AboutDeanna Terry Expertise I am qualified to answer questions about home owners personal property claims, especially fire claims. I am able to answer questions about A.C.V vs. Replacement Cost as well as the reality behind cleaning and restoration. I can answer questions regarding policy compliance as well as questions of what to do when you don't agree with the insurance company's adjuster.
Experience I have over 5 years of experience adjusting claims for home owners, not insurance companies. I was also a fire victim. I am the founder and President of a non-profit organization that assists fire victims in specific counties with filling out and filing their personal property claims.
Organizations President of 1st Hand fire victims assistance program
Education/Credentials Associates Degree in Business Administration
Specialty Courses in Insurance Adjusting
State Civil testing
Yearly Continuing education
Awards and Honors United Way Award for Community Service to Fire Victims
Question QUESTION: I am helping by parents work with state farm insurance after a fire destroyed there house last fall. There policy includes a rider for increased debris removal. I have asked the claim rep for information on the additional coverage for debris removal,but have not received any thing. I want to evaluate my parents loss to see if the additional debris removal coverage applies. Can you provide information on determining if the additional coverage applies.
ANSWER: Hi Scott,
I will do the best I can to answer your question.
The basic idea is there is usually 5% coverage above the policy limits for debris removal which applies separately to coverage A (dwelling) and coverage C (content or personal property)
Please note, I am going by the standard Statefarm contract as I do not know exactly what your contract says.
Therefore if you had $100,000 on the building you would be entitled up to an additional $5,000 for debris removal of dwelling materials IF NEEDED. Same with content, if there is $50,000 in content coverage you have an additional$2,500 for content debris removal.
I hope this information has helped. Please let me know if you need me to clarify something.
Good Luck!
Deanna
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QUESTION: Who and how is the the "if needed" determined? The claim representative seem reluctant to provide information.
Answer Hi Scott,
"If Needed" is determined by the limits. If the dwelling would require the full (called reaching or exceeding limits of liablility) $100,000 then the 5% additional coverage for debris removal would apply but only up to the amount needed. If the debris removal is $2500 and you have $5000 additional coverage, they will pay the $2500. If the debris removal is $5500 they will pay $5000.
