Insurance Sham

July 20

Our insurance agent ("Laura") calls me to let me know that they will need some inspection paperwork to issue our homeowner's insurance policy. The story unfolds via emails! As my dad would say, "Everything is negotiable."

July 21

Laura,

Here is the inspection we had done before we took occupancy. We have since mitigated some of the issues (licensed plumber fixed the kitchen stack issue, GFCI protection in kitchen/bathroom, smoke detectors installed, new drain tubes, and plaster repair on ceiling and walls), but it should shed light on the electrical system (page 11-12). Let me know if I need to do anything else.

Thanks,
Ryan

July 25

Hello Ryan -

Thank you. I have forwarded the inspection info to the underwriter.

Nationwide Sales Solutions
Hours: M - TH 12PM - 8:30PM SAT. 12PM - 8:30PM EST

July 27

Hello Ryan -

I have updated your phone numbers through customer service.
Also, I received an email back from underwriting stating that we will need an inspection from a licensed Electrician no later than 8/18/2009.
I apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

- Laura

July 27

Laura --

It is no inconvenience, but it is a considerable added expense. Since I have already had (and paid for) a comprehensive home inspection from a qualified inspector, I think it is somewhat redundant. Will Nationwide reimburse me for this expense, or otherwise incentivize me to obtain this inspection?

Sincerely,
Ryan

August 4

Hello Ryan -

I apologize for the delay in response, but it took me this long to get an answer to your question. Unfortunately the answer would be no. Nationwide will not provide reimbursement to your expense.

Nationwide Sales Solutions
Hours: M - TH 12PM - 8:30PM SAT. 12PM - 8:30PM EST

August 4

Laura,

This is not an acceptable resolution. I feel an inspection from a certified home inspector (in addition to the municipality's inspection!) would be sufficient for other insurance companies. Please call me at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,
Ryan

August 5 or 6th

Laura calls me. I tell her that a third inspection is ridiculous, outrageous, egregious, and an infringement on my constitutional rights. Well not really, but it did sound something like the first 9 seconds of this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IinXi19WeYg -- either way, I threatened to cancel my homeowner's policy and my auto policy. She told me she would continue to "look into it." I also told her that she needed to give me a list of the things the underwriter wanted, not just a blanket "Get an Inspection!" The story continues via email.

August 10

Hello Ryan -

the message I received from the underwriter states that the inspection paperwork that you had sent has a noted statement "Not on Code". He states that your inspection paperwork shows that the wiring in the home is 60 Amp, and Nationwide requires at least 100 Amp.
He asked me to call him to discuss. As soon as I get a hold of him I will let you know if there is anything more I can do.

I just wanted to keep you in the loop of what I have found out so far.

Thanks,

- Laura

August 10

Laura,

Thanks for following up with me.

In regards to the 100 Amps service minimum, please pass along the following information: Inspection paperwork, page 11, please find "Service Size Amps: 125"

I am also sending along the Brentwood occupancy permit along with the Brentwood inspection checklist, indicating our service is in excess of 100 Amps (which the city also requires). Its the 5th item from the bottom, in the second column. Let me know if there are any other issues. Also, the underwriter is welcome to call me to discuss.

Since the deadline for getting an electrical inspection was originally 8/18, I would like to request that this requirement be suspended until we finish this discussion to my satisfaction.

Thanks,
Ryan

August 12

Hello Ryan -

I had forwarded your last message to underwriting and he responded that he has ISSUED the policy.

Looks like everything is taken care of.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

- Laura

August 12

I post this on my blog. Victory is sweet. Names have been changed to protect the guilty. I mean greedy. I mean innocent. By the way, there's nothing wrong with our electrical system. The inspection paperwork even includes a picture of the breaker box. ::bonk::