denied damage to other structures Doris Bailey asked 1 year ago
denied damage to other structures

My home in Louisiana was damaged due to Hurricane Ida. My adjuster denied claims to an outside storage shed, stating that the damage was due to some fencing that I had leaning on the outside of the shed and that it had occurred prior to the storm. I asked that he prove that it was not caused by the over 100 mile a hour winds in my areas. There was also damage to the interior of the shed–seams pulled apart, doors hanging from the walls, shelves inside the shed hanging off the wall. I asked that he provide me with his assessment of the shed prior to the storm that would support his claim, but he ignored me. I sent pictures of damages to my neighbor’s home in the same direction as where the fencing was. Lights mashed, utility poles down, and he still ignored it. He said that because I could not provide him with pictures of all four sides of the shed it would not be covered. Because the pictures of the damage from my neighbors property weren’t a complete set, they couldn’t be used to support my claim of wind damage. The reports that I sent from the national weather service of the wind velocity and damages in my area were also ignored. I don’t know what else to do. While the shed may be a small thing, it is mine and I want it covered. He has repeatedly ignored requests to provide me reasons for denials. I used your sample letters for request for reason of denial and they have all gone ignored. Please help.

1 Answers
Selina Clark Selina Clark Expert answered 1 year ago

Thank you for reaching out. First of all, the adjuster/insurance carrier is required by law to provide you with a written denial letter that explains the reason(s) they are denying coverage for the shed, and it would include the policy language to support the denial. Depending on your carrier, they will address this under Dwelling Extensions/Other Structures. If it is a portable shed, then it should be addressed under Personal Property/Contents. I would contact your adjuster one last time and request the denial letter. There is a sample letter addressing this situation on the United Policyholders website that you can modify for your use. If you do not receive the denial letter within 7-10 days, you can try contacting your agent to see if they can assist. If you do not get resolution, you can contact the LA Dept. of Insurance and file a complaint. The insurance carrier is then required to review your claim and provide a written response to the Dept. of Insurance. Good luck!