Cotton States Homeowners insurance is a rip-off.

by Tim Gipe
(Killen, AL 35645)

Our home was broken in to in Feb 2009. We were out of town and were alerted by our real estate agent. Our home was for sale at the time. Both back doors were kicked in and over $25000 in items were stolen. Since then, Cotton States has refused to pay ANYTHING except for the damaged doors. They tell us we need receipts for everything that was stolen. I explained to them that most, if not all, that was stolen were things that had been purchased over 3 years ago or longer and that typically, we didn't keep receipts for things that old. Some things were gifts, and some things were just things that had been given to us in exchange for work that had been done. Power tools, guns, jewelry, cameras and equipment, computers and a tv were all stolen... even some of my fiance's lingerie.(?!)
Cotton States has demanded that we produce evidence that these items existed by producing receipts. They hired a special investigator to interview me and made the suggestion that I knew of this robbery. They also cancelled our homeowners policy reciting that we don't live here permanently - which we do. And now, they refuse to communicate with us about our claim.
We NEED advise and we need it Fast!
Thanks for your help.

*********************

Dear Mr. Gipe:

With only the information you've provided, I can make the following recommendation:

Get a Lawyer.

A claim from February 2009 is already 18 months old. But you still have time in your state's statutes of limitation on lawsuits, but not much time. You will likely need to file a lawsuit against Cotton States.

Good luck. If your attorney needs some advice on the claims process, give him my name and phone number.

Russ Longcore