Quote Originally Posted by Cataholic View Post
Don't waste your time with sites on the internet, or the BBB. The policy controls the relationship, not the sites. No matter who you call, or which supervisor you talk to, the policy governs the relationship. And, the number of claims you make (or don't make) doesn't control the coverage you get. Find a top-notch insurance company (like Amica Insurance) and you will find that they do focus on claims and customer service. Are they pricier than other companies? Perhaps, but you get what you pay for. I never understand people that hesitate to put in legit claims against their policy. It is what you pay the premiums for. Like having medical insurance but never going to the doctor.

If you have replacement cost coverage- and not everyone has it- you DO get replacement cost, but you have to first actually replace the item. Otherwise, you get paid the actual cash value of the item (which is replacement cost minus depreciation). Sometimes, there is a time limit in which you have to replace the items.

If you do not have replacement cost coverage, you get the item less depreciation- the actual cash value of the item. If you bought an item 10 years ago, it isn't worth the same price as it was when it was new, or if it was new. Think about it. You wouldn't pay top dollar for a ten year old car, or even a three year old car, would you?

Stick with the adjuster, work with him/her. They do want a closed file. There is some subjectivity in the valuing of items. AND, you are foolish to not recollect every single item and make a claim for every single item.

The claims dept actually dropped the ball on this one. I'd call to enquire and get, "it's in process right now." They didn't even have my paperwork yet. My agent never called. I was treated rudely, called a liar, interrupted a lot, and redirected nowhere I asked to speak to a supervisor. It appears that claims was trying to cover up their mistake.

Oh I am finding every single item and will file on every one of them. If I was employed full time, replacing the items wouldn't be a big deal. But I can't pay basic bills as it is. I have seriously downsized my life, and it's still too much money that is required. So I figured I could collect the money and replace what I could afford. I've even been honest about what was actually taken. I do have replacement cost insurance.

I am slowly thinking of other items that were in the shed, on the porch, and in the yard. I have to fill out an inventory and first I get cash-value minus depreciation and deductible. Then as I submit claims over two years I get the difference.

I applied for a new agent today. Will have one when the transfer comes through. My agent abandoned me. They said they doesn't get involved in claims cases as it confuses things. I've never had a claim as I have never needed to do so. Advice would have been nice.

I found someone with whom I can relate. She is the mother of a young friend from the pet supply store.

Thanks for the help, Cataholic.