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Question
Hi, my 2006 Ford Explorer Truck was stolen March 2, 2010 from a night club and was found about 2 weeks later. Everything on the inside was intact, nothing was damaged but the engine, transmission, radiator and some other items were taken. Now, my claim has been forwarded to another claims adjuster for further investigation. I spoke with her this morning and she took a recorded statement from me and requested my cellphone records for that week. I feel as though they are treating me like I had something to do with it and trying to build a case. Should I go ahead and contact a lawyer before I provide her with the phone records?
Hello,
Well, at least you notice that they are treating you like you had something to do with the theft. Guilty until proven innocent. welcome to my world.
Hiring a lawyer at this time will not do you any good. In fact, at this point in time it would be a waste of money.
You are being investigated by the Special Investigation Unit, commonly composed of ex-cops that are good for intimidation.
You will need a lawyer at the time of your EUO (Examination Under Oath), but that is a long way down the claim.
The SIU will hire an "independent" locksmith stating that because your truck has an ANTI-Theft System, it had to be driven last with a proper key inferring yours. These examinations are seriously flawed and in most cases I am hired to see if the insurance locksmith can support his conclusions. It is on very rare occasion that they can.
I am different than the insurance experts because I dare oppose them and am rather successful.
Word of warning is that once under investigation and denied, it could take years to resolve..
many attorneys are not aware of this, but if you are denied, there is a secret list available to all insurance companies that you are put on as committing fraud. Does not matter if it can be proven. Years down the line if you have a different company and you have a claim, if this is not handled, you could be denied once again.
You did not state what state you are located or which carrier.
Send me this info at my email robo14@aol.com
If you go to my site http://www.autotheftexpert.com you will see exactly what is happening to you. You are not alone.
You will find the site overfilled with information and I am adding every day. I would suggest to scroll down and hit the links first.
The site will have even more information shortly.
Those "professional" insurance experts I have successfully opposed as well as insurance defense attorneys tried to ruin me as well and I am the phoenix that has risen from the ashes.
Rob
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Answers by Expert:
Rob 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.
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