KENT COUNTY, Mich. — Months after an EF 1 Tornado ripped through Kent County one local homeowner is stuck in coverage gridlock- saying his insurance company refuses to cover the near $30,000 repair costs.
Dave Cobb grew up in a set of townhomes just down the street from his current house. He, along with his wife, his 14-year-old son and his two cats, live in the neighborhood he's called home his entire life.
Cobb said he would like to stay in his hometown, but after the August 24 tornado, that may not be possible.
When the tornado hit, Cobb said all he saw was destruction.
"I ran in the garage, met my wife in the garage, and we just heard, boom, boom, boom, boom," Cobb said. " it was just unwarned, very traumatic."
The damage cobb's house sustained was severe. His house's siding and gutters were ripped off by the storm; two large trees in the back yard were snapped in half. Something Cobb said was disturbing to see.
"Another degree to the right would have squished us right in that garage," Cobb said.
The following days Cobb and his family stayed in a hotel room. Returning back to his home to talk with contractors on how much damage was truly sustained.
The price tag totaled $28,600 in repairs. A number he sent to his insurance company. It was only afterwards when Cobb said he realized the strife was far from over
"This is the reason we have insurance," Cobb said. "We had been given in November about $15,000 from Allstate, and that included the dwelling, so housing, the siding, the gutters, what little they give us for the roof, the fencing damage, the tree removal and all personal property."
"We're not able to build our house back to code without spending roughly $15,000 out of pocket," Cobb said.
Because local contractors could not claim the full amount of repairs through Cobb's insurance, no one would take the job.
"One of the contractors told us, after finding out we had Allstate, they said, You know what, we're not going to be what's best for you, why don't you find someone else?"
Leaving Cobb stuck with a broken home for over eight and a half months.
"They can't just do one part of it and then call it good. It won't be the code," Cobb said. "So the contractor won't do it, insurance won't approve it. So not only am I fighting with them, I'm also stuck with them until I can get it fixed."
Cobb argues damage lasted long after the tornado passed.
"I see severe weather heading towards Grand Rapids like my heart drops," Cobb said. "We've already had, I believe, 10 tornadoes this year. We had one yesterday or two days ago in Livonia, no warning. And I feel so bad for those people."
Yet after hitting dead ends with his insurance, Cobb said he began searching for help in other locations- looking towards FEMA's applications for disaster relief. However Cobb's application for aid was denied on grounds he had adequate insurance.
"Allstate is not helping us. FEMA is not helping us - because we have Allstate- he's not helping us," Cobb said. "So then my other option is I contacted the State Department."
Since insurance is state regulated, Cobb said he filed a complaint with the state of Michigan to argue for more fair coverage.
Cobb was turned away again, the State told him that Allstate was holding firm.
"You say you're doing this for families, for people," Cobb said. "Here in Michigan, you're not helping us, you're hurting us."
With limited options, Cobb said he and his wife began considering selling the house at a near $30,000 loss.
"We just had to kind of adjust to cleaning everything up, and then just kind of starting new with what little insurance is giving us," Cobb said.
Cobb made it clear he is not looking for handouts. Rather a helping hand to get him and his family back on their feet.
"I'm not asking for a brand new house. I'm not even fighting you on the shingles anymore, but, you know, bring my house back to code, you know," Cobb said. "Show the Michigan people, the American people that the insurance companies actually care about, you know, the people, rather than just the money."
13 ON YOUR SIDE reached out to Allstate insurance for a comment on Cobb's claim.
"We are supporting our customer with their claim and will resolve it according to their policy," Allstate's media team replied in a statement.
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