Austin Mutual Insurance Company 3 months to evaluate homeowner's claim, then denied claim with unreasonable explanation Maple Grove Minnesota

I filed a homeowner's insurance claim on August 18 2008, after my shower drain pipe broke, damaging my bathroom flooring (water damage). I paid to have the plumbing fixed, and never expected that to be covered by insurance, but after filing my claim with Austin Mutual, the adjustor led me to believe I had a valid claim.

He said he's submit his report and I should hear back shortly. well, THREE MONTHS passed, and I finally heard back (After leaving an average of two voicemails and messages with receptionists per week) and the guy who called me was not even the guy who was assigned to handle my claim.

"Jeff" from Austin Mutual called me 3 months after filing my claim to tell me that the damage done to my flooring was ongoing damage that happened over time. BS!!! I had the plumbing repaired the very day I noticed the pipe was damaged and leaking. The linoleum became more and more discolored as time wore on and the wood beneath it dried out more and more.

I asked "Jeff" if it was normal for Austin Mutual to ignore its customers for 3 months, and he said they've had a lot of claims due to a lot of hail damage from some storm that had happened...I FILED MY CLAIM IN AUGUST 2008 AND DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING UNTIL NOVEMBER 2008! I quit Austin Mutual - My insurance agent is shopping for a new policy for me this very minute.

Do not do business with Austin Mutual - they have no problems at all cashing your checks when you send them to them but file a claim and they SIT ON IT FOR 3 MONTHS AND THEN DENY IT.

Mike
Oregon City, Oregon
U.S.A.