"For a few frenetic days last January, after losing their midcentury ranch home to the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles, Jessica and Matt Conkle thought they could see a glimmer of hope. Their insurance company, State Farm, had sent emergency response teams to Altadena, where they lived, and they filed a claim right away. It wasn't long before they received a check that covered four months of living expenses."
"Then the process bogged down. Like many homeowners, they imagined that since they had suffered a total loss they could collect on the full value of their coverage. Instead, they had to negotiate over the value of each of their lost possessions with a claims adjuster, only to have to start again with a second adjuster and then a third a process they believe was expressly designed to deter them from moving forward."
Jessica and Matt Conkle lost their midcentury ranch home in Los Angeles wildfires and filed a claim with State Farm. State Farm sent emergency teams and issued a check covering four months of living expenses. The claims process then stalled, with multiple adjusters, disputed valuations for possessions, and unresponsive claims staff. The initial rebuild offer was below market rates and settlement funds remain in escrow. The escrow excludes architects' fees and city permits, preventing rebuilding. The Conkles encountered delays, denials, and prolonged negotiations that have blocked progress toward reconstruction.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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