Home Insurance Forum

Sep. 9, 2007

There was recently a fire on the outdoor deck attached to our house. Thankfully, no one was hurt and my house is OK inside.

The fire department estimated the damage to be at least $10,000 — shingles must be replaced, along with gutters, soffits, and so on. The deck even had a custom-built gazebo on one end. Only the joists might be salvageable.

Allstate has given me an estimate of $4,400 for everything. I know that amount will not even cover the deck, even though I have yet to get a contractor's estimate.

I don't believe depreciation should factor in. The deck is five years old and materials and construction costs have gone up quite a bit since then. I have been advised to consult a public adjuster. I am insured for at least 80 percent of the value of my home. I have been with Allstate for almost 40 years and the only claim I ever filed was years ago when Hurricane Bob paid a visit.

Marilyn, Rhode Island

Dear Marilyn,

I spoke with Amanda May, a spokesperson for Allstate. She says she was glad I called because it alerted them to the fact that they were waiting to hear back from you about the claim. Hopefully, someone from Allstate will have contacted you by the time you read this.

May says you are currently at "Step 8" of Allstate's nine-step claims process: "If the insured obtains a contractor after the loss is settled, the insured is instructed to have the contractor review the estimate and contact the adjuster with any discrepancies."

The last step: "Every attempt is made to reach an agreed price with the contractor and resolve any discrepancies. If additional money is owed, a supplemental estimate is prepared and a check issued."

If you haven't yet consulted a local contractor about the cost to rebuild your deck, I would do so immediately. This will help speed up the claims process.

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