In 2001 our school spring break occurred in the second week of April. I took my children to visit my folks for few days and returned to my Victorian home in a small town in central Illinois on a Thursday. We went to bed kind of early but I woke up in the middle of the night sensing that something was wrong. My room seemed the same, there was no funny smell or sound, but something was deplorable. It was red. Or orange. Everything was a funny color. And then I realized that the color of the world outside my bedroom window was red—something was on fire. It had to be the bathroom at the benefit of the house and I woke my husband as I jumped from the bed and ran toward the door. But the bathroom was not on fire, the garage across the alley from our garage was and we could see it from our bathroom window.
I called 911 as my husband went to hose down our garage roof. The volunteer fire department was on its contrivance and within an hour the fire was out. The other garage was destroyed but ours had been spared destruction—just the roof on the north side and the two sections of wooden fence next to the garage were beyond repair. Pretty lucky. Or so we view as we returned to bed.
We had lived in our house for 11 years at the time and had always carried homeowner’s insurance. This, however, had not been our fire so we filed a claim with the other people’s company for $1800. We dutifully got an estimate on roof repair but only claimed enough to do the work ourselves. Their agent called and wanted some information from our fire chief which I gave him. When I didn’t hear anything I called him back. He was, to say the least, brusque as he informed me that it was not his insurance which had to pay, but ours. Well that seemed silly so I called our agent. He informed me that, indeed, it was our agency which had to pay and they would do so. They did and we repaired the roof ourselves that summer (believe me when I say repairing a roof is not pleasant work).
That fall we chose to travel our auto insurance policies to a different company and were informed honest after Christmas that our homeowner’s insurance company was dropping us. They gave two reasons for this: 1) we had had three claims ($250, $300 and $1800) over the last 11 years, and 2) they were no longer going to insure those who did not have multiple policies with their company. What a sham! We had paid these people over $6000 and they were refusing our policy because of a fire which wasn’t even on our property! Well, good riddance to bad rubbish. We would objective get a novel insurance company.
Or not. I made several phone calls and was informed that because we had a fire on our report most companies would not insure us. I started to feel like the town indigent and turned to the time honored practice of ignoring the issue. Time passed and we continued to live with no insurance. Our bank told us that fire insurance would be placed on our home. That sounded good because, really, fire was the biggest threat so having that covered would be a huge relief. We lived with that for awhile. When we received an offer of homeowner’s insurance from the National Education Association, of which I am a member, I concept we were all set. I called and the very nice man told me that we didn’t qualify (thanks to our fire), but for the first time someone did take the time to explain to me that our insurance record showed that the fire claim was under abrogation—which meant that our old company was still holding out hope that they would retrieve the claim money from the neighbor’s company. He suggested I call them and explain everything and ask if the claim could go away if it wasn’t going to be settled. He also said that if they said no the represent should go away on its own in five years. Great.
I called the old company. They told me that it was indeed, under abrogation, but that they had no hope of ever actually getting their money benefit. So I asked what I thought was a life-saving question: could they, then, remove it from our record? Well, no, she said, because then it would gawk as if it were settled and it wasn’t settled. “But,” I pointed out, “you just told me it isn’t going to be settled.”
“That’s right it isn’t. But we can’t just act as if it was never on your record.”
“But why not? It wasn’t even our fire? ”
“I’m sorry, but we objective can’t.”
Well that was that. Then one day in the summer of 2003 I saw a ticket for the fire insurance company our bank had placed us with and I hatched what I concept was a brilliant view. I would just go ask them to insure everything. After all, they already had the most hazardous part of the gamble covered. The woman who spoke with me was very kind as she explained, much as you would to a five year mature, that their company did not actually insure our home for us. They insured it for the bank. If we ever had a fire the bank’s loss would be taken care of—we would score nothing. Now I felt like a tiring, indigent. However, she did suggest that I call the Illinois state insurance board and ask them what to do and she even gave me the number.
I called and the guy told me that we were pretty noteworthy out of luck. He said we might be able to get one company to insure us because they specialized in uninsurable cases, but that it would cost a lot—and a lot we didn’t have. He also told me that whomever had told me the record would go away in five years was sadly mistaken—records were kept by a company out of Atlanta and might go on deep background but never actually went away. And he didn’t think fire even went on deep background. He was also kind enough to inform me that if a fire is not arson then the owner of the damaged home is almost always responsible for their own afflict (a fact our fire chief was surprised to learn) and, furthermore, that our home would be probably be uninsurable for future potential buyers as well.
My husband and I could not possess it—and no one else did either. It was like a abominable movie or the book of Job and it wouldn’t end. We lived through another winter and the fourth tornado season with no insurance. And then in April our Allstate agent sent us a letter requesting that we switch our homeowner’s insurance to them. They had already rejected us once but I sent a detailed letter and informed them that they were more than welcome to insure our autos as well as our house but that they didn’t appear to want to. The agent called two days later to say that Allstate would gladly take on our home.
The saga ended when, two months ago, they removed the money from our escrow account and agreed to veil us. The message I have since been shouting to anyone who will listen is simple: unless you have suffered catastrophic loss do NOT file a claim—even very small ones can lead to a company refusing to insure your home and all of them, especially fire, go on a permanent record. A colleague recently told me they had a branch fall on fraction of their fence and were going to claim $1000 from the insurance. I just looked at her and shook my head. Agreeable luck.
Filed under Allstate by on Feb 17th, 2011. Comment. 
Monday Night RAW for 08/18/2008
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We are live from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, commentary from Phoenix, AZ – and “Y2J” Chris Jericho is out first!
FAN: A fan dressed as a clown holding up a sign that says, “no clowning around”
Jericho: He is not apologizing for what happened at SummerSlam; Shawn Michaels is to blame. He shows a video package of what happened at SummerSlam last night: Jericho swinging for Shawn Michaels BUT hitting his wife, Rebecca!
(Crowd boos)
Jericho says that Shawn KNEW that he was walking away; but instead of handing in a letter, he had to do the “HBK” thing and celebrate with the fans. Shawn Michaels wanted to approach out one last time and say his goodbyes to the fans, and as a result, the fans are ALSO responsible for Rebecca getting hit. If Shawn Michaels would have shown some modesty, it wouldn’t have happened. Shawn Michaels is going to have to live with that, and his family will too, for the rest of their lives! Jericho says that HBK HAD IT COMING.
NOTE: Jericho’s character is going NOWHERE. Theme music still is gravy.
Jericho walks to the back, and we go to commercial.
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Next week, RAW is on Sci-Fi.
We are back, and out comes Batista!
NOTE: Batista just tripped going up the ring steps, and Michael Cole tried to play it off! Titanic stuff.
**Batista vs. Paul Burchill – one plunge match**
Shoulder block by Batista to start off the match – Burchill gets Batista in the corner, a couple of rights and kicks, and Burchill with a chop-block to the knee of Batista! A spinebuster by Batista, and a second one! Batista Bomb by Batista, and 1,2,3!
Winner: Batista by pinfall
NOTE: total squash.
Batista gets out of the ring, walks the aisle, and slaps hands.
They cut to Mike Adamle, and he introduces Prito Colonge, the brother of Carlito! He literally says two words, and Adamle takes off to interview Cena! Cena blows him off, and Cena walks over to Batista! Cena congratulates Batista on getting the win last night at SummerSlam – but Cena says that “that was last night…” and we go to commercial.
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We are back, Jillian and Katie Lea are in the ring! Jillian says that she is overjoyed to be here in Chicago, and she wants to sing a song! Of course, the crowd BOOS HUGE!
Kelly Kelly interrupts Jillian, and comes down to the ring! Mickie James follows her, and Michael Cole states that she lost her WWE Women’s Championship last night at SummerSlam.
Jillian and Mickie start the match, and after a 2 count pinfall, Katie Lea Burchill tags herself in and after a 2 count pinfall, Kelly Kelly gets herself into the match with a sunset flip for a 2 count pinfall. There’s an electric chair botch on Kelly Kelly, Jillian covers for a 2 count. Katie lea now in and hits a backbreaker on Kelly Kelly, rolls up for a 2 count. Katie now locks in a camel clutch, and tags Jillian back in. Jillian gets a cheap shot on Mickie James, and rolls up Kelly Kelly for a 2 count pinfall. Kelly Kelly tags to Mickie James, Mickie cleans house, and Mickie hits an inseguri on Katie Lea! Neckbreaker on Katie Lea for a 2 count, Jillian breaks up the count. Mickie hits a tornado DDT on Katie Lea for the 1,2,3!
Winners: Kelly Kelly and Mickie James
Mickie and Kelly Kelly celebrate in the ring, and we cut to commercial.
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We are back and tonight, we will peer John Cena in a 2 vs. 1 Handicap Match against Priceless, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr.!
We cut to the ring, and JBL comes out!
SIGN: Those Just a Substantial Loser signs are played out.
Jamie Noble comes out and STILL looks small as ever.
Jamie Safe vs. JBL – one pinfall match
Collar-and-elbow tie-up, and JBL lands a bunch of rights and lefts. Noble goes for the knee, and a cross-body suplex…but JBL catches him for a falloway slam. JBL in control of Jamie Favorable, and a bunch of shots to the back of Noble. Elbowdrop, followed by another, and another, and another, and another, AND ANOTHER…and ANOTHER! Clothesline from Hell on Jamie Noble!!! JBL picks up Suited, and a second clothesline! A third clothesline by JBL and a roll-up for the cover…1,2…and the ref STOPS THE MATCH. (Jamie Noble is knocked out)
Winner: JBL by TKO (ref stopped the match before the count of 3)
NOTE: JBL should have NOT come back from retirement. Lame.
Jerry “the King” Lawler says that there’s a “blockbuster announcement” to be made by Stephanie AND Shane McMahon, and it’s coming up NEXT!
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Back, and they show members of the Chicago Cubs in the front row.
Mike Adamle comes out…and King says that he is “an original”
(CROWD BOOS)
Announces CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho…and announces that at Unforgiven, a 20-minute, 5 superstar match will take place! Features CM Punk, Kane, JBL, Batista, and Cena. It is called the “Championship Lumber” and Mike Adamle calls it an “innovative concept”…makes me laugh.
Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase are out now, and it sounded like Lillian Garcia BOTCHED their announcement.
CRYME TYME OUT!!! Shad distracts Priceless while JTG JACKS THE TAG TEAM TITLES!!!!!!
John Cena comes out to a mixed reaction, as usual. King thinks that Cena got Cryme Tyme to jack the Stamp Team Championships!
John Cena vs. Rhodes/DiBiase – one pinfall, 2 on 1 handicap match
Michael Cole takes us to commercial as the match gets underway.
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Back and Cena has Rhodes in a headlock, and gets him into the corner. Ref breaks it up, and Rhodes gets a cheap shot on Cena! Cena chases Rhodes out of the ring, back in, and Rhodes tags in DiBiase. 2 count pinfall by DiBiase, kickout, and a double-suplex on Cena by Priceless. Screen, kickout at 2 by Cena. Dropkick by Rhodes, and another 2 count pinfall. Side-Russian legsweep by Rhodes, and he follows it up with a running knee-drop. Cena on the ring apron, and Rhodes pushes him off the apron and into the barricade! Cover, and a 2 count kickout by Cena. Cena with a head of steam, and DiBiase with a side suplex, followed by a fist-drop, and clothesline! Cover, and a kickout at 2 by Cena. A tandem move by Priceless, and a 2 count kickout by Cena. Good match so far. Cena in Priceless’ corner, and he fights out only to get hit for a 2 count cover by Rhodes. Cena off the ropes, and Rhodes ducks Cena’s flying shoulder-block. On the outside, and Rhodes sends Cena into the steel ring steps. Into the ring, and Rhodes gets a 2 count on Cena. DiBiase with a snap suplex, and a 2 count on Cena. Cena with a reversal on DiBiase, and Cena buys some time. Tag to Rhodes, and Rhodes and Cena go at it. Cena gets a second-wind, and shoulder block, shoulder block, and side suplex into You Can’t See Me. /Five Knuckle Sprint. Cena gets Rhodes in the FU position, but drops to knock out DiBiase. Then Cena gets Rhodes in the STFU! The ref calls for the bell!
Winner: Cena by submission
Cena parades around the ring, bumping his chest. Up next are Strange comments by Shawn Michaels about what happened to his wife at SummerSlam!
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We are aid, and Harley Speed is sitting at ringside!
They show a video package of Jericho hitting Rebecca Michaels again, in preparation for comments by Shawn Michaels. Michael Cole says that Rebecca Michaels suffered a “broken jaw” at SummerSlam as a result of the punch. They cut to an exclusive interview with Shawn Michaels after SummerSlam, and Shawn says that he’s “going to go home, comfort his wife, his kids – and then…and then…” and Michaels walks away with his wife in hand.
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They slice to an interview with Cm Punk! Punk says that what Jericho did was insane. Punk says that in Chicago, they deal with guys like that. It’s going to be done on Punk’s terms, and “Chicago style”.
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Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix come out next, and display the WWE Women’s and Intercontinental Championships that they won at SummerSlam against Kofi Kingston and Mickie James. We go to commercial as D-Low Brown vs. Santino Marella battle for the Intercontinental Championship!
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Santino Marella vs. D-Low Brown – one fall match
We are back as D-Low Brown comes out, and gets a great reaction. KOFI KINGSTON comes out to join on commentary. Leg lariat by D-Low Brown, a former IC Champion. D-Low BOTCHES a slip off the ropes, and Marella covers for a 2 count on D-Low. D-Low back in control, and gets up on the top rope for the Low-Down, and Beth Phoenix gets in the ring! A slap to D-Low’s face by Phoenix, and D-Low loses!
Winner: D-Low Brown via disqualification
After the match, D-Low does a back-body drop on Marella, and clotheslines him over the top rope to the outside announce table…where Kofi Kingston smashes his head on the table! Beth Phoenix and Santino Marella then take their Championships and head to the back as D-Low Brown and Kofi Kingston watch.
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Cut to a shot of Kane walking backstage! Michael Cole explains what was in Kane’s bag; Rey Mysterio’s mask! We go to commercial as Kane keeps walking.
NOTE: Spooky music is playing – did Kane’s theme music get changed?
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Kane comes out, and WWE CHANGED KANE’S THEME MUSIC!!!
NOTE: NOT COOL. First Jeff Hardy, now Kane. BOOOOO
Kane says that the fans looked shocked when he pulled Rey’s mask out of the bag. Kane has been carrying it for a while, putting a smile on his face. Kane says that Rey has not been seen for 6 weeks; because Kane doesn’t like Rey Mysterio-and hates people who don’t. Rey is like a “fungus who grows in the depths of your psyche”. Kane then says” is Rey Mysterio lifeless…or alive? “
NOTE: KANE HAS SOMETHING IN HIS TEETH!!! HILARIOUS!!! The catering must be good. That piece of leafy greens was VERY determined in WWE HD.
BATISTA COMES OUT! And Kane and Batista commence to go at it! Spear and a spinebuster by Batista! Kane chop blocks, and then chokeslams Batista! That’s it for Batista, and Kane gets out of the ring and walks to the back.
We go to commercial!
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We are back, and it’s time for the MAIN EVENT!
Jericho is out first, and he’s with Lance Cade.
SIGN: RAW IS MICHAELS
NOTE: Apparently not anymore.
CM Punk out, and HUGE POP from his hometown.
CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho – non-title match, one pinfall/submission match
Starts off with the crowd chanting “CM PUNK” – Punk starts off with Muai Thai kicks, and off the ropes for a clothesline. Punk with a snapmare takedown, and a kick to the wait on on Jericho. Punk with Jericho in the corner, and Jericho fights out, and gets Punk in the opposite corner with leg kicks and punches. Punk with a reverse-sunset flip, and Punk gets a 2 count cover on Jericho. Jericho charges Punk, and Punk sidesteps Jericho…Jericho between the ropes to the outside! Michael Cole sends it off into a commercial break.
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We are serve as Jericho has Punk in a rear-naked-underarm choke. A couple of side-elbows by Punk, and Jericho sends Punk off the ropes for a clothesline, cover, 2 count on Punk. A couple of elbowdrops by Jericho, and Jericho picks up Punk for a backbreaker, into a modified bow-and-arrow stretch submission over Jericho’s knee. Punk breaks free, and Jericho gets Punk into a standing side stretch submission. Punk breaks free, and Jericho sends Punk into the corner…and Jericho goes for a bulldog, and Punk with a kick to the side of Jericho’s head! Punk with momentum now, and Punk with a double-underhook backbreaker on Jericho, 2 count! Punk with a running knee in the corner, and Jericho counters the running bulldog. LIONSAULT by Jericho, 2 count! Punk now with a hurrancarana, and gets a 2 count! Punk in the corner with Jericho, reversal, and Jericho with a running elbow. Punk lifts Jericho in the GTS, but Jericho counters, and WALLS OF JERICHO!!! In the center of the ring, will Punk tap out? Punk crawling to the ropes, and he gets there! Jericho frustrated, and goes to the top rope! Punk with a running high knee on Jericho…and a second-rope bulldog by CM Punk on Jericho! Lance Cade on the ring apron, and Jericho hits CM Punk with the CODEBREAKER! Jericho gets the 1,2,3!!!
Winner: Chris Jericho by pinfall
The credits roll, and RAW is done!
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OVERALL: There was a lot of actual wrestling in this show, pretty good. No advancement of storylines (well, maybe a little) but overall, a program packed with professional wrestling matches.
6 out of 8
Filed under Allstate by on Dec 18th, 2010. Comment.
