Jon, I never take offense as insurance is not widely understood and there can certainly be inequities with any insurance company. Yes, most personal insurance is expensive but there may be a bright side to Steve's fire insurance or homeowners policy. I estimate that 95% of insured dwelling policies in Texas are sold with replacement cost coverage which means that after the usual 1% of the insurance amount deductible or in some cases 2%, the claim is paid in full with no deduction for depreciation. I hope Steve's policy has this usual feature. Those in rural or unprotected areas of a county pay a higher premium for their coverage.
Fritz ________________________________ From: Jon Cradit [mailto:jcra...@edwardsaquifer.org] Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 11:05 AM To: texascavers@texascavers.com Subject: [Texascavers] FW: Steve Keselik - Bastrop Hi Cavers, I have been in contact with Steve, he said that tomorrow he will be able to get back to his place and he will be meeting the insurance adjuster then. His place is snuggled up against Lost Pines State Park, which as you may have seen, sustained the majority of the wild fire. As we all know unless you have a VERY expensive insurance policy the insurance companies only pay a percentage of the replacement cost; and that usually is a small percentage (sorry Fritz, don't take offense) His family is staying with some local friends in their home right now and he said he doesn't quite know what his needs are right now. He was able to save his pickup which had some of his portable tools so he can do some limited work for a while. But he will be concentrating on his home place here soon so his funds will be running low fast. If you have any extra home type goods, or want to buy some, you might set them aside right now and save them until he has a home to put them in. Most of y'all don't know Steve and his caving experience, but I'm sure you have seen him around. He is at most of the TCRs and TSA conventions, hanging in the background. In Steve's words he ..." isn't a mover and shaker in the caving community but he is a part of the tribe". Like George said Steve worked in the Powell's Cave project along with many other TSA projects over the 20-plus years he has been caving. He has been on extended mapping trips in Lechuguilla and Carlsbad. I have enjoyed caving with him mostly because he is always up-beat, happy, and a team player, even in the grimmest of cave passages. I don't think I have ever seen him bummed out or discouraged. If you would like to help his family with a financial donation, Steve's current mailing address is: Steve Keselik, 255 Mesquite Dr., Cedar Creek, TX 78612 In a few weeks he will be ready to start the physical cleanup of his property. I will let the cavers know when that is planned if you are able to come and help. Jon Cradit
