View Full Version : Deductible payment
kissmeyoufool
Oct 19, 2011, 11:08 AM
If a metal sign from a business, pierced my air conditioner's condenser, will I have to pay a deductible?
ebaines
Oct 19, 2011, 11:28 AM
I assume you're asking about your homeowner's insurance policy, correct?
Depends on how the metal sign came to pierce your condenser. If it was the business's fault (for example the sign fell over and landed on your air conditioning unit) then no - you sue the business (or your insurance carrer does on your behalf) to be fullty reimbursed for the damage your property suffered. Perhaps if you tell us how the sign pierced your condenser we can be a little nore specific.
kissmeyoufool
Oct 19, 2011, 02:35 PM
I was driving down the street and a sign promoting flu shots flew into the grill of my van. I stopped to let it fall off and noticed smoke coming from my van. When I pulled off the street I saw that the metal prongs that stake the sign into the ground was stuck in my grill. There was a hissing noise, that stopped after a while. Fortunately for me the metal wires hit the condenser and not my radiator or I would have been stranded. I am trying to deal with the matter through the business, as I do NOT want to involve my insurance company for fear of having to pay a deductible and concern that my rates may go up.
ebaines
Oct 19, 2011, 03:04 PM
Since this was not at all your fault the business should fully reimburse you for your loss. If they balk at paying for all repair costs you can take them to small claims court. Be sure to get repair estimates in writing, and any discrepancies between the estimates and actual costs need to be documented.
If you did decide to go through your insurance company they would pay for your repairs right away, less the deductible. Then they would go after the business to recover the full amount, including your deductible. If they get that full amount (and they certianly should) your insurance company would then reimburse you for the deductible you paid. Your rates should not go up because of this event, as you are not at fault. The advantages of working this through your insurance company are that (a) they take ownership of dealing with the business, which relieves you of the headache of negotiating, and (b) it allows you to get your vehicle repaired immediately. But of course it's up to you - if you want to deal with it on your own just be prepared to go to small claims court.
ballengerb1
Oct 19, 2011, 03:06 PM
Flew like the wind caught it and blew it into the air? Could be an act of God unless you canshow the sigh was not properly secured. Who owns the sign?