Auto Insurance Claims: Car verses house claim, kitchen renovation, using a lawyer

Question
I had a car run into our house at a considerable speed.  Everyone was OK but it totaled my recently finished kitchen renovation.  The car owner was at fault and the insurance company is the same as my homeowners insurance.  I would estimate the damage at between $35-$50K.  The inital comments from the auto insurance people was to suggest we claim everything on our homeowners insurance.  This seems wrong since the house did not hit the car! I'm also concerned with some confict of interest due to both policies under the same parent company.  Is there reason for concern?  What would be the best way to proceed be?  Should I be using a lawyer at this or hear out their proposials?

Thanks in advance,
Mike


Answer
Hi Mike,

You should go through your homeowners policy.  The claims people on the homeowners side of things will be more experienced in handling this kind of damage, but you want to check first to see what effect that may have on your policy and premiums. Many homeowners insurance companies have a one strike and your out policy. Making a claim could mean that they will non-renew your policy, which could make it very difficult to get replacement coverage. Also you may want to look into hiring a public adjuster. Public adjusters work for you, not the insurance company. You will have to pay the public adjuster, but they will usually get you more money. You may want to let the insurance company survey the damage and make thier proposal first.  Then you can judge if they seem to be acting fairly.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh