Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
SO and I put all our belongs into a storage unit while we stay with family in between moves. A few weeks ago, during a week of heavy rains, the gutters at the storage facility backed up and caused the roof to leak. Most of our furniture was ruined from the water damage. We took lots of pictures of the damage, including where the water was entering the unit and submitted an insurance claim. Yes, the insurance we have covers water damage.
We received the claim form in the mail yesterday. We are asked to provide photos of the damaged items, an inventory sheet and proof of ownership. For the proof of ownership we are required to submit receipts to prove that the items damaged are actually our property. The problem is we don't have receipts for most of the items. Some of the damaged items (a dresser, bookcase, coffee table, and wood filing cabinet) were gifts from various family members over the past few years. So of course we don't have receipts for those items showing that we bought them. But they are still our furniture, and just because we did not buy them with our own money shouldn't mean that they are excluded from an insurance claim.
The original paperwork that we were given about our insurance coverage says nothing about it only covering items that we payed for ourselves. They were in our storage unit that we are paying to rent and that we are paying insurance on. It shouldn't matter how we came in possession of the items. All the items were gifted to us as new, so its not like we are trying to claim the $150 coffee table was given to us after great aunt Bessy used it for 40 years. Everything was in excellent condition when we put our stuff in the unit and after only 3 weeks in the storage unit were completely ruined so now we'll need to go out and buy all new furniture.
I could understand if we submitted a claim with a bunch of extreme price estimates, but our items are more like a $550 couch, $135 bookcase, $90 comforter set, etc. All our items are reasonably priced, and for those items that were gifts I feel we underestimated the price. But then, it doesn't seem like the price is what they are concerned about.
And I know, even if they accept our claim, we'll probably only get a small fraction of what our stuff is worth. But a small fraction is better then getting nothing for our ruined stuff just because we don't have receipts proving that its our possessions.
We called the insurance company to help clarify if receipts were required, but they were of no help. We were told to follow whatever directions were on the claim sheet. So I was hoping someone on here had experience with storage unit insurance claims and what the process was like. Are we just screwed if we don't have receipts for everything we own?
Everything else on the inventory list will be very detailed. I won't just be putting comforter- $90. It will be Queen Threshold Pinched Pleat Comforter Set (lavender)- $89.99- Purchased October 2014.
My mother's house burnt down and the insurance company asked for receipts for everything, but were satisfied with photos of the items, some partly burned, some photos of things prior to the fire. Mainly they just wanted to know that you had the stuff. Receipts they liked best as it has a cost and date. Brands help too.
They will reimburse you for a lower amount than the cost anyway, likely the cost for a used piece from a thrift store. And if it is considered 'at the end of its useful life', you really got nothing. A 2 year old towel has no value, ten year old washer, etc.
And they only covered the stuff owned by my mom and did not cover stuff owned by my brother's girl friend, even though she lived there.
Do you have any photos of the items in your home setting? I had an item that was a heirloom gift damaged in a storage facility. The insurance company accepted a candid photo of friends with that item in the background in my house. That showed the connection between that item, my home, myself and in my personal possession.
Additionally, each year as a condition of my home insurance, I conduct a video inventory. This is nothing but a 360 degree video of each room. The insurance company should accept that as proof of ownership along with any online valuation search (ebay, craigslist, etc) showing that item with average prices should be sufficient (they also are trying to determine value based on those receipts).
SO and I put all our belongs into a storage unit while we stay with family in between moves. A few weeks ago, during a week of heavy rains, the gutters at the storage facility backed up and caused the roof to leak. Most of our furniture was ruined from the water damage. We took lots of pictures of the damage, including where the water was entering the unit and submitted an insurance claim. Yes, the insurance we have covers water damage.
We received the claim form in the mail yesterday. We are asked to provide photos of the damaged items, an inventory sheet and proof of ownership. For the proof of ownership we are required to submit receipts to prove that the items damaged are actually our property. The problem is we don't have receipts for most of the items. Some of the damaged items (a dresser, bookcase, coffee table, and wood filing cabinet) were gifts from various family members over the past few years. So of course we don't have receipts for those items showing that we bought them. But they are still our furniture, and just because we did not buy them with our own money shouldn't mean that they are excluded from an insurance claim.
The original paperwork that we were given about our insurance coverage says nothing about it only covering items that we payed for ourselves. They were in our storage unit that we are paying to rent and that we are paying insurance on. It shouldn't matter how we came in possession of the items. All the items were gifted to us as new, so its not like we are trying to claim the $150 coffee table was given to us after great aunt Bessy used it for 40 years. Everything was in excellent condition when we put our stuff in the unit and after only 3 weeks in the storage unit were completely ruined so now we'll need to go out and buy all new furniture.
I could understand if we submitted a claim with a bunch of extreme price estimates, but our items are more like a $550 couch, $135 bookcase, $90 comforter set, etc. All our items are reasonably priced, and for those items that were gifts I feel we underestimated the price. But then, it doesn't seem like the price is what they are concerned about.
And I know, even if they accept our claim, we'll probably only get a small fraction of what our stuff is worth. But a small fraction is better then getting nothing for our ruined stuff just because we don't have receipts proving that its our possessions.
We called the insurance company to help clarify if receipts were required, but they were of no help. We were told to follow whatever directions were on the claim sheet. So I was hoping someone on here had experience with storage unit insurance claims and what the process was like. Are we just screwed if we don't have receipts for everything we own?
Everything else on the inventory list will be very detailed. I won't just be putting comforter- $90. It will be Queen Threshold Pinched Pleat Comforter Set (lavender)- $89.99- Purchased October 2014.
Why didn't you use a smart phone and take photos when you were storing your crap? Of course no insurance company will accept a claim without any receipts ? This is America not some third world.
Buy new used furniture from your local salvation army thrift store and move on.
legally how much time do I have to claim a loss with the rental storage insurer?
You'd have to ask that specific company. They vary, and the specific terms in your rental contract may play into it.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
