Question
What is the name of your state? NY
We own a condo on 2nd Fl, and due to the fact that the building basement has safty violations (some structural problem), the Firedept came and evacuated the building. the condo managment company has to fix all problems that town inspector suggest. we are living in hotel for a week now and my homeowner claim is denied. the insurance company (travelers) says that the cause of the building structural problem is not accepted cause for them to give my living expense outside of my home.
the management company says they dont pay me, its my insurance that must take care of it. I am young and not much experience with dealing with insurance. What should I do ? should i hire a lawyer ? who should pay my living expense until building is fixed and safe for us to move back in our condo.
Answer
Your insurance company is correct. They do provide for additional living expenses, but only when a covered claim is presented to them. For example, if there was a fire in your unit which caused you not to be able to live there, then they would pay. Since the problem with the basement has nothing to do with the unit that you are insuring, there is no covered claim.
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so, does that mean that I am my own until the building is fixed and safe to go in ? what are my options ? is the management responsible to pay my bills ? should I sue the management company or am I just screwed ?
Your insurance company is correct. They do provide for additional living expenses, but only when a covered claim is presented to them. For example, if there was a fire in your unit which caused you not to be able to live there, then they would pay. Since the problem with the basement has nothing to do with the unit that you are insuring, there is no covered claim.
Answer
I don't know the answer to that question. Maybe someone else who responds will.
Answer
so, does that mean that I am my own until the building is fixed and safe to go in ? what are my options ? is the management responsible to pay my bills ? should I sue the management company or am I just screwed ?
It depends on exactly what the "structural" problem was, and how the problem occurred.