Most jurisdictions provide that a disputed insurance loss can be resolved through the appraisal process. That process typically begins when either the insurance company or policyholder sends a written demand to the other invoking appraisal and naming their own appraiser. Once the written demand is sent, the other party usually has 15-20 days to respond and name their appraiser. The…
While most people choose an insurance policy for their home due to the price, it should not be your only consideration. It is equally important to choose the right coverage based upon the types of risks in your geographical area, and to be sure you have high enough policy limits to protect all of your property. In order to find…
Working Through the Property Insurance Claim Process in Minnesota When fire damages your home or business, you must think fast and act quickly. You must get your family or employees to safety and summon the fire department to extinguish the flames. Next, you must call an emergency repair contractor, take steps to protect your property, and contact your insurance company.…
If you live in a condominium or townhome in Minnesota, you are likely part of a homeowners’ association. Homeowners’ associations help protect the investments of the members and community by establishing and enforcing rules and regulations. They also make sure that the shared areas are maintained and upgraded as needed. Members pay a fee to ensure these tasks are carried…
Homeowner associations often need to enter contracts to undertake construction work or other improvements that will affect all members of a homeowner association. Unfortunately, sometimes contracts are approved without careful review and contractors who are unqualified or unlicensed are hired. Associations should carefully review all contracts they intend to enter, giving it the same amount of exceptional care that would…
SJJ attorneys Tim Johnson and Alex Jadin won another important case for Minnesota policyholders today at the Court of Appeals in K & R Landholdings v. Auto-Owners Insurance. Just last year, SJJ won Poehler v. Cincinnati at the Minnesota Supreme Court which held that Minnesota policyholders are entitled to interest on an insurance appraisal award when an insurance company undervalues…
Though we all like to believe that our homes are going to last forever, the truth is that losses like hail, wind, fire, and theft do happen in our area. Homeowners insurance protects people from having to pay directly for costly repairs when a loss occurs. This is why all homeowners should have an insurance policy. Unfortunately, in times of…
When a declarant, developer, general contractor, or subcontractor works on a property, they are required to do their work correctly. This means following building codes and product manufacturer’s instructions, and using the skill and care one would expect a reasonably prudent builder to use. Errors and resulting damages arising from improper work must be properly repaired. If a builder refuses…
Though you may not realize it, filing an insurance claim is a legal process. Do it correctly and you are more likely to get the funds needed to make necessary repairs to your property. If you don’t, however, you could end up having to pay for repairs out of pocket. Here’s a list of common mistakes to avoid: Don’t clean…
In 2017, SJJ won an important case before the Minnesota Supreme Court that allows property owners to collect pre-award interest on insurance appraisal awards in Poehler v. Cincinnati. While the Court found that interest was due on appraisal awards, it did not answer another important question: how much interest is due? Pre-award interest on appraisal awards comes from a Minnesota…
