Can my homeowners insurance REQUIRE receipts for everything taken during a break-in?

Question

I recently had my car broken into in front of my house, as did 7 other neighbors. We had several items taken: Zune, baseball tickets, passport, wallet, noise canceling earphones, sunglasses, prescription glasses, watch (I know it was dumb to have that much stuff in the glove compartment and center console). Anyway, we filed a police report and then filed a insurance claim. I was told to send in a list of items that were lost, approx. how old the items are, and what the cost to replace the item will be. Well, I just received a letter stating I need to provide receipts for the items. I called the insurance office and said I don't have receipts for the Zune but I have a serial #, I don't have a receipt for my passport (I can show pictures of Europe and can provide the stolen passport #), I don't have anything for the noise canceling earphones because they were a Christmas gift, but I can provide info for the watch, glasses, sunglasses. I was told that I need to call my in-laws to ask them for a receipt for the headphones, which I did and they don't have anything (it has been 9 months). I was told I need to figure out something else to provide proof that I had a passport. Is this legit? What can I do? It seems like they are making me out to be the criminal. I have had the same insurance company for my cars and homeowners since 1996 and have not made any claims on either policy! The insurance company sure has no problems collecting my premiums but when something happens they sure don't want to have to pay.

Answer 1

One should always keep receipts.  If your in-laws can't find their receipt, then ask them to go back to  the business where they purchased the item, and ask the clerk for another one....

Its called proof of purchase... and yes, they can ask for that information.

And I realize it may very well seem like they don't care, and that they just want your $$ in premiums,,,,,but they have a lot of rules governing what they do,,,,and what they cannot do.

Be patient and don't loose your focus, stay strong,,,, try to comply as much as you can.  You'll be better off  in the long run .... as a result of just being patient.

Good Luck...

Answer 2

You should have - or have access to - a cancelled check for your passport.  You should have credit card statements for any of the purchases.

You do NOT need a receipt for every blessed thing, that's completely unreasonable.  People don't keep receipts that long.  

Even if you can come up with receipts and/or photos of HALF that stuff (got a picture of you with your Zune?), that should be "good enough".  Talk to your agent!!

Answer 3

Your situation are typical for a lot of people,so,be patient and calm down,check the resource i found useful.http://carinsurance.expertsupport.info/a...

Answer 4

It's called proof of loss.

Answer 5

The federal government keeps records of the passports that they issue.  They can look up the passport number in their computer and verify that it was issued to you.

Also, you should immediately report the theft of the passport to the federal agency that issues them, so that they can flag it in their computers to ensure that anyone attempting to use it to enter the U.S. gets stopped.