"Initially, the insurance offered way less than what it would realistically cost to get something similar."
Yeah, that's pretty common unfortunately. Insurance companies usually base their payouts on standard depreciation and market averages, not your actual replacement costs. Still, documenting everything definitely helps your case—good advice there.
Had something similar happen with my car last year. Insurance gave me a payout based on some "average market value," but when I actually went shopping around, everything decent was way pricier. Felt like they were using outdated numbers or something. Ended up having to pay extra out of pocket just to get something comparable. Makes me wonder how often they update their data...
Felt like they were using outdated numbers or something. Ended up having to pay extra out of pocket just to get something comparable.
That’s exactly what happened with my roof claim a couple years back. Adjuster came out, did the whole song and dance, then the check they cut was barely enough to cover half the actual quotes I got from local roofers. They claimed it was “fair market value,” but I don’t know what market they’re looking at—maybe 2010? I even showed them three written estimates, all higher than their payout, and got the same canned response about “regional averages.”
Honestly, I think they bank on most folks not pushing back. I ended up filing a complaint with my state insurance department and that actually got them to cough up a bit more, but it was still a hassle and didn’t cover everything. Seems like you’ve gotta fight for every dollar or just accept you’ll be out of pocket. Insurance is great until you actually need it... then it’s just hoops and headaches.
Man, I swear they must have a magic 8-ball for pricing. Had a buddy go through the same circus—his “market value” was like half what any roofer would even consider. It’s wild how much legwork you’ve gotta do just to get close to fair. Makes me wonder if they ever update their numbers or just hope we give up.
Makes me wonder if they ever update their numbers or just hope we give up.
Honestly, it feels like they’re stuck in a time warp with those estimates. I had to send my adjuster three different quotes before they’d even budge, and even then it was like pulling teeth. I get that they have formulas, but when’s the last time they actually called a roofer? Sometimes I think they’re just hoping we’ll get tired and settle for whatever.
