toomuchreality
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Post by toomuchreality on Jun 20, 2019 23:00:35 GMT -5
My apt almost burned down this morning! Around 4am. Scared the bejesus outta me! www.facebook.com/SLCfire/videos/2314400115319240/ I hope this video works! Dang it! Tennesseer can you help me with this video? Please? www.facebook.com/SLCfire/videos/2314400115319240/This video was taken by the fire dept as they were arriving. It was a 2 alarm fire. The bldg that burned down was next to/across from mine. I live on the 3rd floor, which is the same level as the worst part of the fire, so the heat and the smoke were intense! This is the first picture I took, just as the fire dept was arriving. (Fire had just started- It got significantly worse/bigger.) Luckily all the people and pets got out safely. It really was SO scary, and unnerving, knowing that was going on while I tried to grab a few items, in case they did evacuate my building. I expected to be evacuated within minutes. Luckily I wasn't. I have renters insurance / home owners. I think I'm going to see about filing an insurance claim, for smoke damage. (moving furniture out and having carpet deep cleaned, having all my clothing, bedding etc washed/cleaned.) I'm not sure what else. I will have to hire someone to move my furniture. I couldn't do it no matter how hard I try. Does anyone have any experience, thoughts or suggestions about making an insurance claim of this type? What should I watch for, or be careful of? What other things should I possibly get done/do -include in my claim?I've been pretty overwhelmed today. Tonight there is a light wind blowing, so I keep hearing parts of the building sway, or fall down/ give way. It's rather unsettling. I am exhausted, but don't feel like I'm going to be able to sleep. My anxiety is very high still, although it has dropped significantly since this morning. It feels odd to post so much about my personal life on here... I may remove it. Not sure.
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irishpad
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Post by irishpad on Jun 20, 2019 23:08:41 GMT -5
TMR, I don't have any experience with filing a claim like this. Just wanted to say that I'm so glad you were not harmed and that your building/apartment did not have more serious damage. Take Care
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on Jun 20, 2019 23:33:57 GMT -5
TMR, I don't have any experience with filing a claim like this. Just wanted to say that I'm so glad you were not harmed and that your building/apartment did not have more serious damage. Take Care Agree. As long as the firefighters have said your building is safe, I would try to relax and sleep tonight. Once you are a little more rested, it may become clearer on what needs to be done. Hugs. I have had 2 sets of friends evacuate last year and stay with us. It is unnerving not to know what will happen.
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Jun 20, 2019 23:37:57 GMT -5
toomuchreality - found a video of the fire on YouTube. Not the same video as in the Facebook link you provided - same address. But the Youtube video does show much more. No sound. Just the video. Glad you are safe. While I have used renters insurance before, it was not for a fire but burglarized electronics. So no experience in what you are looking for.
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wyouser
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Post by wyouser on Jun 21, 2019 6:23:16 GMT -5
Really glad you are ok! Definitely file a claim with your carrier. Keep tabs of your time and any expenses involved in protecting your property. They may be able to help with expenses if you have to leave your apt for a time while they deal with any smoke damage.
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Jun 21, 2019 6:56:33 GMT -5
WOW so glad you are OK. And yes to what others say about filing. The worst that can happen is claim is denied.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Jun 21, 2019 7:02:55 GMT -5
Glad you are OK. We deal with this stuff in hurricane territory, but not so much with fires. Document every single expense, from what you pay to clean stuff, to travel expenses to drive to and from the cleaners to pick up your worldly goods. If you need to eat out, keep those receipts. Any clothes, linens, food, medicines, electronics you have to replace -- keep those receipts. Anything not covered by insurance may be deductible for next year's taxes: this might help:
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 21, 2019 7:09:01 GMT -5
Had a similar experience with a fire in the building I lived in.
It was at the other end of a low sprawling complex, so just smoke damage.
I was18 years old and didn't even think of having renters insurance.
Ended up tossing all the cloth furniture items, and washing everything else down by the pool.
For a kid, the only tragedy was that my parakeet died from the smoke.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jun 21, 2019 9:12:12 GMT -5
No more tax deductions for personal casualty losses under the new tax law unless it is in a presidentially declared disaster area and is a result of the disaster. www.ajccpas.com/blog/personal-casualty-losses-axed-by-the-new-tax-law/43101For tax years 2018 through 2025, the Act has suspended the itemized deduction for personal casualty and theft losses. Prior to this change in law, personal casualty or theft losses were only deductible to the extent they exceeded $100 per casualty or theft event. In addition, the aggregate net casualty and theft losses for the year were deductible by those who itemized their deductions but only to the extent that the loss exceeded 10% of an individual's adjusted gross income (AGI). There is an exception to the suspension, in which a taxpayer has a gain as a result of another casualty (the insurance or other reimbursement is more than the loss), in which case the loss would be allowed to the extent of another casualty gain. The Act did, however, retain a deduction for qualified disaster-related personal casualty losses for years 2018 through 2025. A qualified disaster-related personal casualty loss is one that occurs in a presidentially declared disaster area and is a result of the disaster.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jun 21, 2019 9:12:52 GMT -5
I'm sorry this happened to you and I'm glad you are okay.
I would definitely look in to filing a claim on your renter's insurance.
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bean29
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Post by bean29 on Jun 21, 2019 9:18:23 GMT -5
So often people act like your insurance agent is your enemy. I think you should call your insurance agent and ask how to proceed and what is covered/not covered.
I am sorry you are experiencing this, but glad they were able to contain the fire and that you do have renter's insurance.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jun 21, 2019 11:01:51 GMT -5
Too many people do not have renter's insurance. You were smart and have renter's insurance.
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Icelandic Woman
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Post by Icelandic Woman on Jun 21, 2019 12:13:45 GMT -5
Glad to hear you are okay TMR!
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skeeter
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Post by skeeter on Jun 21, 2019 18:59:25 GMT -5
Cannot even begin to imagine how nervous and scared you must have been while the fire was blazing. Glad you didn't get hurt physically and hope your insurance agent is able to help you through the process of getting rid of the smoke damage.
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ners
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Post by ners on Jun 21, 2019 19:01:37 GMT -5
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toomuchreality
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Post by toomuchreality on Jun 22, 2019 12:45:55 GMT -5
Thank you everyone! Your thoughts and kindness are very much appreciated. I have to leave for a few days, so have to make this short. But I will respond more when I get back home. Thank you ALL again! I hope you are well. ♥♥♥
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jun 22, 2019 13:05:37 GMT -5
Hugs, TMR. Glad you are safe — we like having you around here. 😘
Not a fire, and not renter’s but homeowner’s insurance, but I did have a significant claim. Call your agent ASAP to have a claim opened — any delay in notifying the insurer works against you. Take a ton of pics of your items AND of the burned building — especially how close it is to your unit. The fire was big enough that I am sure most insurers are already on alert for potential claims, which is helpful. You will only have to document YOUR losses/damage.
The insurance company will send an adjuster out to inspect the damage and prepare an estimate. Be certain to point out any belongings that will retain smoke (especially clothing, drapes, scatter rugs, books, album covers, etc.). Also, if anything is a total loss, you must hold on to it until the claim is settled.
As others have said, document, document, document with every receipt. There are clean-up services out there like Serve Pro who will come in and move furniture, clean carpets and upholstery, wipe down walls (any soot on them?), etc. My personal experience is that you be very careful who you hire for that work — check references and online reviews. You do NOT need to use who the insurance company recommends even though you might get pressure to do so.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jun 22, 2019 13:10:32 GMT -5
Oh, and IMMEDIATELY ask for a copy of your complete policy. You likely only have the coverage selections pages. YOU need to know what is covered, and what is excluded, and what your coverage limits are. Study your COMPLETE policy like you’re having a test your life depends on tomorrow. FOLLOW IT TO A “T”. DO NOT rely on your agent or the adjuster to tell you what is covered. YOUR POLICY rules. Nothing else. Keep us posted!!
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dannylion
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Post by dannylion on Jun 22, 2019 14:14:16 GMT -5
Glad you are all right, TMR. That must have been very frightening. No advice, just hoping you can get your claim settled without a lot of aggravation.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Jun 22, 2019 19:47:55 GMT -5
Yikes! I'm glad you're okay!
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toomuchreality
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Post by toomuchreality on Jun 23, 2019 2:10:23 GMT -5
All I know for sure is... State Farm in Not Like a good neighbor. I think they must send them to school, to teach them how to not be helpful.
I did call them. I was less than impressed.
In my life, I have filed 1 claim. (For my purse that was stolen at Walmart about12 yrs ago). It was a horrible experience. The claims adjuster thought I shouldn't have anything more in my large purse, than he carried in his wallet. Seriously.?!?
They are not being any more helpful this time around.
It seems like if they make things difficult enough, you wont file the claim after all. They may be correct.
Your insurance company should not be the one that makes you want to kill yourself, rather than deal with them.
Ugh.
I need to find a new company.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2019 9:35:41 GMT -5
All I know for sure is... State Farm in Not Like a good neighbor. I think they must send them to school, to teach them how to not be helpful. I did call them. I was less than impressed. In my life, I have filed 1 claim. (For my purse that was stolen at Walmart about12 yrs ago). It was a horrible experience. The claims adjuster thought I shouldn't have anything more in my large purse, than he carried in his wallet. Seriously.?!? They are not being any more helpful this time around. It seems like if they make things difficult enough, you wont file the claim after all. They may be correct. Your insurance company should not be the one that makes you want to kill yourself, rather than deal with them. Ugh. I need to find a new company. Interesting. I have state farm for everything. I hit a deer while back and they quickly, politely, took care of everything. I wonder if it's just your agent ? They are like a franchise, and their business lives and dies by their own handling of customers. Might not be the company, per say.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jun 23, 2019 16:02:55 GMT -5
When State Farm was my insurer, my car was hit during the night while I was asleep. I had no issues with them at all.
With State Farm, it's definitely about the agent. I ended up not filing a claim when my basement flooded because it didn't exceed the deductible by enough that I wanted to risk a rate increase, but the agent's office was extremely helpful in answering my questions and in getting somebody out here to get the water out within 24 hours.
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kadee79
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Post by kadee79 on Jun 23, 2019 18:02:32 GMT -5
I had issues with both State Farm & Allstate years ago in both Ill. & Ca....so never again.
We use an independent insurance broker now who finds the best deals with reputable companies to fit your needs. We had to put in a storm damage claim just a few months ago...hail. They sent the adjuster and she went over everything with a fine tooth comb...then suggested who to call for a second opinion & repairs...we called them, they sent out a rep...nothing needed, but we still got a check in the mail for our time involved in cleaning up all the mess and preventing it from getting worse.
We also had pictures of the hail....which helped our claim...so all the pictures you have...save them!
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Jun 24, 2019 7:25:59 GMT -5
When State Farm was my insurer, my car was hit during the night while I was asleep. I had no issues with them at all. With State Farm, it's definitely about the agent. I ended up not filing a claim when my basement flooded because it didn't exceed the deductible by enough that I wanted to risk a rate increase, but the agent's office was extremely helpful in answering my questions and in getting somebody out here to get the water out within 24 hours. Trued words were never spoken. I had State Farm as did a lot of my friends. Different agents amongst us and given all the crap I had happened between my son and me for a few years running my agent was an angel and other friends had all kinds of grief when filing claim.
Should add that my first claim amounted to $87,000 (loaned my car to friend and involved in wreck - back in 1982). Won't go into details but handled as smoothly as could be and it wasn't exactly simple since car title hadn't been changed over to me, etc - since divorce finalized on Friday and wreck on Saturday but agent worked everything out.
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toomuchreality
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Post by toomuchreality on Jun 25, 2019 15:36:55 GMT -5
FWIW- My issues with State Farm have not been with, or at the agent level. I had the same agent for prob 20+ years. Never had a problem. In fact, the woman I spoke with 95% of the time was fabulous. When I considered changing, she was the reason I stayed. Unfortunately, my agent retired 1-2 yrs ago and my account was passed along to another agent. The issues I've had have all occurred once I needed help beyond my agent's office. I have no idea why, other than they were just trying not to pay. Although I did get my car windshield replaced a few months ago and didn't have any trouble with that. It has only been the 2 times I needed to file against my renters insurance that they've not been helpful. Just getting info the other day about smoke damage (what I can claim-what's covered) was a PIA! And when I filed my claim for my stolen purse, I had to show receipts for the cell phone I purchased 8-10 years prior, as well as the purse and it's contents- even pens! I could understand this if I was claiming it was a designer purse or even an expensive purse. It wasn't, and my cell phone was an old flip phone. The claims rep really did tell me (not joking) that "he doesn't carry all that stuff in his wallet". Ridiculous statement, if you ask me. I happen to love pens, as in Gelly Roll, G2, Energel, and Flair etc. And I like colors, so I carry many pens in my purse. He treated me as if I were claiming multiple sets of Cross pens or something! Who saves ALL their receipts for everything they purchase, for 10 years!? Again, ridiculous! When I complained to his boss, I was told that the boss likes the guy and that they even socialize together, so he wasn't going to do anything for me. I thought maybe that was just a bad experience. I'm pretty easy to get along with and do not like confrontation. I stayed with State Farm. Ugh. I have a $500 deductible, so filing a claim might be harder than it's worth. I really did contemplate suicide several times after dealing with the claims adjuster from State Farm before. If I stay, I would like to change agents though. My new/current agent is not convenient at all, and the girl that answers doesn't give me any info/help when I call, she only transfers my call to someone else (not within the agent's office). Frustration is not what I do best!
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skeeter
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Post by skeeter on Jun 25, 2019 18:51:15 GMT -5
TMR....
Really sorry you're having problems with State Farm now on top of what you have already been through! Hope someone, somewhere can help you get what you deserve for your damage and misery.
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toomuchreality
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Post by toomuchreality on Jun 26, 2019 10:50:30 GMT -5
Thanks skeeter (and everyone). You all have been so nice and kind to me, as well as giving me helpful thoughts and suggestions. Even just hearing that some of you have been through something similar, and what you did/did not do, has helped. One day this will be behind me. Hopefully, it's not something I will ever experience again. Too much reality! Heh.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2019 12:12:00 GMT -5
FWIW- My issues with State Farm have not been with, or at the agent level. I had the same agent for prob 20+ years. Never had a problem. In fact, the woman I spoke with 95% of the time was fabulous. When I considered changing, she was the reason I stayed. Unfortunately, my agent retired 1-2 yrs ago and my account was passed along to another agent. The issues I've had have all occurred once I needed help beyond my agent's office. I have no idea why, other than they were just trying not to pay. Although I did get my car windshield replaced a few months ago and didn't have any trouble with that. It has only been the 2 times I needed to file against my renters insurance that they've not been helpful. Just getting info the other day about smoke damage (what I can claim-what's covered) was a PIA! And when I filed my claim for my stolen purse, I had to show receipts for the cell phone I purchased 8-10 years prior, as well as the purse and it's contents- even pens! I could understand this if I was claiming it was a designer purse or even an expensive purse. It wasn't, and my cell phone was an old flip phone. The claims rep really did tell me (not joking) that "he doesn't carry all that stuff in his wallet". Ridiculous statement, if you ask me. I happen to love pens, as in Gelly Roll, G2, Energel, and Flair etc. And I like colors, so I carry many pens in my purse. He treated me as if I were claiming multiple sets of Cross pens or something! Who saves ALL their receipts for everything they purchase, for 10 years!? Again, ridiculous! When I complained to his boss, I was told that the boss likes the guy and that they even socialize together, so he wasn't going to do anything for me. I thought maybe that was just a bad experience. I'm pretty easy to get along with and do not like confrontation. I stayed with State Farm. Ugh. I have a $500 deductible, so filing a claim might be harder than it's worth. I really did contemplate suicide several times after dealing with the claims adjuster from State Farm before. If I stay, I would like to change agents though. My new/current agent is not convenient at all, and the girl that answers doesn't give me any info/help when I call, she only transfers my call to someone else (not within the agent's office). Frustration is not what I do best! Never, ever contemplate suicide because of some dumbass claims adjuster Do contemplate borrowing one of my many guns to help expedite getting the coverage that you pay for. (Humor) Seriously though, I've heard your type of horror story from others. Sorry you had to experience it.
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toomuchreality
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Post by toomuchreality on Jun 27, 2019 23:18:08 GMT -5
FWIW- My issues with State Farm have not been with, or at the agent level. I had the same agent for prob 20+ years. Never had a problem. In fact, the woman I spoke with 95% of the time was fabulous. When I considered changing, she was the reason I stayed. Unfortunately, my agent retired 1-2 yrs ago and my account was passed along to another agent. The issues I've had have all occurred once I needed help beyond my agent's office. I have no idea why, other than they were just trying not to pay. Although I did get my car windshield replaced a few months ago and didn't have any trouble with that. It has only been the 2 times I needed to file against my renters insurance that they've not been helpful. Just getting info the other day about smoke damage (what I can claim-what's covered) was a PIA! And when I filed my claim for my stolen purse, I had to show receipts for the cell phone I purchased 8-10 years prior, as well as the purse and it's contents- even pens! I could understand this if I was claiming it was a designer purse or even an expensive purse. It wasn't, and my cell phone was an old flip phone. The claims rep really did tell me (not joking) that "he doesn't carry all that stuff in his wallet". Ridiculous statement, if you ask me. I happen to love pens, as in Gelly Roll, G2, Energel, and Flair etc. And I like colors, so I carry many pens in my purse. He treated me as if I were claiming multiple sets of Cross pens or something! Who saves ALL their receipts for everything they purchase, for 10 years!? Again, ridiculous! When I complained to his boss, I was told that the boss likes the guy and that they even socialize together, so he wasn't going to do anything for me. I thought maybe that was just a bad experience. I'm pretty easy to get along with and do not like confrontation. I stayed with State Farm. Ugh. I have a $500 deductible, so filing a claim might be harder than it's worth. I really did contemplate suicide several times after dealing with the claims adjuster from State Farm before. If I stay, I would like to change agents though. My new/current agent is not convenient at all, and the girl that answers doesn't give me any info/help when I call, she only transfers my call to someone else (not within the agent's office). Frustration is not what I do best! Never, ever contemplate suicide because of some dumbass claims adjusterDo contemplate borrowing one of my many guns to help expedite getting the coverage that you pay for. (Humor) Seriously though, I've heard your type of horror story from others. Sorry you had to experience it. Agreed. No one should have to experience anything like that. Esp not from your insurance co! But hey, his supervisor likes him, so he must do his job well, huh? (sarcasm) -Kinda funny, their names were Mr White and Mr Brown. Thank you!
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