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Wednesday May 28, 1997
I am an insurance broker for many insurers, and my experience is that on losses less than $50k most claims are paid with a majority of clients being happy. The problem with many insurers losses in excess of $100k, insurers are attempting to save themselves10-15% of the loss trying not to pay and putting clients through the ropes to pay less.
Unfortunately you had a major loss and the insurer is trying to save $$$ any way they can, which by the sounds of it includes a shoddy contractor, which has done in the past it appears like a lot of work for CU.
You were in no way married to CU's list of contractors and its like hiring any contractor you should have references, etc... This is probably some sleaseball contractor whom has undercut other reputable contractors by entering into a contract with CU for a flat rate i.e $35/hr. to do their restoration work for them.
A proper bidding of work should have been obtained by three reputable firms to complete the work. You will not likely get much dissatified claims responses as 99% of losses are less than $50k and are probably handled to customer satisfaction, but if you were able to obtain a list of all insureds whom had a large claim with any insurer, you would likely experience the same agravation with their insurer.
Good Luck, dont't give up the fight
Ken Armstrong
armyken@globalserve.on.ca
HJM Insurance Brokers
na, Canada
Brefni's Response
In the mean, lean 90's some insurers have started to redeuce payouts on smaller claims, reduce payouts over all by up to 60 to 70% and have a number of "shoddy" contractors bid to justify their settlement offer on larger claims. A vulnerable family recovering from a disaster is a much easier source of profit than competing against other companies for business or maximizing returns in the financial markets. If consumers can network with each other this could change. Sites like this one are I believe a small step in that direction. Thanks for the response.
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