Legal Question in Insurance Law in Georgia

Hello! I recently filed a claim for damaged floors with my homeowner's insurance. Three flooring companies have said the best course of action is to replace ALL the flooring. The insurance company's estimate only includes replacing the *damaged* portions. The estimate also ignores the cost of materials and labor for some very labor intensive finishing details.

It seems like the insurance company is offering less than half of what it would take to restore the floors to their previous condition.

My first thought is to write a letter to the adjuster including:

1. Two estimates from reputable flooring companies outlining the cost of repair/replacement.

2. A reminder about the finishing detail the estimate ignored.

3. A polite request that the insurance company provide a fair amount for the replacement (less depreciation).

Tips on ways to *not* have to deduct the value of depreciation are welcome. The floors were in very good condition.

Any advice on this homeowner's insurance claim dispute would be appreciated. Thank you!


Asked on 11/11/14, 6:54 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ronald Arthur Lowry Ronald Arthur Lowry

You really need a lawyer for this. The old saying "anything you say will be used against you in court" is about criminal law but it goes double for dealing with insurers. The adjusters are trained in dealing with consumers and know every trick in the book, plus what you send them and what you say to them may very well hurt your case and you may not even know it. They will use it against you if they can. I hope you haven't already damaged your case inadvertently. They also won't offer any significant amount until you show them you are serious about the claim by hiring an attorney. I concluded a flooring case against an insurer about a year ago and it wasn't easy at all. The insurer has "expert" witnesses they control who will say just about anything the insurer wants said. It is tough to repudiate that. Best of luck.

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Answered on 11/12/14, 12:54 pm


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