by Guest » Mon Mar 29, 2010 02:19 pm
I purchased a fairly expensive used laptop from craigslist. I have photographed most of the rest of my household contents for insurance purposes and saved receipts when possible, but obviously, I didn't get a receipt for the computer. Any suggestions what I might need to do to document what type of computer I have? The only thing that came with the computer was the system restore disk, no box, no instructions, no manuals.
I could print a system list showing what components the computer contains with a date on it.
I could photograph the model number up close or photograph the screen showing what type of computer it is.
I can record the serial number of the computer, but obviously any warranty information will be in the previous owner's name.
Anything I'm forgetting? I travel with my laptop extensively, and I would like to be sure I can be covered if it is stolen.
I could print a system list showing what components the computer contains with a date on it.
I could photograph the model number up close or photograph the screen showing what type of computer it is.
I can record the serial number of the computer, but obviously any warranty information will be in the previous owner's name.
Anything I'm forgetting? I travel with my laptop extensively, and I would like to be sure I can be covered if it is stolen.
Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 08:32 pm Post Subject:
obviously, I didn't get a receipt for the computer
why would this be obvious? I would have some proof of this purchase...how did you pay for it? You didn't mail cash...so you should be able to prove the transaction easily, (ie debit, credit card, pay pal, however you paid for it).What happened to it? What is your claim? Was it stolen? Was it the only thing stolen? If it's equipment you use in your biz. there is likely a low limit anyway.
Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 08:36 pm Post Subject:
if you want to be able to prove you owed it in case it's stolen I'd simply take a photo of it and write the model information on the back along with he age. Done deal.
Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 08:54 pm Post Subject:
I travel with my laptop extensively, and I would like to be sure I can be covered if it is stolen.
sorry I read it too quickly missed this part...again, photo it, copy the serial number...also would be a good idea to check your policy. Some HO policy limit business equipment, in and away from the resident premises...You may want to consider an endorcement or different policy for this laptop.Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 01:15 pm Post Subject:
I did a theft claim awhile back with a policy holder that purchased a TV from craigslist. He did not get a reciept from the seller so I could not include it his claim. I suggested he get some documentation from the seller. He did and was able to add that to the claim. Contact the seller would be your best bet.
Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 03:27 pm Post Subject:
Lori> I bought if off of a craigslist ad with cash. (broke college student with a really nice laptop) I just called to police dept. to see if there was a theft reported with that type of laptop and gave him the cash.
I could probably see if the guy would sign a receipt. Does that have more validity than photographic proof?
Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 06:25 pm Post Subject:
I'm not a claims adjuster, and don't claim to be.
I'm confused why a TV purchased on CraigsList with no receipt to document the purchase would not be covered?
What if the item had been a gift?
How do you provide a receipt for items purchased at a garage sale?
Wouldn't there be another way for the insured to document ownership of the property? For instance, wouldn't a photograph/video, serial number, make, model and a signed proof of loss statement be sufficient?
They worked when I had a claim......
Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 09:30 pm Post Subject:
I could probably see if the guy would sign a receipt. Does that have more validity than photographic proof?
It would certainly add to the proof.I'm confused why a TV purchased on CraigsList with no receipt to document the purchase would not be covered?
Adjusters can't just pay claims without proof of ownership, we have to be able to prove to the claim/file that the claiming party actually owned the item.
What if the item had been a gift?
The person who gave it to you would have a receipt, or many times I've proved ownership by the box it came in, the instruction manual(s)..How do you provide a receipt for items purchased at a garage sale?
First of all they likely wouldn't cost more than the deductible right?Wouldn't there be another way for the insured to document ownership of the property? For instance, wouldn't a photograph/video, serial number, make, model and a signed proof of loss statement be sufficient?
Sure it would..Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 09:55 pm Post Subject:
I completely understand that an adjuster would want to prove ownership, but I was also certain there had to be a way other than showing a receipt of purchase.
I just imagined some kid reading this thread and then cancelling their renters policy because they didn't have receipts for most of their items, so what was the point of paying the premiums.
And just to clear up the deductible comment, while loss to one piece may or may not exceed a deductible, a fire loss involving multiple items very well could. In the case of my nephew who lives in an apartment furnished mostly by handed down furniture from multiple relatives and garage sale items to fill in the gaps, he could easily meet his $250 deductible on his renters' policy with a fire loss.
Lesson learned - keep receipts when possible, otherwise be sure to obtain photos and/or video record of your owned items with a detailed description. With that said, I would also recommend storing this information off site because if the house/apartment goes up in smoke, so does your proof. www.knowyourstuff.org has a free inventory program that does just that. It's recommended by the Insurance Information Institute.
Add your comment