File or not to file...that is the quetion...My home was broken into...

[seaker]

They or he or she or it (?) took my long coveted six month old big screen tv and cash..now I need to know if I turn the claim into the insurance company or suck it up?
I have a $1000 deductible and the stuff totals about $5,600..

[NYC_SKP]

1. FUCK!!! Sending good vibes to you: ((((seaker))))

I don't know if your rates will rise, but that's what insurance is for.

Hope some good DUers will have better advice than my guesses.

:grouphug:

[seaker]

2. Thanks for the vibes

[nolabear]

3. How horrible. But why have insurance if you don't claim it?

That's a lot of money.

(Btw I had a very bad moment there, thinking your six-month-old had been taken!)

[seaker]

5. Thank you very much

I edited my plight..still not thinking very clearly.
:scared:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. My dear seaker!

How horrifying!

I would certainly file a claim on your TV. That's why you have insurance.

You might want to look into how to make your place more secure too...

And I'm sure you're scared...

Did you call the police?

:hug:

[seaker]

6. Dear California Peggy

Thank you. My home was lock-up tight...now it is change the locks and look into security systems

Yes, it is horrifying. Yes, I called the police first thing. They took a report and were very kind...I am angry that I have to be put out forever (cost of security) for others bad behavior.
Sigh...

[dmr]

7. My agent told me last year that they base increases

on not just the claim, but your credit score.

She told me if I made a claim I would not see an increase, but subsequent claims would put me in review for possible increases.

I was in their office increasing my coverage and we were speaking only hypothetically. I have my car, home & life insurance through AAA Michigan.

If I had the loss you endured, I'd file a claim. That's why we have it.

I wish you the best.
:hi:

[seaker]

8. You have been very helpful.

Thank you. A former carpool friend said one should never file unless the house burns down, so I have been nervous.
:hi:

[Deep13]

9. $5,600 - $1000 = $4,600

Sounds like a compelling reason to me.

How did they get in? Door? Window? Broken glass? You probably have thought of this, but you ought to make sure all the doors and ground floor windows can resist at least a moderate effort to get them opened.

[seaker]

14. Already done

The windows are secure as are the doors...I know I locked the doors before leaving, but the back door was wide open when I came home. I had left key outside (hidden???) but it is gone...Most of what was taken was cash..and the insurance co. will only reimburse up to $250....It appears the math will not work out.
:mad: :grr: :grr:

[Deep13]

18. Hidden keys are common, but not a good idea.

It's better to leave a key with a trusted neighbor or nearby friend or relative.

Sorry to hear of this. I'm sure it is maddening.

[TommyO]

10. I would definitely file a claim, that's what the insurance is there for

I'm assuming you've already contacted the police to file a report with them.

As you've mentioned later, definitely replace locks and look into a security system, pronto.

[seaker]

15. Done

Thanks...had to take the day off of work.

[suninvited]

11. how much was the value of the television and how much was cash?

homeowners policies severly limit the amount of actual cash stolen that they will cover.

[seaker]

12. You are sadly right

It was more cash vs TV...found out today they will only reimburse $250. $4600 was taken. The TVs less than a grand...it looks grim and quiet...no TV for me! Thanks for offering your insight.

[Blue-Jay]

13. I hate quetions.

[seaker]

22. I prefer answers...

'specially mine!:bounce:

[Kali]

16. why so much cash in the house?

bummer

[seaker]

17. Because

my ex didn't pay his sales tax and other business taxes in a community property state ...my checking account and pay check would be levied...Small children to raise, I compensated by learning to keep cash on hand to keep the household and children afloat. Even though we are divorced I remain somewhat phobic re: unseen forces can simply take all financial security...again.

[madinmaryland]

19. It sounds like you probably should not bother with the insurance claim. The cash is

gone and the TV is wiped out be the deductible. Not much else you can do. Insurance according to what you said would cover $250 for all of the cash lost. Is there a way you could put the cash in a safe deposit bank? Good luck.

[seaker]

20. Better news

The insurance company is waiving the deductible!!! After chatting with the agent, she determined it could be waived because of the loss (sigh) and that my rates should not go up...Of course should is a very precarious word...

Re: the safety deposit box, I can't get into them at night or on the weekends...not being able to do that makes me feel very anxious right now. I am considering something like a pre-paid cash card..

Thank you very much your considered advice. It is very much appreciated.

[madinmaryland]

21. That does sound like better news. I'm sure they will make you jump through

hoops to prove that you really did have the amount of cash on hand. I guess it can't hurt to try. I would still consider a safe deposit box, and also then have a pre-paid cash card in a small amount (say $500) in case you need money at odd hours. Don't put too much on them as the check cashing places to a good sized chunk to provide this service (banksters also)