When you live in an apartment or condo, the safety and security of your home are often dependent on your neighbors' level of idiocy and negligence. Last month I filed my first insurance claim as a homeowner due to a water leak from several units located directly three floors above me that dripped its way down to my unit. Fortunately, the damage to my home was minimal compared to the other units between me and the guilty parties, but I still filed a claim because contaminated water had gotten onto some of my belongings.
I did not know what to expect, but from the horrible stories I had heard from friends and coworkers who had to deal with their uncooperative insurance companies, I did not plan on having a pleasant experience. I was prepared for a long drawn out battle to mitigate the damage that was caused by the leak.
My insurance company is United States Fire Insurance Company, which operates as a subsidiary of Crum & Forster. I sent an email to Crum & Forster with a request to file a claim. The following morning I received a call from insurance adjuster John Fukumae. Mr. Fukumae was very polite and patient with answering my questions. He informed me of the process and what I needed to provide to him in order to receive a claim check. During this entire process, we communicated by both telephone and email. Mr. Fukumae has always been quick to respond regardless of the mode of communication used.
After a restoration company came to my apartment to inspect and estimate the cost of the water damage, I received my first claim check in the mail that same month. As I replaced my damaged chattel goods, I forwarded Mr. Fukumae receipts for the purchase of my replacements, and he was quick to send me a second check for the replacement cost value.
My last request was for Crum & Forster to go after the responsible parties to pay for my $500 deductible. There is currently another Crum & Forster worker in California handling my subrogation claim. Mr. Fukumae told me that in addition to contacting the other specialist, I could email him and he could check my file.
Everything has gone very smoothly and without incident on the part of Crum & Forster. I have been very pleased with my experience and glad to have home insurance that quickly covered the costs to renovate my home and replace my personal property. read more