I am working on a fairly large hail claim. No question this is hail damage. The question is if this can be repaired or if the whole window requires replacement. Any assistance is appreciated. Using Xactimate 27.3.

It is most probable the condensation between the panes is pre-existing and unrelated to the hail loss.  Thus, if the bead is the only part of the window which is damaged, it should be repairable. 

However most probable and provable are not the same thing.

You could hire an engineer to determine cause of damage however it would not be cost effective.

The window should be repairable either way.

Posted By claims_ray on 23 Jan 2012 12:50 PM
However most probable and provable are not the same thing.

You could hire an engineer to determine cause of damage however it would not be cost effective.

The window should be repairable either way.

I second claims_ray's opinion,  however I will go a step further to put this one to bed, replace the window and move on. The following is my standing on the matter and others will probably disagree. I have done so for the duration of my 8+ years on the job because that's the way I was taught from the beginning (just because "I" was taught this way does NOT mean others should do so, but it has worked for me.) If there is a gray area as to covered or not covered, repair or replace, I have always errored on the side of the insured.

In this example, assuming as to your initial statement that said window is " a direct result of said event" if it is a toss up as to repair or replace, REPLACE IT and put this claim to bed.

My opinion is the additional dollars required to move this from a repair to a replacement PALES in comparison to losing an insured or getting a plaintiff attorney or a public adjuster involved.

I have been called on to the carpet to which I might add had a plastic sheet over it (if you know what I mean) half a dozen times over the aforementioned decisions "I" have made over the years and every single time I came out alive (I still had a job)

Granted I am no longer in the field, but ANY time an adjuster working under me comes to me with the same dilemma, I give them the go ahead to recommend to replace and I have yet to be called on the carpet for any decision like the one's discussed above

I would have to agree with Cat Adjuster X ....replace the window and move on. The cost differential will be minimal and the file will be closed....It is just not agonizing over this window....
just my .02
Joe

Back in the day.................

Allstate would never replace this window and would take the stance that it is a manufacturer defect or that the damage was not sudden but had occurred over a period of time. The beading is obviously damaged by hail and would be addressed but the beading doesn't have anything to do with the seal between the panes of the window.

The guidelines may be different now.

Happy Trails

I will follow up on my prior post.

The initial post asked if the window can be repaired or should be replaced. I believe we can all agree if the bead is the only part of the window damaged by hail, it can be repaired. I think most will also agree the condensation is in all probability unrelated to this hail damage.

Regarding replacement, we do not have enough information about this particular claim to suggest replacing the window. If this is a single family home and all we have is a few windows in question, I agree it is not worth the cost to hire an expert to verify the reason for the condensation. Estimating to replace the window may be the most reasonable course of action to settle the claim if the explanation for the condensation is not accepted by the homeowner.

I handle very few HO claims. What if this claim involves a large apartment or condo complex where hundreds or potentially thousands of windows are involved. I am sure we would handle this much differently.

Larry,
today , discretion is the better part of valor and generally speaking these days that window pane if not the unit would be replaced. The PA's and the attorneys and Insurance Commissioners just make it way to costly to quibble over an item like this. In Florida, most carriers would hang an adjuster for just not paying for the window......
Regards,
Joe

That's why we're called "Adjusters" isn't it?

Happy Trails

Roger that......adapt and survive

Did a hail storm occur on this date in this area? Did hail hit this house? Did hail hit this window? Can you prove that the storm did not cause this damage? Pay for it and move on. The attorney will get more for asking these questions than the window replacement cost.