The neighbor who lives across the street from them knows where they are and started a neighborhood fund for them. We went over there tonight to bring the gift cards and oh my gosh, the only thing left is the garage. They tore down whatever was left of the front and studs this afternoon. So they must know the cause and the insurance company must have been there already. My DH says they estimate about $750,000 in damage to the home and the two next to it. The ones next to it really only has siding melt from the looks of it.
I was so proud of my 6 year old son. We talked to him tonight about what happened and explained to him that they don't have a home any longer and that we were going to give them some money because they don't have anything but the PJ's they were wearing. He walked upstairs and when we came back down, he had all of the money he has been saving from his allowance. It was 27.00. He wanted to give it to the kids because they had nothing and he has lots.That was a proud moment.
Kristine
This is a REALLY good lesson in why you want high liability limits on your homeowners insurance AND an umbrella policy. Most people have under $500,000 in liability on their homeowners and that probably won't be enough to pay for damage to another home in a situation like this. Just something to check into. We have $1,000,000 liability and a $2,000,000 umbrella (mostly because we have a teen driver but also situations like this).
Also, this is another very GOOD reason to have an actual agent. A phone call to your agent will get the ball rolling faster. You can also call into the claim center and file a claim right away. Most good companies will release funds ASAP (not all but enough to buy some clothing and get a hotel room and food) until the adjuster has a chance to get out. Also, get a VIDEO of all of your belongings--open drawers, closets, etc. and take PICTURES of your stuff. This way you have a record of what you have so when you go to fill out the claim forms you have something to jog your memory. Keep it in a safe deposit box or check with your agent to see if they will store it for you. Our agent does this and the company has a data base where they can store it. Otherwise see if you can keep it on a flash drive at your agent's office.
