AboutRob Painter, Ase, CFEI, CAFATE Expertise Please remember. I am not an attorney and cannot legal advice. My answers are based on my experience due to litigation I have been involved in as an expert, for both insurance companies and while oposing them opposing them.
I deal with only comprehensive claims on autos related to fire and theft.
I have even had the opportunity to rewrite policy coverage language as it relates to vehicle theft and forced entry for insurance defense attorneys.
Experience Experience in the area: Working with insurance companies and attorneys on these issues for over 20 years. It is very common to have a reported stolen car with a so-called factory anti-theft system to have the theft claim denied.
I have served successfully as an expert witness in the courts across the US representing the insured and their attorney revealing that the insurance expert did not take all known theories into consideration before rendering their "Forensic" conclusion.
Many insurance carriers us independent "Forensic" experts to examine reported stolen vehicles commonly using flawed methodology implicating the innocent insured with the theft. My job is to determine if the insurance expert reached his conclusions based on accepted scientific principals or just net opinion with no basis other than opinion.
My case record against such experts is very compelling.My resume can be seen at the catagory "Auto Theft and Prevention."
In "Forensics" the scientific method must be employed. In the forensic locksmith field determining how a reported stolen vehicle was last operated, many processes cannot be duplicated and are conveniently not addressed. If they were, juries would have the opportunity to make a fair and impartial opinion at least about what the expert could or could not prove.
There is a purported process determining the last key used. The chances of determining such is very rare uless the key is found in the ignition lock. Experts commonly destroy evidence as well and are rarely questioned on this event. I reveal the weakness in their testimony on such instances.
Question I was just informed by State Farm that my claim was denied. The reason
given was that forensics stated my car was last driven with my key. I was
in possession of the key. They also stated that I had all to gain in the loss
because I have another vehicle. My car was found burned before I was
even aware of any theft. I am livid I would like advice as to my next
steps. Also, if I should take any. I feel so victimized!
Answer Hello,
You should feel victimized! 90% of burned vehicles can't be determined as to last operation by the self-proclaimed "Forensic Locksmiths." The best tool to use for these guys is a crystal ball (I have 2) lol
If I seem paranoid, Allstate used this site to attempt to set me up in court--didn't work but they tried.
We currently have depos set up with State Farm and their defense attorneys are looking for fodder.
The firm currently have many cases against State Farm across the country and possibly, this question could be a set up for me and the firm, but I will take the chance.
They know me well across the country and I am known for embarrassing their experts and proving most times their conclusions are bogus and cannot even hold up to common logic.
Unfortunately, there are many experts in this field that are fed by the insurance companies and will say anything for a buck!
A Merrillville,Indiana attorney by the name of Jack Kramer was working for State Farm in 2007. He could not take me down for my knowledge, training, background or experience as well as methodology. He went personal and along with the great experts I opposed sending annonymous letters to the feds had me under investigation for a year. I was cleared in Aug of 2008, but the damage they did to my life was irrepairable.
What do you think State Farm will do to an innocent insured not very well versed in the court system, in order to deny a claim?
