It was about four years ago when I processed claims for them out of a
call center, here in Kentucky.
I can't remember if New Jersey has public adjusters like PA and NY, but
if so, they're a pretty good avenue when the insurance company starts
jerking you around. That's something you might consider passing along to
people who are getting the runaround. They generally get every dime they
possibly can from insurance companies (for a cut of the action, obviously).
I don't know if you already have a contractor in mind for repairs, but
if not, that ought to be a top priority. And, if it's at all possible,
you should arrange for them to be on-site when the insurance adjuster
does his inspection. That helps to speed the process along since they
can often come to a preliminary agreement on the payout right there on
the spot, and the contractor can point out damage that the adjuster
might otherwise miss (ignore?).
I know how you feel WRT the lack of electricity and other amenities.
When we had the ice storm here in 2009, we were without power for over a
month. Fortunately, we had a gas grill and water heater and one of those
ventless gas fireplaces -- then, eventually, a generator. And, if there
was anything good to come out of the whole thing, it was the fact that I
had percolated coffee for the first time in many years. I actually
missed it once the electricity was returned.
-- Walt
On 11/5/2012 7:53 AM, Daniel J. Matyola wrote:
Thanks, Walt.
I don't know where or when you processed claims for Allstate, but they
are know among NJ Attorneys for being the most difficult Insurance
Company with which to deal. I have had three clients whom have had
extremely unpleasant dealings with them. Both my mother and my sister
worked for Allstate years back, and they were never like that.
We are now in our seventh day of no heat or electric at home, and it
is getting very tiresome. To add insult to injury, there was a (very
minor) earthquake in North Jersey this morning, and we are expecting
Nor'easter sometime Wednesday. I have several friends whose homes
have private wells and septic systems; they don't even ha ve water,
let alone hot water, which we do have, so I count my blessings. The
office i pretty much back to normal.
My polling place is a local school, which is still out, so we are
supposed to vote in a trailer behind the municipal building. Jersey
is also allowing people to vote by fax or email; one submits an
application for absentee ballot by fax or email, they send you back
the ballot, and you return it the same way.
Dan Matyola
http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/danieljmatyola
On Mon, Nov 5, 2012 at 8:20 AM, Walt <[email protected]> wrote:
Sorry to hear it's taking so long to get back to civilization, Dan. But, I
am glad you didn't suffer greater losses than you did.
I used to process homeowners claims for Allstate and always advised people
to itemize the contents of their freezers and refrigerators since most
homeowners policies do cover food loss. I can't tell you how many people I
talked to who had thrown everything out without making a list or any kind of
estimate, on the assumption that it wasn't covered.
Hang in there. Hope they get you back up and running soon, and suspect your
son is more than happy to do what he can for you right now.
-- Walt
On 11/4/2012 3:26 PM, Daniel J. Matyola wrote:
We are still without power, phone, heat, refrigerators, TV or internet
at home. I am visiting my son in Somerville, who never lost power, to
get warm and check emails.
I thought we had escaped without damage, but I found out late
yesterday that two large tree were downed at our rental house, and
damaged the attached garage and broke the window and window frame of
the neighboring house. I visited the site today, and called the
insurance company (USAA) to start a claim. While on the line, I found
out that I have coverage for spoiled food because of the storm. We
gave her an estimate over the phone, and the money was immediately
transferred into my account. I suggest that all those who lost
significant amounts of food check with their carriers.
I am very weary of the cold, the dark and the boredom at home. I'm
sure my son is tired of his parents coming over to watch TV and check
email, but we are making him a nice dinner.
Dan Matyola
http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/danieljmatyola
On Sun, Nov 4, 2012 at 11:11 AM, Christine Aguila <[email protected]>
wrote:
Well, those uprooted trees are pretty dramatic. Sorry to hear about your
power, hope it's restored soon. Stay safe, Dan. Cheers, Christine
On Nov 2, 2012, at 4:05 PM, Jack Davis <[email protected]> wrote:
Gas price is less there that here in northern California. That likely
doesn't help much. ;-)
Hope the services are all back on very soon.
Thanks for the snaps, Dan!
Jack
----- Original Message -----
From: Daniel J. Matyola <[email protected]>
To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List <[email protected]>
Cc:
Sent: Friday, November 2, 2012 1:23 PM
Subject: GESO: Sandy's Visit to My Neighborhood
The damage in our area was not severe, but we are without heat and
electricity for five days now. The following images are not dramatic,
nor do they have any artistic value, but they show what has happened
in my immediate area.
http://photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=1043197
Dan
Dan Matyola
http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/danieljmatyola
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