Question
What is the name of your state? Michigan
Just before Christmas weekend, it snowed and suddenly my front part over my garage door fell to the ground with snow on it. I went and took pictures of the garage. I took pictures all around it. Everything was closed for the Holiday by the time I got a chance to report this to my homeowners insurance company. When I did file a claim , I got an adjuster who said I could send in the pictures which I did. She had someone come out to look at the garage(snow had melted by then of course). She then told me later that she was sending a Structural Engineer out to my home to view the garage. The Structural Engineer told her that the damage was do to "deteriaton and not the snow . She told me that she was going to send my letter denying me any coverage for the garage. How can she do this, when I was paying my insurance premiums and for coverage of $15,000 for structures? Also, aren't they suppose to depreciation the garage. Ex. 15,000 minus deductible, minus the depreciation for the garage. So , shouldn't I get something if I am paying for that coverage for structures and it was insured? I have pictures of when the snow came and caused the garage to collapse in 1 spot. Did the garage have to be in perfect shape at the time when this weather related damage occurred?
Answer
The garage doesn't have to be in perfect condition. But you need to prove that the damage to the door was in deed cause by the snow and not deterioration. If you can prove that then they should pay for the claim. If you cant prove it, and it is from deterioration, then unfortunately there is no coverage. My suggestion to you is the find 1 or 2 other garage repair specialists. Have them determine the cause of loss and have them write reports. Them submit them to the company. Good luck!