Posted On: October 19, 2005, 8:45 am CDT

Posted By: James W. Bolenbaugh

Dear Su, Yes you do have a policy, even if they "can't find it." REALLY crystallize your thinking on this claim and think in terms of the 3 most important things you can do right now. Don't get hung up with frustration, personalities, etc. Have a cell phone and fax near at all times. Call your company and tell them you want to file a claim. If they hesitate, immediately ask for a supervisor. Demand your claim adjuster's name, cell phone, fax, address, etc. now. He is your most important person and can maybe write a check to you on the spot. Call him immediately. Ask when is the best time to reach him. It is his responsibility to go to the site, not yours. For important calls, 1st thing in the morning is always best. Stay in touch with your claim adjuster about every 2 days--the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Make sure he can reach you 24/7 and have a place to get mail, where you are SURE it will be delivered. Any time you talk to company people and adjusters who are not sharp or interested in your situation, ask for a supervisor now. I would not call your mortgage company or involve them at this point, unless they have contacted you first. Be pro-active to make this happen, and make it easy for this to happen. Make sure your thinking is as clear as possible. Don't give up!Good luck. Sincerely, James W. Bolenbaugh