10 pts! Help please with insurance problem?

Question

The condo above a place my parents owned had a water accident. My insurance company has asked for a "Standard Unit Definition"...basically a list of what the condo association has insured.

My insurance company has asked me to get this from my condo...but I am having a difficult time as the condo people are reluctant to give it to me, and I work midnights, so the days the office is open, I am usually sleeping.

Is it my responsibility to get the papers or can my insurance company do this

Answer 1

If you need the claims urgently, I believes you will definitely willing to sacrifice a few hr of your sleeps to get it.

Alternative, get your insurance agents to assist you, I believe they will be more than glad to lend you a helping hand.

Answer 2

The insurance company is balking because you may not be responsible for the damage. Has the condo association filed a claim with their carrier?

Your condo association purchases insurance on the building and premises. Broadly speaking there are two approaches condo bylaws take to insure the property.

One approach is the condo association agrees to cover only the exterior and common areas. You are responsible to insure the interior this can include walls, wall coverings, flooring, furnace, appliances, lighting, plumbing fixtures, kitchen and bath cabinets (basically everything inside your condo). In this scenario you are responsible not only for your personal property but also the entire interior of your condo. As an insurance agent I did not like this approach because it is very difficult to determine how much insurance you should have to be able to repair or replace everything in within the walls of your condo.

The other approach, which I always preferred, was more comprehensive where the association agrees to cover the entire unit as it was originally built. In this scenario you only insure your upgrades (i.e. bookcases, upgrades, finished basements. etc.) and your personal property.

This is why your insurance company wants to know who is responsible for what. Some one has a copy off the bylaws your parents would have received a copy when they purchased their unit. The associations attorney would have a copy or check with the city assessor or check with the State as the bylaws have to be filed and approved.

When you get the claim straightened out. You need to carefully review those condo bylaws or have a good insurance agent go over the bylaws with you. I'm not sure how your parents knew what to insure when they bought their homeowners policy. They could be woefully under insured and perhaps unable to rebuild their condo.

Sorry for the long answer but it is a surprisingly complex question.

Answer 3

Honestly, I would do everything within your power to help out your insurance company.  Even if it means staying up late during their hours to do so.  Any help you can give your insurance could mean a big difference in how smoothly the entire process goes

Answer 4

yes, its your responsibility.  you need to comply with everything your adjuster asks your help on.  your association should provide you this without hesitation.  as the owner of the condo you have a right to this paperwork.  put the request in writing to them and if they do not comply, let your adjuster know and see if he can help

Answer 5

Your insurance company CANNOT do this.  It's also not your responsibility - it's your PARENTS responsibility - they own the unit.