Brown Buildings in Reidsville, NC is a client that delivers storage sheds, and we insure their pickup and trailers used to haul these structures. One specialty trailer was recently in an accident and, although damages to repair it were less than $4,000, the insurance company declared it a total loss. Brown Buildings was understandably upset because this trailer was specifically designed to load, transport, and set in place a fully constructed shed on their customer’s property. They wanted it repaired and believed the insurance company’s estimate of its value was too low. This trailer’s loading system could pull a heavy shed onto the trailer as well as gently set it in place for the customer. The entire bed would tilt up using hydraulics to facilitate the process. Brand new, such a custom setup costs $35,000, yet the insurance company was going to total the trailer over only $4,000 in repairs.
When asking an insurance company to reconsider a decision, it is important to have all the information for a smooth process. Our claims team worked with the client to obtain photographs of the trailer, details on its construction and capabilities, then went to work researching the trailer’s value so we would have everything needed to fight for them. We presented a full report to the insurance company and, upon review, they reversed their decision and instead paid for repairs. Our investigation brought to light the insurance appraiser had mistakenly used a standard dump trailer for comparison values, resulting in a much lower valuation.
Bankers Insurance staffs an entire claims team for situations just like this. When mistakes, oversights, or simple misunderstandings due to incomplete information occur, our clients not only have a claims specialist to lobby for them, but that claims specialist is backed by the full weight of this large agency should it be needed. We understand the claims process, insurance policy language, and are familiar with most issues that may arise. Clients need a claims advocate for situations such as this. To be clear, the insurance company wasn’t trying to get out of paying a claim. In fact, we’ve had very good experience with this company. Rather, they simply needed someone to provide them a more complete perspective.
Insurance, when properly managed, does exactly what its supposed to do. Insurance pays.
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