Homeowner Rick Cameron dedicated three years and invested tens of thousands of dollars into renovating his family’s home, only to witness it tragically collapse.
After completing major updates like replacing the roof, stairs, walls, floors, and kitchen, Cameron—a skilled construction worker—began working on the basement when disaster struck. The house’s walls started to give way.
“We’d done a lot of work inside and out, but we decided to dig deeper in the basement for more headroom … and something went wrong,” Cameron told KDKA News in Carroll Township, Pennsylvania.
Cameron’s team acted quickly, evacuating his wife and five children and installing supports to stabilize the walls. Despite their efforts, the situation deteriorated, and now the house is considered a total loss. The township has ordered the family to demolish the remains.
“It’s hard to even look at it,” Cameron said. “Just thinking about tearing it down feels overwhelming.”
Adding to the hardship, the Camerons are in a dispute with their insurance company, State Farm, which has denied their claim for coverage. But they haven’t given up. Here’s how they’ve taken action and how you can prepare if faced with a similar challenge.
Facing Denial from the Insurance Company
After receiving the denial, Rick enlisted the help of public adjuster Stephen Hnat. Public adjusters are independent professionals who assist homeowners in navigating the often complex insurance claim process.
“The first step I take is to review the policy and see what coverage is available,” Hnat explained. “It turned into a battle just trying to get a response from State Farm.”
“We’ve repeatedly asked them to clarify their position, but they’ve refused to engage,” Hnat added. “The insurance representative won’t respond to our requests.”
Despite the challenges, Hnat believes the policy should cover the damage. Cameron’s coverage includes provisions for collapse during construction, and even if the crew is found partially responsible, as long as the damage wasn’t intentional, the policy should apply.
For now, the Camerons are awaiting a resolution from State Farm while preparing for the demolition of their home. The family has temporarily relocated to a rental nearby as they plan their next steps.
How to Navigate a Homeowners’ Insurance Claim
The Cameron family’s insurance policy includes coverage for construction-related collapses, giving them hope that State Farm will eventually approve their claim. If not, they may have to bear the costs of demolition and rebuilding on their own, all while continuing to make mortgage or construction loan payments.
Filing a homeowners’ insurance claim can be a complex process, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Understand Your Policy: Review your policy carefully to ensure it covers damages related to construction, especially if you’re planning a major renovation. Additionally, when hiring a contractor, request their insurance certificate—it can provide extra protection if something goes wrong.
- Document the Damage: Before cleaning up or making any repairs, thoroughly document the damage by taking detailed photos and videos. Keep a digital record of when, where, and how the incident occurred, as this can be crucial for your claim.
- Get Multiple Estimates: Obtain several estimates from contractors to understand the full scope of repair costs. These estimates can help in negotiating with your insurance company if their initial settlement offer is too low.
- File Your Claim Promptly: Many insurance policies have strict deadlines for filing claims, so act quickly to ensure your case is reviewed.
- Challenge Denials: If your claim is denied, request a written explanation that includes the specific policy language cited. This information can help you better understand the insurer’s decision and guide your next steps.
- Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster: If your claim is complex or if you’re unhappy with the insurer’s offer, a public adjuster can advocate on your behalf and help secure a fair settlement.
By taking these steps, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the insurance claim process and protect your financial interests in the event of a disaster.