Case Studies: Real Insurance Outcomes
Real stories from real clients. Claim successes, coverage saves, and honest "what went wrong" lessons. No marketing fluff—just actual outcomes showing why proper coverage and claims advocacy matter.
Privacy Note: Client names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy, but all situations, outcomes, and dollar amounts are real.
Claim Success Stories
Situation:
Tornado damaged roof. Insurance adjuster offered $8,000 (actual cash value with depreciation). Roof replacement cost: $14,000.
Our Action:
We reviewed the policy, confirmed replacement cost coverage, and pushed back on the adjuster's valuation. We provided contractor estimates and documented that the policy required replacement cost, not ACV.
Situation:
T-boned by uninsured driver running a red light. $40,000 in medical bills. Other driver had no insurance and no assets.
Our Action:
Client had uninsured motorist coverage (100/300) that we recommended when they bought their policy. We filed the UM claim and handled all documentation.
Situation:
Heavy rain caused sewer backup into finished basement. $12,000 damage to flooring, drywall, and furniture.
Our Action:
We had recommended water backup coverage ($75/year) when they bought their policy. We filed the claim and guided them through the process.
Coverage Saves
Situation:
Had home insurance with State Farm ($2,400/year) and auto with Geico ($1,600/year). Total: $4,000/year.
Our Action:
We quoted 10+ carriers and found that bundling with Safeco provided better coverage at lower cost.
Situation:
Client was insured for $250,000 (market value). Actual replacement cost: $350,000. They were 71% insured and would face coinsurance penalty on any claim.
Our Action:
We calculated accurate replacement cost based on square footage, construction type, and local building costs. Increased dwelling coverage to $350,000.
Situation:
Client recommended software that failed, causing client's business to lose $100,000. They sued for professional negligence.
Our Action:
We had recommended professional liability (E&O) coverage ($1M for $1,200/year) when they started their business.
What Went Wrong (Lessons Learned)
Situation:
Driver had state minimum liability (25/50/25). Caused serious accident with $60,000 in medical bills.
What Went Wrong:
Insurance paid maximum $25,000. Driver was personally liable for $35,000. Wages garnished. Lien on house.
Lesson:
State minimum liability is dangerously inadequate. We require minimum 100/300/100 for all clients. The extra $150/6 months would have prevented $35,000 in personal liability.
Situation:
Homeowner in low-risk flood zone declined flood insurance. Heavy rain caused flash flooding. $80,000 damage.
What Went Wrong:
Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding. No flood insurance = no coverage. Homeowner paid $80,000 out of pocket (took out loan).
Lesson:
30% of flood claims come from low/moderate risk areas. 'I'm not in a flood zone' doesn't mean you can't flood. Flood insurance costs $400-$800/year in low-risk zones.
Situation:
Homeowner bought ACV coverage to save 25% on premium. Fire destroyed home. Replacement cost: $300,000. ACV payout: $180,000 (40% depreciation).
What Went Wrong:
ACV coverage pays depreciated value, not full rebuild cost. Homeowner was $120,000 short of rebuilding. Couldn't afford to rebuild.
Lesson:
We refuse to sell ACV coverage. The premium savings ($600/year) isn't worth the catastrophic risk. Replacement cost coverage is non-negotiable.
Situation:
Homeowner bundled home and auto with a single captive carrier because 'bundling always saves money.' Never shopped the market.
What Went Wrong:
The bundled rate was $900/year more expensive than splitting between two carriers. The 'bundle discount' was applied to an inflated base rate.
Lesson:
Bundling doesn't always save money. We run the math both ways for every client. Sometimes splitting policies between carriers saves 15-20% more than bundling.
Before/After Coverage Comparisons
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After:
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Related Reading
How Insurance Claims Really Work (Start to Finish)
Step-by-step walkthrough of the claims process
5 Insurance Mistakes That Could Cost You Everything
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When Does Bundling Actually NOT Save Money?
Real math showing when bundling helps and when it doesn't
What Homeowners Exclusions Actually Matter in Alabama?
The exclusions that actually bite Alabama homeowners