Loss of use for renters insurance - post Ike

mm_ike

My apartment got gutted during Hurricane Ike. Luckily, I had renters insurance Smile

My apartment management was able to find another apartment for me after 2 weeks. For the 2 week duration, I stayed at a friends place since most hotels in Houston were completely sold out following the Hurricane.

My question is - will the loss of use coverage in my insurance pay my friend for the time that I was at his place?
Can I get a receipt from my friend showing that I stayed at his place and a charge of say $30 per day?
I would like to pay my friend if my insurance will reimburse me.

tcope · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 10:26 pm Post subject:

I don't have a renters policy in front of me but I don't see why not. The bill needs to be reasonable (I think $30/day is). I agree, just have him write out a bill, sign it, and turn it in. I think your friend should be paid as well. If I were the adjuster and the policy allowed for that payment, I'd not think twice about sending out a check.

LifeIsGood · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 11:37 pm Post subject:

I agree. Your policy allows for alternate living. I can only see a problem if your friend tried to charge $250.00 per night - but $30.00?

Shouldn't be a problem at all.

fireyone · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 1:57 am Post subject:

It really is reasonable since you can not even get a hotel room for that price. It is also fair because it probaly wasn't real convinient to have another person stay with him. There is also teh fact that you could have been homeless since everything was booked had he not opened his door to you.

MOAdjuster

If you have loss of use coverage, you should be reimbursed for room and board as well as any food you had to puchase while away. If you had a mandatory evacuation as many did for Hurricane Ike, you can also request reimbursement for gas or mileage.

Lori · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 11:39 am Post subject:

I don't see why not either if your policy has additional living expenses, and I think most renters policys I've seen do...certainly contact your adjuster and ask

fireyone · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 9:57 pm Post subject:

Wow Lori..do you work in all parts of the insurance field or is that just how an adjusters job works? Do you cover all claims like this one and vehicle? Seems like a job that would take lots of education and remembering. My sometimers would not do me well in your field. I swear I am only mid 30 and have the mind of an 80 year old. Probaly too much stuff in the old head and its getting a little crowded...ever know the feeling?

Lori · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 9:54 am Post subject:

fireyone · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 11:32 pm Post subject:

Yep know all about those brain farts....like putting the sugar in the frig or throwing the t towel in the trash. Which did you enjoy more the multi or the auto?

Lori · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 9:40 am Post subject:

Well probably just sticking with auto's...less to remember Rolling Eyes

when you only have one policy to deal with...I didn't like having to work say garage keepers liability or the odd policy that popped up...also too old to climb roofs now.. Laughing

that got to be a drag too...so yep no question it's easier to work (basically) with one policy rather than ten or more... Wink

fireyone · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 4:07 pm Post subject:

I bet there is really alot to remember. Funny I was thinking that when I read some of the answers to the posts.
What the heck is garage keepers liability? Is it when a garage has a few different cars in for repairs and it catches fire or what not? Or is it someone taking out personal insurance to cover their garage and contents?
I use to love heights..the older I get the more I stay firmly planted on the ground.

mm_ike

Thanks for the help everyone.

I requested my Nationwide adjuster to reimburse my friend for 14 days stay but my adjuster did not pay for my stay at my friends place. He called his boss to clarify the policy and told me that in Texas, he cannot reimburse me for staying at someone's place.

It has to be a hotel bill Sad

Athough, I told him that it was far cheaper and convenient for me to stay at friends place.

Jeremy Holter · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:59 am Post subject:

Hey mm_ike, what I could gather from internet regarding loss of use payment in Texas, it seems that in Texas you can collect upto 20% of the coverage amount as living expenses if you're forced to evacuate the house. Unfortunately it hasn't mentioned anything regarding staying in hotels can only qualify for the compensations.

I'd suggest you to read the policy document carefully in order to understand the clause of loss of use. The standard homeowners policy offers coverage for staying away from home regardless its being the hotel, rented apartment or relative's and friend's home. However, if you have non-standardized Texas policy you may not receive all the standard coverage offered by the homeowners' plans.

~Jeremy

mm_ike · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 2:45 pm Post subject: thanks

Thank you all for your useful replies and expert opinions. I talked to my insurance adjuster and after talking to his boss, he gladly reimbursed my friend for staying at their place after Hurricane Ike in Houston.

I am so happy that I had renters insurance. I've been telling all of my friends to get renters insurance as a safety for those unfortunate times in life.

LifeIsGood · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 2:50 pm Post subject:

Excellent news! I knew if you just talked to them, they would see the logic and take care of things.

It's all about communication. Talk to your agent, ask questions.

Knowledge is power.

Loss of use for renters insurance - post Ike

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