Worst day...ever...please help

[ArmyInfantry]

I parked in my in DC and went out for the night. When I got back at 2am, I found a brick through the window and my backpack gone. I take streetphotography and had my DSLR and lenses inside. They took everything. My livelyhood is now gone. Does anyone know if homeowner's insurance covers this kind of theft is it happened about 20 miles outside the home? I called GEICO and they said they can't do anything about the theft. The home insuance claims person won't call me back till tuesday, I have no idea if anything will be covered. Does anyone has experience with this?


Please no lectures on leaving bags in cars, I've already heard my share.

 

[DainBramaged]

If you don't have comprehensive on your car, I would say that you are SOL. Sorry but that is pretty much how it works.

 

[ArmyInfantry]

No chance homeowner's insurance would cover it?

 

[thereds]

Originally posted by: ArmyInfantry
No chance homeowner's insurance would cover it?

It could cover it. Check the policy exclusions and the geographical area.

Also check for any subjectivity/warranty on the policy.

I'll read through it if you want.

 

[iamme]

sorry to hear that....i really hope you are covered somehow.

 

[ohtwell]

That really stinks. Sorry about your equipment.


: ) Amanda

 

[chrisms]

Sounds like you're screwed. Same thing happened to me a few months ago, although a bit less in value was stolen. I know you don't want to hear about leaving bags in cars, but that lesson is the only thing you can take away from this. There are fscking jackasses everywhere

 

[intogamer]

was the stuff just lying there?

 

[iamme]

btw, someone must have known what was in your backpack....if nothing else in the car was stolen, it seems like the theives knew exactly what they were looking for.

 

Originally posted by: iamme
btw, someone must have known what was in your backpack....if nothing else in the car was stolen, it seems like the theives knew exactly what they were looking for.

20 miles away from home?

 

[ArmyInfantry]

It was a normal looking school backpack, so it didn't even look like a camera's bag. Maybe a strap was out or something. I've parked in the same spot for the last 18 months, and this is the first time it's happened...so either's an fluke or I was just really luck. I guess this should be a lesson to everyone...leave your bag in your trunk if ou are going into a city, even if it's downtown, decent area (where Iwas parked).

I guess this gives a me a reason to jump on a Canon 20D and max out my credit card...

 

[tm37]

Leaving really expensive stuff in the back seat is bad news.

Trunk it and even that is not a great idea.

 

[flot]

Even if your homeowner's insurance did happen to cover this (seems very unlikely) you certainly wouldn't want to make a claim for $2000 against it. You'll very handily pay that back probably over a few years in increased premiums etc.

 

[mcvickj]

Sorry to hear about the theft. It might be worth calling around to the local pawn shops and having the keep an eye out for a DSLR camera. Give them the serial number if you have it and tell em to stall the culprits until the police can arrive.

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: tm37
Leaving really expensive stuff in the back seat is bad news.

Trunk it and even that is not a great idea.

 

[ribbon13]

Originally posted by: mcvickj
Sorry to hear about the theft. It might be worth calling around to the local pawn shops and having the keep an eye out for a DSLR camera. Give them the serial number if you have it and tell em to stall the culprits until the police can arrive.

For damn sure. If he doesn't have it, then he deserves what he gets.

 

[isekii]

Why did you leave it in your seats.
You should've popped it in your trunk and locked it

 

[shabby]

I hate to say it but this ought to teach you a lesson, never ever leave anything valueable in your car.
Last summer someone broke into my car, and it turns out nothing was missing.... mainly because i have nothing valueable in it.
Got a new window and all is well.

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: ArmyInfantry
It was a normal looking school backpack, so it didn't even look like a camera's bag. Maybe a strap was out or something. I've parked in the same spot for the last 18 months, and this is the first time it's happened...so either's an fluke or I was just really luck. I guess this should be a lesson to everyone...leave your bag in your trunk if ou are going into a city, even if it's downtown, decent area (where Iwas parked).

I guess this gives a me a reason to jump on a Canon 20D and max out my credit card...

Was there any security camera's in the facility that you were parked in?

Ausm

 

[ArmyInfantry]

nah, no security cameras, nothing. My trunk is all messed up and any key can open the trunk as strange as that sounds, so I never feel safe leaving anything important in my trunk. Yeah, lesson learned. Thanks for all the support guys!

 

[kinev]

Originally posted by: shabby
I hate to say it but this ought to teach you a lesson, never ever leave anything valueable in your car.
Last summer someone broke into my car, and it turns out nothing was missing.... mainly because i have nothing valueable in it.
Got a new window and all is well.

Dude, he already said that he understands this. The LAST thing he needs right now is someone saying stuff like that.

Unfortunately, I don't have any great advice for the OP. All I can say is sorry and I hope you get your stuff back. On the brighter side, at least you weren't mugged or hurt in any way. I know that that's little consolation right now, but at least you are okay. Remember, property can always be replaced, you can't. Good luck!

I would advise against telling pawn shop owners/employees that your camera was stolen. Check them out and tell them that you're looking for a DSLR camera. If it matches your serial number (and you have proof) call the cops. If you go into a pawn shop saying that you had something expensive stolen, 99% of the time they will say that they haven't gotten anything like that in recently. They have to eat the cost that they paid the thief and they are vulnerable to possesion of stolen property charges if you get your camera back, so don't tell them that your looking for your stolen camera. Just say you're looking for a camera and check out their stock.

I know it sucks, but try not to let this ruin your day/month.

 

[njmodi]

Your homeowners policy should cover it (apart from your deducitble). You might have to file a police report.

 

[chrisms]

Definately file a police report if you haven't already. This just makes a record that you had a camera stolen and on what date, so if you decide to check out the local pawn shops you actually have a leg to stand on when accusing them of having your camera.

 

[olds]

Since you say it's for your "livelyhood" it's unlikely that either would cover it. You need separate insurance to cover personal and business items.

 

[Pocahontas]

Usually you have to get a special rider to cover work items .. ie cameras, lenses .. my SO does, I think its some kind of inland policy, I think .. he photographs every item & serial numbers of his equitment, his lenses alone are over 2000 .. He archives them on his pc, then puts a copy with receipts, and itemized lists in the fire safe. He bought a Scion tC they have this lil pull out thing that covers the hatch view.

Best guess, file police report, copy descriptions to pawn shops in the area & get to church Sunday morning.