled our claim. Even though we have negotiated and agreed, our inventory is still sitting in storage pods in our parking lot.  Among other things, we have not been reimbursed for our extra expenses. We are not a multi million dollar conglomerate; just a mom and pop store that has manged to stay in business for over 41 years. We have done our homework by hiring a public adjuster and recently filed a claim with our state insurance commission.  In some states there are laws that require insurance companies to settle claims in a specified time frame; unfortunately our state is not one of them.
Yes, we have received  partial reimbursements. How else could we have manged to make in today's economy?  However, our busiest time of the year is almost here and we don't relish the thought of loosing another season.
We will keep plugging away, writing letters, sending emails, and making phone calls until our insurance company decides to honor our negotiated settlement. 
I do know one thing.  We will make it because Mike and I will not have it any other way.

4 comments:

  1. So sorry you're still having these troubles. Good idea with the state insurance commission. You might also consider contacting your congressman - that's what my sister had to do and it got them off the money quick.

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  2. Stay stong, hang tough! Fight for what's right. These people are BS. They ought to know better. Our prayers are with you!!

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  3. I always wonder why we have insurance of any kind, have to fight tooth and nail to get anything paid. Keep up the fight - you paid them the payments so now it's their turn to honor the agreement.

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  4. Hang in there! Know time is of the essence now, though.
    A letter from a lawyer and working with insurance commission and persistent finally got results for family members after Ike damage. It was a horrible experience for them. Know this has been for you also. People don't realize that Mom and Pop shops don't have the resources of a larger company. We just do the best we can, and try to make a living.

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