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Jamie Said:

Should I replace my A/C compressor, or condenser, or whole system?

We Answered:

It really depends on your finances. If you can afford to, I would replace the whole system with new. The higher SEER rating will mean lower electric bills. But if you can't afford to do this now, let the insurance replace the compressor. Just make sure the people that do the job flush the whole system clean to remove any acids that might remain from the compressor burning out. Otherwise, it might ruin the new compressor in short order.

Miriam Said:

Recently my stove caught fire and i was wondering what the insurance company is responsible for.?

We Answered:

Regarding your deductible: When your mother purchased her insurance policy, she agreed to pay for the first $x.xx of damage if the insurance company paid for everything after that.

In some cases you can purchase a no deductible policy. But that is very rare for someone to do. The lower your deductible....the higher your premium.

You have health insurance you pay for every month - usually through a deduction in your pay check. Yet you pay your health insurance deductible each year with out accusing the health insurance company of being criminal.

The main difference between a health insurance deductible and a homeowners deductible: a health insurance deductible applies per year. A homeowner deductible applies per occurrence. So, each time you file a claim the deductible applies.

In short: your deductible is not "bull" it's not "criminal".

The deductible is a contractual agreement your parents made when they took out their policy. In return, they paid a lower premium.

As far as food goes: no, the insurance company does not pay for every morsel of food you eat. But they do help you if you have to eat out.

Here's why: if the loss never happened....you still have to eat. You still incur the cost of eating. But, if your stove is not operable and now you have to eat out...rather than cook: your eating expenses are increased. So, the insurance company will use the Coverage D (Loss of Use) on your policy to help with this increased cost.

In general, as long as you are reasonable in your eating out expenses...you won't have a problem. Your stove may not work...but you can still eat a bowl of cereal for breakfast and a sandwich at lunch. So your only increased expense would be dinner. When you go to eat out....eat as if you are not getting paid back. That way you don't get too crazy with the eating out.

As far as what they owe: if the stove, microwave etc is damaged - they will pay to replace it with like kind and quality. If you want to upgrade your appliances, you can. But you pay the difference for that.

As far as cleaning goes: no, they do not pay for a maid.

They pay for a fire damage restoration company to come in and clean/paint. This is way more than a maid can do. Additionally, fire damage can't be cleaned the same way normal house cleaning is done. They use special processes that are made for smoke.

The good thing about the restoration company- they are "turn key". Meaning they can come in and handle everything. You can choose a restoration company of your own to work with....or the insurance adjuster can call in one they know. If you don't have a company you have worked with before - go ahead and tell the insurance company to bring in one they know.

Now a days, its seems like every fool with a carpet cleaning machine and a box truck is hanging a shingle out and getting into the restoration business. You don't want to get one of these fools. So if you don't have a company you really want to use...go ahead and tell the adjuster to call a company they trust.

I have 2 companies that I really like to use. They do quality work and are honest. If I had a fire in my home, I'd call one of these two companies. My personal opinion...if I won't consider using them on my home....I won't put them on one of my customer's homes.

As far as what you are owed: the insurance company owes to put you back in the position you were in prior to the loss. Honestly, you'll probably end up better because your house and contents will have been cleaned from top to bottom. At the least, the ceilings in your home may be painted and if the smoke damage is bad enough...the entire house may be painted.

Joy Said:

Lawyers or law buffs, I have appliance insurance and just had the most awful repair done--what can I do?

We Answered:

First, I would contact the company that handled the repair and ask that they send a supervisor out to inspect the work. Most likely, that will result in a followup visit to modify the repair.

Your next step would be to contact the Better Business Bureau.

Legal efforts might not be that efficient, as I will guarantee your insurance has a line stating that the unit "will be repaired to operating condition" or similar, and technically that has been done.

Gerald Said:

Tax Energy Efficiency Act of 2005?

We Answered:

U can't claim the energy tax credit due to the fact that u only paid a dedectible to have it installed instead of the whole amount and the hot water tank should be .80 all brand new tanks with the exception of some are required to at least .80 but the verdict about it is still being debated and if u paid the full price you'd only get a slight deduction anyway.U can find out more info by visiting the Department Of Energy website

Sam Said:

I have a home warranty which essentially repair insurance - is that cost tax deductible?

We Answered:

If this is your home, no deduction.

If this is rental property, it's deductible.