A Car Drove in to my Rental House

[Wilson Lee]

I don't know how to start. hum, A drunk driver drove their SUV in to the living room/dinning room of my rental unit. The damage is about $45,000-60,000 I got the house for $20,200 and put $15,000 into the house. My insurance maxes out at $70,000 for the dwelling and 7K for lost income. They will also pay up to 7K for upgrades do to Ordinances/law meaning the cost to bring stuff up to code. We are still exploring the extent the driver's insurance. My delectable is $1,000 we have a HELOC for $30,000 on the house, 25K is took out.

This is my first insurance loss on a house.  What do we look out for?  What are the options? What should I do next? 

[Thomas S.]

When necessary insurance can be a win. I would see if they will pay me a cash settlement, fix up the place myself, and sell for maximum return or just sell it as it is.  

Insurance pays 70K (hypothetically), fix it for 10-15K...... sell. 

Problems can be opportunities.