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WALLof SHAME
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HAIL DAMAGE
According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), "damage from hail approaches $1 billion in the US each year". Hail sizes are categorized as:
It is unusual for larger hailstones to fall perpendicular to the ground when reaching lower altitudes. The thunderstorms that produce large hail typically have violent, swirling winds that fling hailstones in all directions. After a severe hailstorm, it is not uncommon to find piles of hailstones rather than an even dispersion. In fact, in 2006 this writer saw massive hailstone impacts on three sides on one home with the fourth side completely untouched. On the westward side of the home, there were hailstone impacts on the siding only 18 inches below a balcony that cantilevered out 12 feet from the home. The glass from shattered windows was so widely disbursed that the carpets in the entire home required replacement.
- Pea = .25 inch diameter
- Marble = .5 inch diameter
- Dime/Penny = .75 inch diameter hail penny size or larger is considered severe
- Nickel = .875 inch diameter
- Quarter = 1 inch diameter
- Ping-Pong Ball = 1.5 inches diameter
- Golf Ball = 1.75 inches diameter
- Tennis Ball = 2.5 inches diameter
- Baseball = 2.75 inches diameter
- Teacup = 3 inches diameter
- Grapefruit = 4 inches diameter
- Softball = 4.5 inches diameter
It is unusual for larger hailstones to fall perpendicular to the ground when reaching lower altitudes. The thunderstorms that produce large hail typically have violent, swirling winds that fling hailstones in all directions. After a severe hailstorm, it is not uncommon to find piles of hailstones rather than an even dispersion. In fact, in 2006 this writer saw massive hailstone impacts on three sides on one home with the fourth side completely untouched. On the westward side of the home, there were hailstone impacts on the siding only 18 inches below a balcony that cantilevered out 12 feet from the home. The glass from shattered windows was so widely disbursed that the carpets in the entire home required replacement.
Finding a restoration contractor that works closely with legal counsel is clearly the best avenue for fighting the necessary fight with your insurance company when your energy, emotional capacity, and bank accounts are drained to the point that you don't have the resources to act on your own behalf. Keystone Restoration is a champion for the downtrodden.
We are committed to a 'Just' outcome for our Clients regardless of how difficult the road is to travel. As a Client with fire damage, your greatest challenge is to hold the course and commit to seeing the process through. For more detailed information on fire damage, visit the Residential or Commercial pages on our web site. |
The adjusting arm of this insurance company clearly pursued an avenue of denial and delay of settlement even though the policy clearly provides adequate coverage. This makes the claims process painful for the policyholder and creates a effective deterrent for those who expect their insurance company to settle promptly and fairly. It also allows the insurance company to continue reaping the investment benefits of their Operating Income while the settlement process is being dragged out - instead of fulfilling their obligation as trustee of policyholder premiums.
This photo to the left is a prime example of why leaving even minor hail damages un-detected and/or un-repaired can be costly. This minor hail damage to a fascia/barge board that went un-repaired for five months. If it had been detected and repaired immediately it would have required sanding, priming, and painting. Left untouched for five months, it degraded to the point that the paint was peeling and the wood was rotting. To perform a repair the shingle molding had to be replaced (which required several shingles to be removed and re-installed) and everything had to be sanded, caulked, primed, and painted. If the damage had gone unattended much longer, the expensive replacement of the barge rafter may have been required. Leaving even minor hail damage un-repaired can become VERY costly over time.
Contents - Actual Cash Value (ACV)Nearly all insurance policies pay only the depreciated value of contents. This poses a huge problem for property owners. Does it seem right to receive a check for $30,000 for your damaged/lost belongings when it will cost $90,000 to replace them? Of course not! Nearly all insurance companies offer a fairly low cost-option to cover the replacement of contents rather than Actual Cash Value.
Pick up the phone and fix your insurance policy RIGHT NOW and make sure you have a "RCV" policy! Also, start documenting the property that you own today. State Farm provides an excellent checklist. They also have an excellent Personal Property Form which you can use for any type of loss. |
Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
Homeowner's Insurance usually lists ALE under Coverage D - Loss of Use. Loss of Use creates problems for property owners. For commercial property, Loss of Use often means loss of income. Sadly, many commercial insurance policies do not properly address this issue. In 2006 a horse ranch in Central Oregon that specializes in riding classes and hosting events experienced substantial damage from hail and wind. The horses were beaten so badly by the hailstones that they could not be ridden for more than two weeks. Repairs to the property also substantially impacted the ranch's business operations. The insurance company paid for repairing the structures on the property but the lost business income could not be recovered. The property owners' insurance agent had put them in a Farm policy instead of a Ranch policy. They had coverage for damaged crops but nothing for Loss of Use! Too bad they didn't grow crops! For a homeowner, ALE means any necessary increases in living expenses incurred by the homeowner so that the household can maintain its normal standard of living. This would cover temporary housing, Laundry & dry cleaning, meals, boarding costs for pets, increased transportation costs (drive further to get to work/school), furniture rental, relocation & storage expenses, telephone & utility installation costs at a temporary residence, etc. This area is often overlooked and causes most claimants substantial financial discomfort. Most insurance companies will pay advances to help with ALE but will not offer - you have to ask. Click HERE for an excellent ALE worksheet.
