Hail damage insurance claim

garyhaupt wrote:
Is it just me or what...this thing about getting the big cheque, doing the work themselves and pocketing the change. I guess it's the 'norm' but reads kinda off, to me. Maybe not..I'm willing to be schooled on it.


Gary Haupt

All else being equal, if a person does the work themselves and 'pockets the change', that 'change' is what they're getting paid for their labor. If they work as slow as I do it's below minimum wage. Does that make it sound better?

yobie wrote:
I hope they don't total it. It's our home and we have done a lot of work to the inside. They are coming out tomorrow but probably won't have an estimate till later in the week. Ill let you all kno how it goes.

He's right to an extent yes they are supposed to but a lot of times they under estimate on purpose. That way if u take the check and run they save a little. If u take it to a shop they will usually keep the claim open in case there Is a difference in price.
I spoke with an adjuster and they said that's what they aressorta taught to do. So who knows I'm sure some adjusters are different.

I hope they don't total it. It's our home and we have done a lot of work to the inside. They are coming out tomorrow but probably won't have an estimate till later in the week. Ill let you all kno how it goes.

Is it just me or what...this thing about getting the big cheque, doing the work themselves and pocketing the change. I guess it's the 'norm' but reads kinda off, to me. Maybe not..I'm willing to be schooled on it.


Gary Haupt

I am still wayne_tw wrote:
...Remember, the adjuster's job is to minimize the costs of any claim...

Not true. The adjuster's job is to pay what's owed under the terms of the insurance contract. To do otherwise would be illegal and unethical.

Did as stated above-last year hail,dented the roof on 2011 5th.Replaced at $12,000 cost,insurance had me take it to a RV shop.Turns out they(rv shop) is a prefered shop for State Farm.All done and taken care of,happy camper!

Several years ago we took major hail and had damage to all vents, ac covers, awning fabric, and dents all over the roof.

Insurance came out, looked it over, "we don't know RVs - take it to a place and ask for a quote"

RV Servicer reviews the damage - roof, inside ceiling, vents, etc.

Total $14K

Insurance visited the RV out at the service place - had some discussions and reduced the total to $10K but leaving claim open if there is unseen damage.

After worked started - estimate climbed back up to $12.5 K still leaving open for additional.

When all was said and done - all vents replaced, AC cover replaced, awning material replaced, wood deck replaced, rubber membrane replaced, interior ceiling replace (2 panels).... when it was all said and done the final cost was $13.8K

This was a 35' Travel Trailer.

Our old Jayco was hit on three sides by a severe hail storm about eight years ago, when it was around 10 years old. I got two different estimates for repair, both sides and the rear of the FW. Went with the repair place that got all the damage surveyed and they took off all the siding on three areas and replaced with new. It looked almost new because they also put on new decals. Never considered doing the repair work myself and pocketing the difference.

Water-Bug wrote:
If the insurance company were to total it, you usually can have first dibs to buy it for the scrap value, which is usually pocket change.

Depends how much change is in your pocket..ours was $1200 to buy back

In most states, the insurance company is required to make you "whole" again. That means provide you with the money to repair the vehicle back to its original state before the incident less any deductible. The insurance adjusters estimate of what it will cost to repair may not be what it will actually cost to repair. Remember, the adjuster's job is to minimize the costs of any claim, so you would be wise to get your own estimate, or estimates, of the repair costs.

Having said that and with no lien on the RV, those dents in the rubber roof actually affect it very little. You should consider just pocketing the money from the insurance!