Iowa Law Juvenile Responsibility

[scooby708]

What is the name of your state? IOWA

A juvenile (13) has destroyed $80,000 of personal property. Apparently Iowa law states that his family can only be responsible for $2,000 max. Deliberate arson completely destroyed the property. What can be done? He will probably spend a couple months in Juvy and then go free. The home is completely destroyed and the family has no means to rebuild (insurance glitch). Please I need any and all advice. Please.
Thank you.

 

[djohnson]

No matter how guilty the child is, he isn't guilty of the insurance glitch, I don't think the parents were either were they?

 

[scooby708]

Iowa Juvenile Responsibility

The child did break in deliberately and started the fire with the intention of arson. He had previously broken in and vandalized the home as well as steal. Who is responsible? The victim?

 

[djohnson]

Unfortunately because the offender is a minor it was the owners responsibility to have insurance, especially knowing it was problem.

 

[scooby708]

Iowa Juvenile Responsibility

The victim tried to set up a policy over the phone and the insurance agency said they needed to come in personally. Apparently the company must accept the policy over the phone with payment and they were not informed of this. The insurance agent told them they needed to come in but were booked and made an appointment for Tuesday. The arson happened Monday night and they spoke to the agent Monday morning. The vandalism happened on the Sunday night but witnesses didn't come forward until after the fire. What horrible luck.

 

[stealth2]

The vandalism wouldn't have been covered, regardless. As for the arson - it's been my experience that a home insurance policy isn't valid until the property is inspected. Frankly, it's a wee bit suspicious that the homeowner conveniently was looking for coverage the same day as his place was torched.