I am working with a PA after a large house fire caused pro 5 (asbestos) contamination to our residence in Socal. We reached our contents policy limit, but when I received the check I was shocked to find well over half of the six figure contents settlement was deducted for inventory and appraisal fees and storage costs of the salvaged contents. Additionally concerning is that the home restoration is expected to take at least 6 months, potentially accruing tens of thousands more in storage costs.

Is this routine practice in the industry? How can the insured be so massively liable for costs entirely out of our control?

@Paul Deras A lot of it is going to hinge on the specifics of your policy- have your PA explain anything that is unclear, and work with your insurance to make sure nothing gets missed.