I need some help again. I'm hoping some of you can help me on a homeowners insurance claim issue. I filed a covered claim for water damage from a burst pipe between...
George M. replied:
Jenni Lucke.... i've always referred to that as the construction chinese menu.... you get to pick 1 from column A and 1 from either column B or C.... but you only get two... and almost always the only two that work together are quality and service.... like most things in life, you get only what you pay for....
Patrick M. replied:
Mike Ruppert410-544-3200
Jenni L. replied:
"Really good" and "inexpensive" usually turn out to be mutually exclusive in my experience. My favorite sign posted behind a service desk: "Price - Quality - Service: Pick TWO!"
Jenni L. replied:
After you call Mike Ruppert, call Nancy Eichhorn410-544-9975.
Debbie M. replied:
Jenni & Patrick-thanks for the help. Jenni, I agree with you about the 2 out of 3, but you never know. Sometimes you luck out. And, I live being able to use FB as a resource for references. It's a much broader base than I would have personally. I found the plumber for this repair through FB, and he ended up being referred by someone from my childhood neighborhood, as was the plumber he recommended. I had no idea that was his profession.
William P. replied:
Aluminum Siding ClaimsMIA BULLETIN NO. 97-1The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) has received numerous complaints from homeowners concerning the settlement practices of insurers of claims for damage to aluminum siding from hail. These complaints allege practices by insurers of paying to replace only those portions of siding that are physically damaged without regard to the mismatching between existing and new siding. Failure to adjust such claims in accordance with policy provisions or the company’s own operations or settlement guidelines may result in a finding that the insurer is in violation of Section 230A, Article 48A of the Code. This Bulletin reiterates long-standing MIA policy regarding the settlement of such claims.The MIA interprets Section 230A, Article 48A of the Code, in the following manner as to claims for aluminum siding damage under a covered peril made under a “replacement cost” homeowner’s policy. The replacement of damaged siding with new siding may result in mismatched siding between the existing siding and the newly replaced siding. In such cases of mismatching, settlement options include moving undamaged siding from other areas of the house to replace damaged siding, replacement of both damaged and undamaged siding on one or more sides of a house, replacement of all siding, and/or an allowance to reflect diminution in value of the house caused by the mismatch. While the MIA does not interpret a replacement cost policy to require in every instance, replacement of all siding including undamaged siding in order to minimize mismatching, insurers whose settlement practices fail to take into account major differences in color shades, textures, or siding dimensions as provided above may be subject to action under Section 230A.Insurers should inform their insureds of any appraisal rights under the policy where there is disagreement on the amount of a covered loss. See COMAR 09.30.75Questions should be directed to Jean Bienemann, Associate Commissioner for Property and Casualty, 410-468-2301.B__________________________ Steven B. LarsenInsurance CommissionerDate: August 4, 1997B Contact is obsolete. Contact Dave Diehl at ddiehl@md.insurance.state.md.us