To properly establish relationships, I’ll open with the following path of players: Hurricane Katrina > National Flood Insurance Program > Harleysville Insurance Company > Wells Claim Service > Jeff Wassom, adjuster > me.
On October 13, 2005, I finally met the adjuster for Wells Claim Service, Jeff Wassom, in my damaged apartment on Transcontinental Drive in Metairie, LA. Although I told him twice before meeting that I had no photos because the shutter in my camera had failed, his first question was to ask if I had more pictures. I had two that were supplied by my landlord. At the end of his inspection, Jeff said I would hear “something” in about 10 days, and went on at length about how busy he was / is. How busy he is isn’t my problem. I didn’t tell him to take the job. To shorten this story, It is now December 22, 2005. Jeff has still not submitted my claim paperwork. I furnished, as requested, a list of items lost to Katrina and, again at his request, annotated it with an approximation of ages of items on the spot (since he didn’t bother to say he needed that beforehand). The total amount of my claim is for more than the insured amount under my NFIP policy. It seems, therefore, that Harleysville > Wells Claim Svc should be able to issue a check for the full amount of the claim. I am seriously considering suing this adjuster in a court of law for malfeasance and / or negligence. I really don’t want to because of the cost, but if it’s the only avenue open, I’ll take it. It’d probably be handled under his errors and omissions coverage, anyway (if he bothered to get that). There is NO reason I, or any other person affected by Katrina, should be forced to wait four months because some twit of a contract adjuster wants to demonstrate his “power” over others . . . This individual needs to be fired rapidly and placed in a form of employ which denies him contact with others on a permanent basis. Grease trap cleaner comes to mind. I’d like to know if others have also encountered this individual and whether they have had similar problems because of his lack of performance. I need to have this claim finalized because, until it is, I cannot move forward with SBA, FEMA, or any other entity. They all want to know how much NFIP paid first. Well, I can’t tell them that because Jeff won’t send in my paperwork. He really does need to be fired and financially penalized for his inaction. Wells Claim Service, are you reading this? Hint. Hint.
- Richard Caire
I also had Jeff Wassom, Wells Claim Service, as a flood adjuster representing American National Property and Casualty (ANPAC). My home is/was located in Slidell, LA. The estimated “replacement cost” damage was near $100K, with all but $16K ruled as homeowner/auto. With that said, Mr. Wassom adjusted our flood damages for settlement of less than $44K. We are in the process of justifying a supplemental claim and are experiencing extreme difficulty with Wells Claim Service, Jeff Wassom and the insurance company as well. Nobody seems to care and nobody is taking any preemptive actions to assist in remedy to my situation or a majority of other situations which are similar to mine. As a matter of fact, I was performing an internet search for information on Wells Claim Service when I located the comments by Richard Caire. If anyone out there has any information regarding Jeff Wassom, Wells Claim Service or AMPAC. If Wells Claim Service or ANPAC does not assist me in completing a supplemental claim, I will be forced to rely upon FEMA for assistance as a last resort. I had to borrow over $15K in order to float the cost of reconstruction to my home and pay the contractor, taking the money from my homeowner/auto to float the balance in hopes of repairing my home to minimal status. If find it appalling that a customer who pays their premiums on time, forever prompt and responsible, should have to endure over-justification of a claim adjustment that a child could determine the repair cost. Mr. Wassom used outdated cost information to perform the initial flood adjustment and does not respond to our recent phone calls & faxes for assistance in filing a supplemental. Although I understand the burden placed upon the insurance industry, I absolutely do not sympathize with their lack of preparation, lack of customer service and lack of respect to those of us who pay our premiums as expected. I will revert to whatever means is necessary in order to protect the financial investment in my property as necessary, including joining a class action lawsuit if needed. I deserve to be treated much better than I have received. I will hold ANPAC, Wells Claim Service and Jeff Wassom accountable for the financial situation that has resulted from the hurricane damage and following insurance adjustment. Please feel free to correspond to me via email at: tboriskie@aol.com.
Comment by Tim Boriskie — January 9, 2006
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On Oct 3 Jeff Wascom with Well Claim Service did his site visit of our house. At that time he said it would be three months before we recieved a check. Not being that patient in Dec. I started calling Wells. Jeff actually called me back and arranged for a $25,000 advance payment. That money helped up continue repairing our home in Metaire, but now I want the rest of the money and I want it now. I’m starting my plan of attack, which will be calling Wells Calim Service daily, Jeff and Harleyville. I’m wondering if anyone who had Jeff has received their final check?
Comment by Judy — January 19, 2006
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