homeowner's claim

[tea4me]

Last week my home was robbed. They took guns, tvs, jewelry boxes, purse, camera.

Tomorrow the insurance company is calling me for a detailed description of items that were stolen. My insurance was through American Family.

Any suggestions for dealing with the insurance company?

[Deleted]

No, but that sucks.. sorry to hear about it.

i am assuming you filed a police report already.

[8 Bit WWBG]

Most likely they will try to lowball you with an offer. Know what your things are worth, and be prepared to defend asking for a higher offer.

My father had a car totaled once, and he rejected the settlement 3 times before they gave him an offer he found acceptable. I did the same thing with a homeowners claim (damage, not theft) and got much more money than had I let them low ball me.

[Gardening Grandma]

Tea
I'm sorry this has happened to you. My suggestions are:
Don't be in a hurry. Expect that this will take some time.
Get together all documentation you have. When I was robbed, the ins company accepted photos of me wearing some gold jewelery that I had no receipts for.....
And I concur with wwbg - be prepared to stick to your guns if they try to low ball.
Gokod luck!

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Be aware that unless you had a rider on your insurance policy, the insurance company will only pay out for about $500 for jewelry.

[hoops902]

"My father had a car totaled once, and he rejected the settlement 3 times before they gave him an offer he found acceptable. I did the same thing with a homeowners claim (damage, not theft) and got much more money than had I let them low ball me. "

That said, it's a lot easier to fight the insurance company when you can 1. prove you had the item (which is easy with a car and home) and 2. prove what the item is worth (again, relatively easy with car and damage to home).

Much easier than trying to prove that you ever owned the items in question, that once proven you owned them proving they were stolen, and once proving they were stolen proving their worth.

"When I was robbed, the ins company accepted photos of me wearing some gold jewelery that I had no receipts for....."

So they just accepted your claims that the jewelry was real gold? Was it a small amount? The first thing my mind goes to is people who wear ridiculously large fake diamond earrings. I can't imagine they just accept photos for that kind of thing if the value is high without any kind of recepit.

[Deleted]

Can you get old credit card statements to back up some of the purchases? That would help establish when you bought things and what you paid for them.

I was also surprised that gardeninggrandma was able to get reimbursed based just on pictures, but it may have been that the per-policy limit on jewelry was low enough that they didn't bother asking for more proof. If you have any really big-ticket purchases in the loss, you may be able to go back to the merchant and get records.

Good luck. I don't know anything about American Family in particular, but well-run companies will give you a fair estimate in the first place, and won't jack it up every time you say "no" unless you come up with additional information that makes them reconsider.

[Deleted]

Apr 18, 2011 14:21:07 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Tea4me: The best way I've found to deal with claims adjusters is to be polite. I am an agent, and found this is most helpful. Some people have an understandable disdain for insurance companies, but it doesn't help the claims process to go into it in a defensive or negative manner.

I absolutely agree. DS settles claims for people who have totalled their cars and he deals with a lot of mean people. The ones who really think they deserve more but are polite are the cases where he's willing to listen to what they have to say in their favor (car in better condition than average, e.g.) and give them extra $$ if it's justified.

[resolution]

My house was robbed a few years ago, and I had Allstate Insurance. There was a limit on the policy for about $3000 in jewelry and $5000 in electronics. If you haven't done it yet, pull out your policy and find your limits for each type of item so it doesn't surprise you when you go over it with the agent.

If you have an automatic garage door opener make sure you change the code and also rekey your house locks if there is a possibility that they stole a spare key. The ones that robbed my house had an MO that they would come back in a week when the homeowners were sleeping and open the garage and take the cars. That is how mine got caught, they were in a stolen car and got pulled over. But they had successfully done that at over 30 houses before they got caught.

The way that repairs worked, was that my dad came over and drilled bolts into the door from the inside to temporarily secure it (they broke the locks and handle off of the door to get in). Then I got a quote for the repairs and faxed it to the insurance. At first they questioned the amount and I had to provide additional information about the original door that was broken. They approved it and I paid the contractor to put in the new door and was reimbursed for it when they settled the claim.

For the stolen items I just had to make a list describing each object and what I thought it was worth. I wasn't asked to provide any proof of ownership. The agent then went on-line and looked at what it would cost to replace each item listed. They calculated depreciation for the electronics but not for anything else. The jewelry went up to the limit so they stopped at that point, the electronics had a lower value so they paid the purchase value less depreciation for age.

Overall I had a good experience dealing with the insurance. It took a long time to get the payment, so it was good that I was able to complete the house repairs from my own funds.

[Deleted]

Tea,

Sorry to hear you were burglarized (?). Robbed means you were there in the house when it happened. That's really scary...

We have been burglarized twice in the 18 months we have been here in Germany. Once when we were here for only 3 weeks and only 1 block away at a neighborhood block party. I was warned about them coming back in a month or two (when you've had time to replace everything). Sure enough they did come back when we were back in the States.

Although we lost about 5k in stuff we did not file a claim. Our deductible is high at $2,500. Our insurance was with USAA and the policy was less than a month old. We were going to have to prove ownership and value. While I could prove the value of my computer and camera (about $850 combined) the truly valuable stuff was my husband's jewelry. Nearly all of it was gifts from family. Very nice gold and gemstone pieces but it never occurred to us to get appraisals for gifts we were given (seems kind of tacky).

After the second burglary (they took an oil painting that needed cleaning ) our Landlord had a security person from the police do a security inspection. They made a recommendation to install some "bomb resistant" type clear film since the burglars smashed the French doors to gain access the second time. I don't know if it was luck or the burglars were disappointed with the results of the second attempt but we've had no problems since.

[busymom]

So sorry Tea! What a headache, but glad you are safe!

Tonight, start to make a list of everything you believe was taken, and try to get as much detail as you can, like how big was the tv screen, the brand name of your electronics (if you know), etc.

Also, as others have mentioned, in my area burglars are famous for coming back a month or 2 later, when they think you have all new stuff to try again. Get better deadbolt locks, and maybe it's time for a big dog! We've had a few break-ins in my neighborhood, but we haven't had any trouble, mostly I expect, because no one wants to deal with my barking, bad-attitude dog. (He loves us, he's just not very nice to strangers.)

[azphx1972]

I'm sorry to read about this, tea. Any idea how they gained entry? I remember neighbors warning me about thieves breaking into their garage via the method shown in the video below, and I used rope to secure my opener (as discussed in this link).

[TheOtherMe]

That video is very eye opening.

I was burglarized many years ago. Only damage was to sliding door and was less than deductible. City's victim's advocate program did reimburse me for the damage. My culprit was a sick man who was also casing me for a return that evening. His mo was to go in to homes of single women during the day, steal some things and then leave the door just a little ajar so he could come back and rape them.

He also took some of my used underwear (eeew) and blank checks. He did cash two checks for $50 each and bank reimbursed me.

Police watched my house that night and caught him when he came back. At that time, I was more of a clean freak and noticed a thumb print on my living room window. He also didn't close my closet doors and I never, ever leave my closet doors open. My cat was shut in the bathroom and that had never happened before either.

I got an alarm system immediately.

The worst part is the violation. It was some time before I got over the feeling of being violated--especially when the cop asked if I knew how many pair of underwear he took.

[azphx1972]

Theo: I am so sorry you went through that nightmare....

Agreed. That sounds horrible.

[Deleted]

Any suggestions for dealing with the insurance company?

First off sorry that happened & CHANGE your locks (we know someone that got robbed & 2 weeks later got robbed AGAIN. The robbers came back to steal their new stuff).

Expect to be low balled. Don't fall for it. Get replacement costs.

[Deleted]

Expect to be low balled. Don't fall for it. Get replacement costs

Check your policy to see if you have been paying for replacement value. Actually, everyone should do this. Otherwise, they are going to depreciate your belongings.

We got robbed twice in two weeks twenty years ago. Just as Tex said, they waited until the insurance check came in and we rebought everything. The insurance company said that was quite common.

[tea4me]

Thanks everyone.
Yes - I was burglarized and not robbed. I never knew there was a difference.

When I got home I noticed there were three lights turned on. Being the frugal person I am, I knew I would never leave THREE lights on. One by accident maybe, but never three. I immediately left.

I live out in the country in a very rural area. Things like that don't happen around here.

Some people got "caught in the act" in a neighboring county and one of my firearms was in their possession (confirmed by serial number). Hopefully I will get some of my sentimental items (jewelry) back.

Today I talked with the insurance company and I was very cordial. I realized the girl is just doing her job. I am going to wait and see what items get recovered before settling with them. My insurance covers up to $2500 in jewelry (phew). Of course, I have two doors that need to be replaced (they broke two!)

[NoNamePerson]

Take your time making the list. I didn't realize two things were gone for almost a week. Out of sight out of mind sorta thing. My agent actually told me to call if anything else appeared to be missing.

The pistol concerned me the most. The FBI returned the pistol to me in 2010 - it was stolen in 1990- that was a real shocker Pistol made it from the Gulf Coast all the way to RI.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Take your time making the list. I didn't realize two things were gone for almost a week. Out of sight out of mind sorta thing.

Exactly. I didn't realize that the thieves stole every pillow case I owned when I was robbed. Stupid, but a PITA when I went to strip and remake the bed and realized I had no pillow cases!

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

A good way to remember or document what you may have had is to look through photographs taken inside your home ... that can be both documentation as well as a memory aid.

And be sure and follow up with law enforcement about getting some/all of your items back, if recovered, once they've been evidence in the criminal case. Some agencies just don't automatically return things. You may also want to follow the criminal case to see if restitution can be ordered as part of the sentencing. In some cases (even if it takes years), the criminal can be ordered to pay you back for your losses. It's a long shot, but may be worth the inquiry.

[TheOtherMe]

Apr 18, 2011 19:01:26 GMT -5 azphx1972 said:

Theo: I am so sorry you went through that nightmare....

Agreed. That sounds horrible.

Thank you, insurancegal and zaphx1972. It was scary and horrible. Most likely I was home for lunch with that man in my house.

[Mardi Gras Audrey]

Theo, I'm sorry you had to go through that... You have my sympathies...

I have a weird break in story.. Many years ago, I lived in a triplex. The unit on one side of ours got broken into through an upstairs bathroom window. The resident had come home for lunch and had noticed that the window was broken and some jewelry and canned food were missing. Well, she didn't have time to wait for the cops so she returned to work and called them when she got home later. When she came home, she found that the thieves had replaced the broken window.... It was really strange. The cops came and went on the roof to see what was going on (The window they came through couldn't be seen from the ground because the HVAC unit shielded it on one side and the crest of the roof shielded the other side from view). When the cops went on the roof, they found the wallet of the tenant that lived in the unit adjoining hers (They had the same unit, just back to back, so his bathroom window faced hers). Turns out his teenagers were stealing from the neighborhood and they had repaired the window hoping that she would never notice that they had been there. They were also stealing their dad's wallet (or so he said) . The family got evicted for non-payt of rent about a month later.....

[NoNamePerson]

Apr 19, 2011 18:15:53 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Take your time making the list. I didn't realize two things were gone for almost a week. Out of sight out of mind sorta thing.

Exactly. I didn't realize that the thieves stole every pillow case I owned when I was robbed. Stupid, but a PITA when I went to strip and remake the bed and realized I had no pillow cases!

[marmar]

---> www.knowyourstuff.org <---


This may be pointless to bring up *after* your home's been burglarized (belongings stolen while you were away) or you've been robbed (items taken from your physical possession by force, threat, or intimidation), but it's still a good program to know about.

It's a free online property inventory that allows you to record make, model, serial number, and value of all valuables (electronics, power tools, etc.). You can also upload photos, which comes in handy when you're listing jewelry. In the event of theft or natural disaster, you can log into your account, which has military grade encryption, and provide the insurance and police with a list of all property that was stolen or damaged. Makes the claims process a bit easier. And if the police have serial numbers, there's a better chance they'll be able to track your stolen property, which could then lead to a suspect...

[marmar]

Apr 19, 2011 21:10:28 GMT -5 ❤ mollymouser ❤ said:

A good way to remember or document what you may have had is to look through photographs taken inside your home ... that can be both documentation as well as a memory aid.

And be sure and follow up with law enforcement about getting some/all of your items back, if recovered, once they've been evidence in the criminal case. Some agencies just don't automatically return things. You may also want to follow the criminal case to see if restitution can be ordered as part of the sentencing. In some cases (even if it takes years), the criminal can be ordered to pay you back for your losses. It's a long shot, but may be worth the inquiry.

[happyscooter]

I am late with my response. Several years ago we had friends whose house was broken into. The insurance company made them replace everything with exact identical merchandise. Everything was new, they had only been married one year. So things that people had given them for wedding gifts that they really didn't want were replaced by things they didn't really want. And it didn't have the same meaning because it wasn't from the actual person. Sterling silver platter by Aunt Jane. They had to buy another sterling silver platter. Which they didn't want in the first place and didn't have room for. And the sentimental value was gone with the robbers.
So make sure they don't make you replace it with lesser priced items because your flat screen was 5 years old and they take into consideration the wear and tear on it.

[motherto2]

So sorry to hear of all the people that have had break ins. I like the idea of making a list of things that you own with pics, serial nos., etc. but I would think twice about putting it online somewhere. With the way things are hacked into these days, no one is really safe. We took our video camera and from time to time will go around and video everything we own. Say the date on the video, have the date stamp on it, video the news on your tv with the date on it, etc. so you can validate when the video was made. Take pics of receipts when you purchase things so you have a record of it (alot of receipt ink fades after a short time). I have a safe deposit box I keep that in and other really important papers, jewelry that exes have given me that I no longer wish to wear but have saved for my children if they want them. Remember to update the video from time to time, or when you purchase a large ticket item. I have a security system, and the one I've had for 10 years I haven't been able to use consistently for most of that time because it was always malfunctioning. Very long story, but a few weeks ago my alarm went off at night, and went through some very harrowing minutes of waiting for the police to show up, we finally deduced it was another false alarm (first time it's done that at night, happened alot during the day). I finally decided it was time to lay out the money and go with a different company and a whole brand new system. The peace of mind knowing I finally have a system that will work is priceless. And yes, it cost me a pretty penny to replace it. I still have trouble falling asleep at night, especially when I'm home alone. Please look into a security system, it will help you tremendously. And you can get a discount on your home insurance. I also chose this time to have the smoke/fire added. I've always worried about having a pup in the house when no one is home, and now I feel better knowing that he is protected. And AZ, thanks for the garage video. I no longer have a garage, but I sure am going to let my folks/friends know about it.

[marmar]

Apr 22, 2011 8:31:24 GMT -5 motherto2 said:

...I like the idea of making a list of things that you own with pics, serial nos., etc. but I would think twice about putting it online somewhere. With the way things are hacked into these days, no one is really safe.

Being in law enforcement and from a law enforcement family, I'm naturally paranoid and skeptical about stuff like this. But I think it's a great program.

The 'knowyourstuff' website only requires your name and ZIP code at registration, and there's nothing that says you can't enter fake information (which is what I did). So in the unlikely event that your account is hacked, there's no way to tell what house these belongings come from. I'm not a computer guru, so I'm sure you could be tracked via IP address to an extent, but still.....hacking this type of account just wouldn't be worth a criminal's time or effort. It's much easier to drive a neighborhood, pick a house at random, and kick in the door.

[marmar]

Apr 22, 2011 11:22:42 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

These comments reminded me of something: As an agent, I offer my clients my assistance with a home inventory, which can included anything from taking digital photos, a written inventory, a video, etc. In my years of doing this, I can tell you NONE of them have taken me up on it. That is their decision, of course, but then when it comes to claim time....

[marmar]

You're welcome.

I just wish folks could understand how vital a home inventory is. It's kind of a pain in the ass upfront, but it saves so much hassle for you if you're ever victimized. Just print the list, hand it off to insurance, and your part's done. Easy peasy.