Northridge Quake Claims

Re “Quake Claims Linger,” June 28: As a licensed public insurance adjuster, I have seen far too many claims in which policyholders struggle to obtain fair settlements. In my client base alone, most insurance company offers were less than 50% of the eventual settlement.

It is sad to note that, even three years after the earthquake, I am still meeting property owners who have not received what their insurance companies promised. These are people who paid faithfully for years for an insurance contract that guaranteed certain benefits. Now, these people must fight--or pay someone to do the fighting--for those same benefits.

And what about the people who believe erroneously that their insurance companies thoroughly investigated their damages, paid for restoration and the costs to maintain their lifestyles or businesses? Thousands don’t even know that their properties have undiscovered, expensive and possibly dangerous earthquake damage. The proper restoration of even seemingly insignificant “cosmetic” cracks can cost thousands. I can assure you that 20th Century insureds are not unique in this regard.

ALAN LEWIS TOLKOFF

Long Beach