12:52am: Well, it’s a start. Today we received an advance on our large claim by opening up the mail and finding a check for $2,500. I put my would-be poker session on hold today to do some very much necessary shopping. I bought a pair of shoes, two pairs of shorts, a shirt and a wallet. I’m not even close to done, I just had to have something to wear tomorrow in order to do more shopping. I also needed a place to put my new drivers license and debit card (went to the DMV and bank also).

$2,500 is only about 7-8% of the total payment we should be receiving, but it was a nice gesture by the insurance company to send this money in good faith without requiring a shred of proof that we had lost anything.

Anyways, I’ll have to do a little more shopping tomorrow, but hopefully I will be able to put in my first night session since the fire. Until then, good luck everyone.

Start a Clean Slate at a New Room, a New Sharkscope, and Keep HFL Free in the Process

11:51am: I just wanted to keep everyone updated on what’s going on, and what is expected to go on in the near future. We’re in the process of totaling the amount of total damage of all the items that were destroyed in the fire. I’ve had to look up model numbers and recall where specific items were purchased, as well as when they were purchased. However, obviously I can’t show receipts — so they’re just going to have to take our word for it.

I’m not even halfway though the apartment, and I’ve already totaled $27,500 worth of damage. I still have to include the master bedroom, the office, and the bathroom before I come to a final total. They are going to compensate us based on [total price + inflation - depreciation]. I’m no insurance expert, but I believe that we will be compensated for the full amount that we were covered for, as the total amount of the claim (even including depreciation) will be higher than the amount we were covered for.

After adding up all the details of the policy, it looks like we are covered for circa $30,000. While this will not cover every single item that was lost, it should be enough to get us started when we move into our next place.

As for where we’re going to stay, the complex called us the next day to let us know that they would have an apartment ready in about a month. It’s slightly bigger than the 2 bedroom apartment that burned down, however it will be $130 more a month than we previously were paying. We don’t have much of a choice, as most of the apartments in the area are occupied and cost more than even what we will eventually have to pay. We will be back and forth between relatives homes until we get the call that the apartment is ready.

I will resume my daily poker sessions starting today at some point, hopefully. Thanks to everyone who has emailed me with supportive comments — I really appreciate it. Things should be back to normal both in my life and on the blog very shortly.

Thanks Guys,
Jason

Start a Clean Slate at a New Room, a New Sharkscope, and Keep HFL Free in the Process