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Message |
    
bklyntonj
Citizen
Username: Bklyntonj
Post Number: 117
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 8:21 am: | 
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When I moved in, two weeks later my insurance company sent someone to my house (unbeknownst to me) for another inspection. He concluded my roof was not up to par after the policy was issued and cancelled my policy as of next month. I then had a roofing company come out and tell me that half of my roof needed replacing and he wondered why we didn't have any leaks yet.
Now get this, my inspector said nothing about needing a new roof and because of this incident, I've called two insurance companies who sent out inspectors and both are offering me a policy, mentioning absolutely nothing about the roof...
What the *^$$* is going on?
Does anyone know a good inspector who's opinion I can trust? |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 278
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 8:56 am: |
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Can you ask your current insurance company for a "re inspection"?
Something doesn't seem right. That said --
Who was your home inspector? A number of us on MOL have had B A D experiences with a local company. It could be something your home inspector did not catch, either. (if you're not comfortable posting openly -- PM me -- and I'll tell you if it's the same company)
Good luck,
Pete |
bklyntonj
Citizen
Username: Bklyntonj
Post Number: 119
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 9:19 am: |
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You're not kidding something's not right. The inspector I used was William Chow from NJ Inspection Services. The two insurance companies that don't seem to have a problem with my roof are supposedly more scrutinizing than the one that's cancelling me. Go figure... |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 281
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 9:23 am: |
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different inspector...
so -- maybe you're better off with a different insurance company anyway?
good luck!
Pete |
bklyntonj
Citizen
Username: Bklyntonj
Post Number: 120
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 9:34 am: |
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Thanks Pete. I think I'll go with one of the two insurance companies (State Farm).
Oh yeah, New Jersey Manufacturers, are they supposedly the best in the state in homeowners insurance? (just asking, they weren't the ones that cancelled me) |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3588
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 9:57 am: |
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It has been a long, long time since I have been involved in personal lines insurance, but the drill goes something like this.
Most companies use outside inspection services to do these reports. Mostly the company wants to see a picture of the house, although there is a fill in the blank and check the box written report as well concerning roofs, electrical systems, heating systems, condition of walks and driveway, distance to a hydrant and a fire station. Quite often the report is pure fiction. The inspectors are paid, poorly, per inspection and the only way to make a living is to do as many reports as possible. All too often the inspection involves nothing but a Polaroid of the house and some reasonably creative fiction. Throw into the mix that a certain number of inspections have to be negative and a lot of unusual things happen. Quite possibly your roof is not perfect and since the inspector can see this on his drive by, he picked it up. Some companies, the guys out in Warren specifically, tend to do a better job at this than others.
When I was doing personal lines we had cases where the picture wasn’t even of the house we insured. We had a report come back calling the owner a pornographer because he had some art prints in his living room. Well, you get the picture.
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bklyntonj
Citizen
Username: Bklyntonj
Post Number: 121
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 10:11 am: |
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I see your point bobk. Anyone you can recommend in Warren?
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greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 1757
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 10:20 am: |
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Bklyn-
We have State Farm & have been very pleased with them. We work with Barbara out of the Millburn office. She is very good & we've had a couple claims where everyhting went smoothly, the reimbursement amount was reasonable & our rates did not go up. I don't know about the Maplewood office now- we started out with them & when it changed hands, the staff was a nightmare & we moved to the Millburn office. It may be better now.
In terms of NJM - they are our car insurer. If their home policies are anything like their auto (and I have no idea if they are), the rates are quite low, the coverage quite good & if you have several claims in a one year period, they will drop you. They also don't (last time I checked) cover unmarried partners of any gender. The policy would have to be in one name. |
bklyntonj
Citizen
Username: Bklyntonj
Post Number: 122
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 10:37 am: |
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Thanks Greentree, the agent I'm dealing with is Tom out of Union I believe. 908 area code. They seem much more friendly than the cancelling company, Allstate (oops) already. |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3591
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 11:08 am: |
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Warren is kind of code for Chubb and Sons, a large insurance group. They view themselves, probably correctly, as a "cadillac" company.
Greentree, any company is probably going to drop you if you have "if you have several claims in a one year period", especially if you are a new insured.
We use State Farm on Inwood in the village. We have been quite happy with the service Christine has provided. However, be warned that they are threatening to withdraw from writing automobile coverage in New Jersey.
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bklyntonj
Citizen
Username: Bklyntonj
Post Number: 123
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 12:36 pm: |
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Thanks bobk. Chubb is the other company willing to pick me up. |
1-2many
Citizen
Username: Wbg69
Post Number: 433
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 5:13 pm: |
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highly recommend Chubb. agree with the "cadillac" characterization. |
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