conversation: User (mahalkita21): "\n\nSo my parents house took on 6ft of water during Hurricane Harvey. The damages were estimated at $30,000+. We have flood insurance through Allstate. We had flooding in 2008 from Hurricane Ike, about the same amount, and received a $6,000 pay out. In the time between after Hurricane Ike and now, we’ve done considerable remodels and additions to the house that made the damages cost way more from Hurricane Harvey. Allstate’s reason for only giving us $136 is because the water didn’t reach our second floor, and won’t give a reason as to why our payout was so much more from Hurricane Ike. We applied for FEMA aid and were denied because we have flood insurance, but $136 is basically nothing. We have 60 days to reapply/contest FEMA’s decision. \n\nWe are willing to get a lawyer but my mom is worried the cost of paying the lawyer will be greater than what we would be able to get from either FEMA or Allstate. Does anyone know what direction we should take from here? \n\nAlso my parents are immigrants with limited English/technology skills, so communication with the parties involved has been through me primarily, a college student with probably only a little more knowledge on insurance as my parents. Any advice will help. Thanks in advance. "
  Self: "Trying not to break the rules here, I am heavily involved in hurricane Harvey rebuilds in one of the effected areas so I may have some input with the claims process you are going through. If there is a better way to post this without breaking rules please let me know. \n\nFirstly there are some variables that may effect why they made that decision; is your home an elevated house? The reason I am asking this is because $6,000 for 6’ of water is not nearly enough to rebuild a first floor of a home. If the home is elevated than $6,000 would be a realistic payout for a “non livable” space. \n\nIf your home is a two story that has living space you need to fight the insurance company. There are a couple options to do this and we have had to do it for each case. In most cases all it took was a estimate for repairs to be sent to the insurance company and they then adjusted their rates. Sometimes a better option would be a public adjuster but they do charge a percentage of the amount. \n\nIf you could let me know if your first floor is actually a living space I can give you some more detail. "
  Mrme487 (Mrme487): "Thanks - I'll allow this post for now. Please try and keep all follow up discussion as replies rather than PMs."
  