GREENSBORO, N.C. — A truck slammed into a Greensboro home, leaving a giant mess. A tarp covered the gaping hole for months.
The homeowner Shirley Simmons just wanted to get back her home of more than 50 years.
"It means everything to me. Been here since 1972. Raised children here," Simmons said.
The truck crashed through her living room.
"I couldn't believe it. What fool would do that and then not tell anybody?" Simmons wondered.
The home was unlivable and the repairs were expensive. Simmons called her insurance company, but couldn't get clear answers.
"I'm displeased with it, of course. I want to be back in my house with my dog," she said.
Navigating the claim and the repairs wasn't simple, so she called 2 Wants To Know. We helped her through the process.
2 Wants To Know learned it was an insurance problem that made it a challenge.
First, we contacted the insurance company. Her policy covered repairs, but nothing else, such as the occasional hotel room.
The policy is an Actual Cash Value Policy – meaning the settlement offer is based on the cost of repairs, less depreciation.
"Well, somebody better fix it. That man's insurance [the driver] better fix it. I didn't create the problem," Simmons said frustrated.
The insurance company for the truck owner did reimburse Shirley's insurance company – and the repairs have now been made. The house is back together.
Simmons is now back in her home. She said there's still work to be done and cleaning to do, but after nine months of waiting, she's just happy to be back where she belongs.
"WFMY - they have been most considerate of me," she said.
The final step in this process is a big one. Simmons' policy didn't cover expenses she incurred while living elsewhere - the occasional hotel, a kennel for her dog, eating out, and other items - so, she will have to take the owner of the truck to small claims court if she wants to be reimbursed. Her insurance policy does not cover those extra expenses.
If she had comprehensive coverage, she would have had a better shot at having her insurance company cover the costs of those extra things rather than going to court.