QuestionQUESTION: hello thank you for taking time answer my question i make it short . im costumer with state farm i had claims for flood in 2008 and 2009 i have fixed the problem for flood no more problem state farm paid me for 2 claim $14000 total . question i was told not to ask for 3rd claim ? i have wind damage on my house roof insurance will maybe pay it but im afraid to ask for 3rd claim do you see any problem for me to ask for 3rd claim to pay for roof ? will they remove me from insurance after 3rd claim? can we split the bill if there is option like that thank you ?
ANSWER: Ed,
Flood claims and wind claims are both comprehensive claims. You can definitely file the third claim, and if your policy is in force with wind coverage, the claim will be paid. What you are likely being warned about is the possibility that a 3rd claim will cause State Farm to non-renew your policy when it is time.
Your question is impossible for me to answer without seeing the underwriting guidelines for your particular policy and area. The rules change based on company and location. Generally, State Farm will non-renew if there are 3 comprehensive claims within a 12 month period. Sometimes it can be within 36 months, but normally not longer than that. Also, sometimes the amount of damage makes a difference, you know, like if you have 3 claims that equal $4000.00 then it is no big deal, but if the claims add up to more than $4000.00 there may be a problem. Again, the $4000.00 is just an example and you'll have to call underwriting to be sure of the rules for your company and area. If I had to guess, I would think you'll probably be okay and that the worst that would happen is that your rate is slightly increased just based on quantity of claims.
If you want to know for sure, call the underwriting department, ask for a supervisor, don't give them your policy number, and simply ask them how a third comprehensive claim will affect your policy. They should be able to tell you, if they won't, the look me up, give me the details and I'll figure it out. Once you know how the claim will affect your policy, you can then decide if it is worth it to file the claim. If you have 20K in damages, it is probably worth it to file the claim no matter what State Farm does afterwards.
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QUESTION: thank you for you help im afraid to talk to the agent he gave me sign if i have damage on roof talking to him he is forced by law to report that i have damage but he said he will not say if i dont tell him anything so i did not tell him anything i would pay you somehow if you can provide me with info if it will be ok to go with claim what info do i need to give you
AnswerEd,
Sorry for the delay, we were observing Memorial Day. Simply call the 800 number for the claims department at your insurance company, then ask to be transferred to underwriting. If they can transfer you, then simply ask your question, something like "How many claims can I have before my rates or renew-ability are affected?". If they answer honestly then you'll have your answer. If the person you are speaking to doesn't know the answer, persist until you find someone that does. I always ask for the underwriting supervisor. If you need further help, you'll have to contact us directly. I try hard to personally handle as much of our business as I can. Information is always free at Petty Details, LLC. Google us and give us a call or e-mail us directly.
