What happens if you have your friend pick you up from the airport. (On Seinfeld, it would be something crazy, but in real life, it is a nice gesture!) You stop for some food and then jump back in the car. When you get home, you notice your laptop and suitcase are stolen. You don’t have insurance, but your friend owns a home and has a homeowners policy. Who is going to pay?
All insurance policies have an “insuring agreement” that states what is covered. For personal property, this is Coverage “C.” It usually says that it will cover the insured’s property and the property of others while it is on part of the residence premises occupied by the insured and it will cover property of guests while on part of the residence premises occupied by the insured.
In other words, they will cover your friends property anywhere in the world, and anyone else’s property at the house. But, your friend also has liability coverage. And under that coverage is the little used “Damage to Property of Others.” This coverage pays up to $1,000 for damaged property that belongs to other people. Your friend should make a claim under this. And, if that does not work?
What should you do? You should check with your auto policy and your friends. Some companies, such as CSAA, usually provide some coverage for personal property stolen out of a vehicle. This is another little used coverage that can help you!
If all else fails, ask for a written denial and see if you can find an attorney to review it for you!