Denied Homeowner Insurance Claim

Summary

Haileys homeowner insurance claim was denied by Allstate after her bedroom set and other belongings were damaged due to water. She documented the damage and reached out to Allstate, but they said there is nothing they can do. Hailey has not taken any further steps in resolving her issue and is unsure of her options.

Full Conversation

i put in a homeowner insurance claim through my insurance. There was an inch of water on my floor. They said they are sending an emergency water clean up so we didn’t have to do it. It took them * hours to show up now my bedroom set it ruined. Inspector came said water came up through the ground under my floors and my insurance said my coverage don’t cover this. I understand it is what it is with that but my bedroom set had to sit * hours in this water due to them having emergency water company come out who didn’t even clean this up. Now my insurance won’t even pay for bedroom set I could have tried to save if I wasn’t told to let them clean it. I feel like it’s my insurance fault this is ruined and won’t help me
Did you have a chance to document the damage before the cleanup crew arrived?
Yes I took pictures and videos of all my rooms damaged
What is the name of your insurance company? In Minnesota, insurance companies have a duty to act in good faith and handle claims promptly.
Allstate
What is the specific clause in your insurance policy that Allstate is referring to when denying your claim?

- In Minnesota, insurance companies must provide a clear and specific reason for claim denial.
- For Allstate Insurance, you can contact them at *-*-*-* for further clarification.
They had told me I don’t have floor insurance which I wasn’t even told was a thing when I joined them. If water hits ground before entering my home they said any damage to property or personal property will not be covered now
What steps have you taken after Allstate denied your claim?

In Minnesota, you can file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Commerce if you believe your insurance company is not handling your claim fairly. Their contact number is *-*-*.
This would be my first big step. I explained how I feel this is unfair practice as I was told a cleaning crew would clean and dry my rooms which they did not do. My furniture being forced to sit in this water for them and in the end won’t even be covered. She said there is nothing they can do
Have you considered seeking legal advice or representation to dispute the claim denial? In Minnesota, you have the right to challenge an insurance company's decision.
Would I personally have a fighting chance for this with what I’m saying has happened?
Based on your documentation and the delay in cleanup, you may have a case. Have you consulted with a lawyer specializing in insurance disputes?
I have not. I’m not sure how much that will cost me as I’m thousands of dollars in damage right now I don’t know how to afford that
Have you considered contacting a legal aid service? They often provide free or low-cost legal assistance. In Minnesota, you can reach out to Legal Aid Service at *-*-*-*.
I have not, I wasn’t sure where to even go to get a second opinion on this
What is the extent of the damage to your property and personal belongings? In Minnesota, you can contact the Minnesota Legal Services Coalition at *-*-* for free legal advice.
All my walls along the floor, baseboard trim, all flooring in basement. My bedroom set, my dogs bed. Some random packages I had in my closet that I haven’t opened or put up yet
What is the estimated cost of the damage to your property and personal belongings?
I would estimate around *-* thousand
Have you considered filing a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Commerce against Allstate for their handling of your claim? In Minnesota, they oversee insurance companies and can be reached at *-*-*.
I have not yet
What is the policy number of your insurance with Allstate? In Minnesota, you can file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Their contact number is *-*-*.
perfect thank you. I am not sure what it is off hand
Could you please find your policy number? It will be helpful in filing a complaint or discussing your case with a lawyer.