Has anyone ever had a (new) head unit or other accessories stolen that was a gift, and they had no receipt? Did your insurance pay, and what "proof" did they accept that you owned it?

My head unit was stolen out of truck. It was a Christmas gift from a friend (3 mo old). Still have all orig papers, S.N. card, box, remote - everything except a receipt. Our friend says he payed cash & probably couldn't find the receipt.

The adjuster's giving me a hard time about the receipt. Been w/ the insurance co for 22 yrs, never a claim on any vehicle. I'm wondering if they're more interested in getting reasonable evidence I had the unit, or in how to get out of paying?

Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

Didn't you go "camera happy" and take pictures?

I was thinking of doing the same soon w/ the audio I've added.

 

I hate when insurance companies do that. I'd say that I taped the receipt to the unit so I wouldn't loose it. Then see what he says.

 

i went through the same problem a few years back...and i went back to the store where the person bought it and they were able to print out a reciept(sp?)...but they can only do that if it is paid by check or credit card...hope that helps...

 

Sounds like your insurance guy is tap dancing. Especially for being a customer for 22 years?

 

I've been ripped off a couple of times and the only time I had to produce receipts or serial numbers was when my entire system was taken (amps, head unit, crossovers, cap, subs, etc...) because we were talking lots of cash there. The got my crossovers and not my components so I ended up getting the shop I purchased them from to make a cost estimate for new crossovers only, at the time you could only get crossovers as a package not individually like you can now. I ended up buying an engagement ring with the money. The other times it was just me telling them I paid X amount for what ever and they took my word.

The last time I was ripped off was in my Jeep Cherokee Classic and they got my head unit. The insurance guy wrote me a check on the spot for (a new window + head unit) - deductible. They broke out the little triangle window in the front which oddly enough is the most expensive. All I did was find one at a junk yard for $20 and pocket the rest.

If the shop installed it then they should have records from the install. I know places say "free install" but I find it hard to believe those guys work for free
If you installed it your self ask the insurance guy (or woman) to come out and look at the whole in your dash. 22yrs as a customer should mean something but sadly doesn't seem to in your case. Raise a little stink about being a long time loyal customer, etc… Ask for them to show you in the policy that you signed where it states that a valid receipt has to be shown to be able to file a claim. Also ask them if you were able to produce a receipt what steps would they take to prove that it was valid? Because with a little bit of time and some Photoshop anyone can produce a receipt that “looks authentic”. Also if it was stolen at your house you can look at claiming it on your home owner’s policy.

 

You've got to be kidding. 22 years with NO claims and they're giving s**t over your HU?? That's unacceptable. Ask to speak with your agent's supervisor. If you're dealing with a broker and not the actual insurer, then bypass the broker and go right to the insurance company. If you can get up the ladder to someone who actually cares about customer retention, they won't risk losing a 22-year customer over this.