Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 5:24 am Post subject: Fire in the appartment below mine
I have an appartment in San Diego, CA, in which I don't live full-time. Two days ago, there was a minor (as far as I know) fire in the unit directly below mine. To take care of it, the fire dept obviously used large ammounts of water, and thus it leaked into the rugs in our appartment. Since I'm not there at the moment, what should be the best way to proceed? The lady living in the appartment wants to make things right, and we are both insured, so I'm not sure if it's absolutely necessary for me to travel there and take care of the claim, or if I should just let the insurance companies sort it out. Also, somebody suggested that I shouldn't even call my insurance company since doing so would raise my premium automatically even if I had absolutely nothing to do with the damage caused, but I'm inclined to believe that calling my insurance is a must-do.
So what do you suggest? The insurance company of the other lady already asked for permission to access my appartment to check for damage, and the insurance company of the Association was called in as well (I'm guessing to check for the damage done to the common areas). Should I call my insurance first thing, or only use them as a last resort?
I'm sorry if these are very basic (dumb) questions, but since I'm not from the US, I'm not very familiar with the procedure that needs to be followed in this exact kind of situation. Thanks in advance! _________________ Register Now to have your Insurance queries solved.
Smash, there are no dumb questions...since the lady's carrier has already requested access they more than likely plan to handle all the damage (as they well should)...I see no reason that you need to file a claim with your carrier, if you'd just like to let you agent know or put him on notice that if you run into any trouble you may need to file a claim....that is the approach I personally would take...
Do you have someone that can make sure that everything is taken care of though? You really need to....I'd hate for you to return six months from now to find the other carrier did not repair ALL the damage... _________________ **************************************
Life gaurantees a chance NOT a fair shake
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FIND a way EVERY day to lighten the load of another
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Well, the damages need to be reported to the insurer, but most of us don't do so, hence, it really doesn't matter. However, it's not true that enquiring with the insurance company will increase your premium automatically, though its true that investigating about a claim will go into your claim report.
When the lady is ready to sort out the matter I think you should let her insurance company deal with it.
As far as what needs to be done... it depends on the type of rug (I'm assuming you don't mean carpeting and truly a rug) and the amount of water in them. Many times they can be professionally dried or if they are not expensive can be hung out to dry and replaced if needed.
One thing to keep in mind is that they other carrier only owes for the actual cash value of the items damaged (of course, this does not apply to repairs) and your carrier would probably owe for replacement cost.
Thank you for all of your replies, you have been really helpful. And yeah, I was sure I wasn't clear when I tried to explain the damage and exactly what was damaged. There is carpeting in the entire appartment, and from what I've been told, the water leaked and got most of the carpet wet in the main bedroom. Somebody suggested that because of the type of materials used in the construction of these kind of appartments, it's very possible that the humidity will spread and cause damage in the walls and other areas. Does this sound logical to anyone? This department in particular when closed has zero ventillation, so I'm guessing it would at least get that nasty humidity smell all over my appartment. _________________ Register Now to have your Insurance queries solved.
Usually what is done is fans are placed in the dwelling along with dehumidifiers. This will allow most things to dry out. Depending on the extent of the water intrusion, other things may need to be done, like removing the baseboards and drilling holes in the walls etc.
Does this sound logical to anyone? This department in particular when closed has zero ventillation, so I'm guessing it would at least get that nasty humidity smell all over my appartment.
Very logical, and with these conditions sounds like a haven for mold to me...you want to make sure that is addressed...back side of carpet etc...can grow mold very quickly that will spread... _________________ **************************************
Life gaurantees a chance NOT a fair shake
**************************************
FIND a way EVERY day to lighten the load of another
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Yes, there is no need to call for your insurance right away!
As Lori has mentioned, you may choose to inform your agent for once that you might come across a situation wherein it could be necessary to file a claim. She has also pointed out the fact that the back of the carpet may grow mold faster. See, there is every possibility that a foul smell may cause you problems...but at the same time I'd also look for enough reasons that may cause significant damage to the walls.
Walls of a well-constructed building would more be damaged by a little water stored for a considerable period of time. So, arrange for the fans that tcope has asked you to & I believe quicker you act upon it, better the results for you!
Fatman
well it is like you should call the insurance guys first and last, it is nothing that you call them after all the tries are done, it is better to let the girl come in and check for the damage, i mean like nothing is more helpful than the insurance guys, if chosen the right way.
You probably don't need to be there to oversee everything but you should invest time talking with the insurance company of the building owner and the unit owner where the fire was.
Mold is a major concern in a case like this. the carpets need to be cleaned and the walls need to be inspected. It needs (needed) to be aired out very well right away or else mold can grow in the walls and it is very dangerous to your health.
I would hope that has happened already _________________ I am an insurance broker from Ontario licensed for all types of insurance.
