QuestionI purchased a renter's insurance policy along with additional coverage for my jewelry back in 06/2011. I supplied professional appraisals along with the application as required. I travelled out of state to visit family for Xmas and stayed in hotel for the weekend. When I returned home, I discovered that 2 pieces of jewelry I brought were missing. I believed I failed to pack them before checking out of the hotel. I called the hotel staff,who assured me they could not find my jewelry in the room. I 2x checked my baggage and followed up with the hotel with no success. Since theft, lost and mysterious disappearance of my jewelry is covered under my policy,I filed a claim. My insurance company assigned a special investigator almost immediately. I was asked questions about my finances(signed release for credit report), job history, my relationship with my agent(???) He repeatedly requests receipts,but since I purchased these items 7 years ago I don't the have receipts. The jeweler is out of business so I don't know what to do to get this claim settled. Help
Answer Hello Josh,
The insurance company does have an obligation to investigate all claims, and on the surface this could appear "suspicious". However, having said that, the company cannot impose unfair requirements on you simply to avoid payment of a claim.
When you purchased the policy you provided all of the information that was required. Clearly receipts were not required. Now they cannot deny your claim because they want more than they required to actually extend you a policy - and to receive your premium dollars.
Nor can the company decide to deny your claim simply because they don't like the looks of it or because the value of the jewelry is high. If they think you are somehow involved, they have to prove that! Then, they could deny it for fraud. But without sufficient evidence which strongly supports their position, they are obligated to provide you coverage. SIU or no SIU.
As for requiring the credit information, job history, etc, while it does seem invasive, you are obligated to cooperate regardless of the seemingly offensive nature of the requests. If you do not, they can deny your claim based on your failure to cooperate. You must also appear for an EUO (Examination Under Oath) if they require it.
You are going to need to be cooperative yet proactive. Ask them to explain unexplained delays. Continually offer to cooperate. Put them on the defensive, not yourself.
If they deny it without cause, you might well have a bad faith action. For that, you would need an attorney who specializes in insurance bad faith. Ironically, I recently served as an expert in a claim very similar to this ...
For specific information on staying proactive in your claim, you need to go to my website and read the details. That site is http://solutionsforyourinsuranceclaim.com
Hope this helps.
Jane Pytel
http://SolutionsForYourInsuranceClaim.com
http://FloridaAutoInsuranceCentral.com
