~8-26-04~ Actual letter

here is the actual letter i sent to the insurance people.

it really did sound better in my head, but then again i was laying in bed from about 2-4am, writing it, so when i finally wrote it the following day, it all didn't come out quite as eloquent and well written.....oh well, i'm sure they are going to deny me anyways!!

To Whom It May Concern: 8-25-04

I am very disappointed in the way that our claim(xxxxx) is being handled.

We have received numerous estimates from various contactors. All of them have stated that to repair/replace the damage to the aluminum siding stated in our damage report would be more costly than to just replace the whole house in vinyl siding.

I recently sent the lowest estimate that we received for all the work to be completed. The only overage was $900. We spoke with a representative who said that they would not cover the house to be done in vinyl. It was also told to the representative that to just replace the 2 sides of aluminum siding would cost more than the adjuster’s estimated cost for the repair. In the adjuster’s quote, he stated that aluminum siding cost $84 a square. We cannot find anywhere/anyone, who only charges $84 a square, even at the 2 company’s you said carry our aluminum siding. Everyone we spoke with said that aluminum costs well over $100 a square (as to vinyl around $50 a square). In explaining this to the representative that we spoke with, his reply was, “That is all they were going to cover,” and that is that. I invite you to call the contractor whose estimate we sent you to confirm the incorrect pricing in this matter; his number is (330) xxxxxx.

My question is that if it clearly states in my homeowner’s policy that “you” will pay the cost to repair or replace with similar construction and for the same use on the premises…. Since it clearly states that “you” will pay this cost, then how can you turn around and tell me “you” are only going to pay “so much” even if we CANNOT find the product for that price? It does not state that “you” will pay the cost to repair or replace, but only so much, and what we want to give you.

Like I recently stated, we were told by EVERY contractor that we called out, that it would be MORE costly to do the 2 sides in aluminum. That is why we turned in the cheapest estimate we had to do the whole house in vinyl.

I would be happy if we could reach some sort of compromise. We are only asking for $900 more. Not the GREATER amount we would need if choosing 2 sides of aluminum.

We would be happy to accept anything else you could offer us to help offset this additional cost. Anything to show us that you are willing to work with us on this matter would greatly be appreciated. We have been a loyal customer to you for many years, with both auto policies and our homeowner’s insurance with you. We chose YOU as our insurance company because you came with high regard and seemed to truly care about your clients. We put our faith and trust in you as an insurance company to “protect” us when needed and help us when troubles should arise. After all, that is what an insurance company is for, and that is why we pay you what we do every month/year.

We would really appreciate your attention to this matter and hope that we can come up with some sort of agreement to satisfy us both.

Thank you for your time,