appliance mfg's & Home owner's ins.

9 years ago

Long story short, I had a water leak in a less than 2 YO dishwasher. ( Also, had a repairman out to do some fixes before the warranty expired). So, the panel had been removed about 10 months before the leak was discovered and no leak at that time.

If it is part of ordinary home maintenance to check appliances for leaks, why is there not a door at the bottom of the dishwasher so you don't have to get down on the floor to unscrew the panels or at least that the mfg's are required to install a leak detector on any appliance that has water to it? I will put leak detectors under every appliance I have after this.

I sent the leaking DW valve in to the insurance company for a possible subrogation while it is my life that is turned upside down and nickel and dimed to death in the claim. They are depreciating a 5 YO dining room floor which was in perfect condition before the leak by 50%.

Since it is a smaller more modest home I am not getting high dollar floorcoverings even though they are quite nice.

Am I being unreasonable to think the insurance company will make me whole when that is what the adjuster said at the time she was out to observe the damage.

There, I feel a little better just getting the rant off my chest. Thanks!!!

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Comments (4)

christopherh
9 years ago
Yes, the insurance companies will depreciate the floor. This sort of thing is standard practice in most places.

That's why everyone should contact their homeowners agent age get "replacement" coverage. If you don't have replacement value coverage and your home burns down, they'll depreciate everything right down to the kitchen cabinets.
Let's say you live in a home built in the 50s. Just what are 60 year old cabinets really worth?

Call your agent and maybe s/he can go to bat for you because 50% does seem excessive. And check your policy.
geoffrey_b
9 years ago
Insurance companies can be your friend, until you file a claim - then they become your adversary.

Unfortunately, many people never read their insurance policy. Sometimes the cheaper insurance turns out to be a lot more expensive.

Replacement value insurance is the way to go.

Miele make dishwashers that will not leak - the water is contained in the unit.

Don't forget: washer hoses and ice maker.
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gardenerlorisc_ia
Original Author
9 years ago
To Christopherh: Thanks for answering. That is a good idea to get replacement coverage.
My house was built in the late '60's; I am not sure if the cabinets are original but they are very nice and were custom built onsite with several upgrades and they were nice enough to keep. (Even if they are oak; I happen to love oak).

To Geoffrey B Thanks for the answer and recommending replacement value insurance.

I am very disappointed in this Frigidaire dishwasher so when it dies, I will look at Miele. I wonder if anyone makes a pan for dishwashers like they make for washers? I have replacement flood stop hoses for the washer and will get a few of those leak detectors for all appliances that have water supplies.

The insurance adjuster said nothing about depreciating anything when she came out. Imagine my surprise when I see everything is depreciated by 50%. It seems rather deceptive to not tell someone there will be depreciation.
Also, it is not a good business practice to not return calls.
jimct01
9 years ago
I have had 3 dishwashers over the last 20 years. The one that came time house quit (timer) shortly after buying the house. It did not wash dishes very well so I replaced it with GE. That one lasted about 6years to the entire pump assembly died. I replaced it with a much more expensive KitchenAide that is now 12 years old. Not one wod these ever leaked. Not saying it won't happen but it is not common at least to the degree yours was. My dishwasher does have kick plate near the floor which comes off with two screws. You see under the dishwasher. Just remember anything that contains and uses water can leak.

Two things with insurance make sure you have replacement cost on both the dwelling and the contents. Those are two separate coverages. Also most insurance companies that sell replacement coat require you insure the hose to at least 90% of the estimated replacement cost. So you and the insurance company need to review the value of your house and the estimated cost of reconstruction on an annual basis. I know insurance policies make pretty boring reading but is worth reading and review with your agent anything that is unclear. Replacement coverage will cost you more in annual premium. Also the adjuster may not know the details of your policy. Their job is to evaluate the extent of the damage and the estimated cost to repair/replace. In some cases they are contractors and are not employees of the insurance company. It's the insurance company claims adjusters/department that determine what you are covered for and the amount they will pay. You may have the ability to contest the amount. Call your State insurance regulators to find out what options you might have.

appliance mfg's & Home owner's ins.

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appliance mfg's & Home owner's ins.

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