Fire insurance adjuster bad faith? (Washington State)?

Question

Our fire adjuster for our rental insurance won't return phone calls (4 in a row, over a few weeks). We had total replacement value of our stuff. At the beginning (last July) working with her was very easy, but in March she started to completely ignore us. I was finishing up the first year of law school, so my end moved slow, but I continually asked her if she was ok with the pace, and she said she was. When I finally pieced together my first draft of a list to get reimbursed, she started ignoring me. I don't know who her supervisor is.

I mostly am trying to ask her questions, not asking for $$.

Should I just replace all the stuff that I am need to without checking in, or should I get an attorney to sue? Here in Washington, if the insurance agent acts in bad faith they are responsible for attorney's fees, but if this ruins my chances of getting a reasonable settlement....

Thanks

Answer 1

I would contact your insurance company to complain then if no results to your state insurance commission then if no results court

Answer 2

Too early to get an attorney. If what you really need/want are answers then all you need to do is talk to her claim manager.

Call the office and hit 0 for the operator and tell them you want to talk to the claim manager who is responsible for the city your property is in. Be polite and professional. If you have them tell the manager the dates you called that you got no response. Then make sure to give the manager the list of questions you have. The manager may be able to help you right away or they may have to review the file first since they do not see every file in the office.

If that doesn't work file a complaint against the company with your states insurance commissioner that will get things going.

Good Luck

Answer 3

You need to ask your agent to step in and get something happening here.  The adjuster is NOT our agent.  ANd who knows, maybe she's out on maternity leave, and the claim fell off to the side.

CALL YOUR AGENT.

And, for the record, they don't want a draft.  They want a real list.  And a proof of loss.  You need to get her the real list and a proof of loss.  Your agent can give you an initial list of exactly what you need to get her.

Feel free to replace stuff, but don't get rid of any of the old, damaged stuff.