Mike, I am an attorney and based on what you have presented for this forum discussion you certainly would do well to visit a local attorney licensed within your state. Each state has certain statutes (laws) that would generally (even specifically)apply to your situation. As I see it the situation is basically a breach of contract issue. You pay a premium and the insurance co agrees to provide insurance coverage based on the type of coverage you need, thus the CONTRACT. Most people never bother to read their policy language, usually because it seems like such a simple matter, you pay your premium for full and comprehensive coverage and once you make a claim the insurance company is supposed to do a good faith investigation and then make a determination. I would certainly read your entire policy and you will most likely see a list of exclusions, or reasons your claim might be denied. Since the time I started practicing law, it seems as though more and more insurance companies make more of an effort to deny your claim than trying to find a way to provide the coverage they promised. I believe that it has become an "unspoken" industry-wide standard, although they will deny it. A call to your state insurance commissioner may make you feel better but it may take longer to get a positive result. Check your State Gov't web page and see if you can review possible specific laws that apply to this type of claim. Most of the time there are damages recoverable in excess of the actual claim, if bad faith on the part of the insurance co can be shown. Ask around for the name of someone who has trial experience, and see if you can get a consultation. Most decent lawyers won't charge for a consultation. COOD LUCK!!! let everyone know how this progresses.
Jim