I heard from our adjuster last night and also received the current estimate via email. I say *current* estimate because until the tree is gone, he can't tally the rest of the damage.
Basically, at this point we're not looking good at all, not even a little.
At this point in time, I'm dealing with a total payout of about $1,000, and plus I get the chance to bless a random contractor and whoever did the marketing for construction companies near me. It's important to understand that this is supposed to cover everything that has been currently inspected.
That $1,000 has to cover the cut up and removal of the enormous branch in the yard, damaged siding, about 80 feet of gutter and broken cedar fence.
The damage to the house alone is estimated to be at least $1,600 by the contractor I had look at it. He's a family friend, with a highly reputable family business and understands what we're up against. His estimate includes simply fixing what can be fixed and replacing the rest.
Insurance has estimated about $500 to simply remove the debris once it's cut up. I've had someone from a very large tree service tell me I'm looking at about $600 - $1,000 minimum, to have the fallen part of the tree cut up.
The good news is that whatever the damage to the roof and related area amounts to, will be added to the $1,000 payout that we currently are looking at.
The bad news is that we're going to have at least $1,000 out of pocket expense and there's really no corners that can be cut. I have zero chance of coming up with that at this point, especially as the holidays are quickly approaching.
I'm trying not to panic but I'm up against a clock here and let's be honest, I'm already in over my head with everyday life.
We have cold weather making its way and the insurance guy explained that any water damage caused as a result of delayed repairs will not be covered. I'm not entirely sure how we'd be able to decern the difference between damage the occurred after a certain date and that leads me to believe it would be open to interpretation. That means insurance may see it one way and I may see it another. I'll likely be on the losing end of that one.
I'm overwhelmed and it's taking everything I have not to just say *fuck it* and leave everything as it is.
I've already got ten million other things that I'm worrying about.
As bad as we are going to get it on this claim, we're so lucky that it isn't any worse than it is. With so many people's lives destroyed by the recent hurricanes, we are truly lucky. My heart goes out to everyone who's been impacted in that way.
