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In Reply to: Fire Loss / Personal Property Claim posted by Matt on May 01, 2003 at 08:43:01:
The best way to approach this is to go room by room and attempt to re-create what was there.
The purchase invoices over $100 is no where in the policy and obviously a ludicrous request when all her records were destroyed in the fire. They are required to pay her the depreciated replacement cost (replacement cost less depreciation for age) up front, then the amount depreciated after she replaces items.
Request an advance on the contents claim first. With a complete loss of all contents items, I don't think an advance of 1/3 of the limit is at all out of line. Keep all receipts, not only those for $100 or more. Keep track of all items purchased in replacement of ones in the house.
Last, put at least approximate values on everything on the inventory. Make the claim easier for the adjuster to pay.
Also--completely document every expense she incurs for temporary housing, food, etc. This includes any increased mileage expense to work from a temporary housing location.
: My mother recently suffered through a fire that essentially distroyed her home...she is covered by a deluxe replacement value policy held by Allstate.
: She is trying to complete an inventory of personal property for ~10 rooms of furniture, appliances, ornaments, clothing, etc. in the absence of any records (all distroyed in the fire). The contents adjuster states that she needs purchase receipts for items valued over $100. Although most rooms were updated or refurnished within the last 5-10 years, virtually all retailers contacted have not been able to produce duplicate receipts (typically because of database management systems changes, no long term sale records, etc.).
: Anyone have suggestions on how to best address the development of an inventory that best helps her recover from her enormous loss. Allstate's property liability limit is $129K; my mother needs to settle at 70-80% of this value to approach replacement.
: thanks in advance.