Legal Question in Insurance Law in Texas

Back in July I had my car broken into and my stereo system was stolen. I called the cops and my insurance company the same day it happened. Cops took statements and gave me the ticket number. Insurance company sent out an adjuster to look and take pictures. I waited a month or so with no response. So I called them and they told me who was in charge of my claim. After speaking several times they asked me for the original receipts and that I MUST give them a recorded statement about what happened. So I asked the insurance company, but you guys talked to my neighbor and room-mate and took the pictures of my stuff in the car before it was stolen at my apartment complex, The equipment i had was a couple years old, I don't have the receipts. They then said without original receipt they will deny my claim. And then also said if I don't give them a recorded statement shortly following they are denying my claim as well. So my questions are these. Should I give them a recorded statement because it seems like they are trying their best to call me a fraud or thief. Where do or what can i do about this original receipt thing. They are not budging. I have been a customer of theirs for 8 years with 0 claims... I have never been treated so badly. Please help with any advice at what I should do. Thanks


Asked on 10/12/12, 1:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Fran Brochstein Attorney & Mediator

If you have an agent, call your agent. That is what your agent is supposed to do for you. Your agent is supposed to help you if there is every a problem with a claim.

I don't understand why you did not do a recorded statement immediately after the event. That normally happens when you first file the insurance claim. I don't understand why you are avoiding doing the recorded statement. It's a normal part of any claim. It's standard procedure. It's normally done on the first phone call - why was it not done when you first talked to the person handling your claim? If you refuse to do the recorded statement then the insurance company has every right to refuse to pay the claim since you are refusing to cooperate in their investigation of your claim.

Can you go to the place where you purchased your equipment and get a duplicate receipt.

That would solve the problem quickly and easily.

You can also contact the Better Business Bureau and agency that handles Insurance companies licensing in Austin, Texas to see if they can assist you.

You might also look at the UH Law Center - Consumer Advocate website & see if "Richard Alderman - the People's Lawyer" has any other ideas.

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Answered on 10/16/12, 3:24 pm


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