My friend has just phoned me and told me that she has been burgled ( she went into her lounge and found that the rear door was wide open ), and that a few articles were missing, she has reported the matter to the local Police for a crime number she didnt mention claiming on her contents insurance as shes so upset , but I want to ask is her insurance valid if the door was shut but not locked physically with the key?, as it was more than likely an opportunist thief could she claim for the items on her insurance given that the door wasnt locked?
Any advice appreciated?
2007-10-23 10:22:57 · 13 answers · asked by latenight 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Insurance
Unfortunately, if the door wasn't locked it's very unlikely that the insurance will pay out. Its one of the conditions of the insurance that you will protect your property to the best of your ability.
As an example (although doesn't apply here, but just using it to demonstrate), goods stolen from your card aren't covered unless they are put out of view and locked in the boot or glove compartment.
She can try and put in a claim, and see if they ask whether or not the door was locked, but if its in the police report that it was unlocked, then its very unlikely that they will pay out unfortunately.
2007-10-23 10:28:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it is as clear cut as some are suggesting. The first thing that needs to be looked at is exactly what the policy says. The second thing I would want to know is was your friend physically in the house with the door unlocked ? I mean under most policies there is a difference between going out and leaving doors unlocked and being in another part of the house with the door unlocked. My advice would be for your friend to make the claim whatever the circumstances. Then if the claim is rejected compare the reason they give with the wording in the policy. If she thinks that what they say makes sense then accept defeat. If it does not seem to quite agree with the policy then appeal. Remember that insurance companies are only giving their interpretation of the terms of the policy. Strictly speaking it has no particular force in law.
2007-10-25 06:56:06 · answer #2 · answered by JOHN R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would depend on your policy.
The company I work for does not have a requirement in their policy that there be forced entry into the home (auto policy is different).
Busting out a window after the fact to make the loss look like something it's not - is insurance fraud. That is a crime.
And it's an easy one for her to get caught doing. If the adjuster got suspicious, they would just call the officer that wrote the report and find out if there was any forced entry. Once the officer confirms no and the adjuster sees a busted window/door ..... add to it - the police department would have covered the door/window in finger print powder. The adjuster sees a busted window and no finger print powder. See how easy it would be to get caught.
The best thing for her to do is talk to her agent and then file the claim. Don't lie to the insurance company or the adjuster.
2007-10-23 19:33:06 · answer #3 · answered by Boots 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are no hard and fast rules in insurance and maybe your friend's insurance company will be sympathetic to the claim. However in my experience the insurance company would probably want to see that there had been visible signs of forcible entry. Your friend has nothing to lose by making a claim to see what happens, but I would very much doubt that the claim would be successful. (There's a reason why insurance companies ask for a minimum of a 5 lever mortice lock and that's because they're expected to be used).
2007-10-24 18:19:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's going to depend on her policy, but in MY experience, yes, she would have coverage.
There is such a thing as an endorsement that says in order for theft to be covered, there must be signs of forced entry. But I've never seen it actually applied to a standard renters policy.
HER agent can give her an absolute answer.
** and a note for Jo - the police do NOT make that determination - they are NOT agents, they have NOT seen the policy. If you failed to file the claim because THEY told you not to, well, you should not take insurance advice from someone who isn't licensed to give you insurance advice.**
2007-10-23 21:31:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Insurance Companies look for any excuse not to have to pay out claims. The rules are that if you leave your doors or windows unlocked or open and you get burgled, you get nothing. You have to take precautions yourself which makes sense really.
2007-10-23 17:58:26 · answer #6 · answered by Sandee 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Read your policy, better than that call your agent, turn in the claim and see if they will pay. The company that I write for, would pay the claim less the deductible. But some policies do not pay for theft. It just depends on what type of policy you have.
Just call and find out.
2007-10-23 18:19:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
this depends on her insurance policy. she may be considered an accomplice becuase she left the door unlocked. thats what they are doing now in some areas. it may not even be worth claiming on the insurance unless the belongings were worth a lot becasue she would have to pay a deductible.
2007-10-23 17:31:18 · answer #8 · answered by ♥ang♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the terms of the insurance policy. You need to find that and read it to see if there are any stipulations around securing of contents.
2007-10-23 17:28:54 · answer #9 · answered by Angie 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If they refuse the claim she should fight for it. They will do whatever not to pay out
a mate of mine slept in the day once whilst burglars came through her kitchen window....ins co. said she should have had window shut....but we fought it and she won eventually
2007-10-23 21:13:09 · answer #10 · answered by stormydays 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋