Stolen tools

[MAK]

My work truck got broken into last night and completely cleaned out. The tools in the truck were all mine. The truck is owned by the company. I am estimating cost of replacement of my tools to be about $3500. The company I work for won't put in a claim because they have a 2000. deductable and if they do file the claim they will get dropped by their insurance company. The break in happened right in front of my apartment. I am pretty sure my renters insurance will not cover my losses due to the fact the tools were in a company truck.
i worked the day today hoping I would hear some good news but all I got was more bad news. I am at a total loss at what to do next. I very much doubt my employer will help me out with my losses. Any ideas?
Thanks

 

[480sparky]

Were the tools stolen all those you are required to provide, or is a part of them some you just like to have one hand?

 

[electricalperson]

why will the insurance company drop them if they file a claim? isnt that what they are here for?

if your boss is a good man he will buy you all new tools

 

[ultramegabob]

you work for someone and supply 3500 dollars worth of tools????

 

[ultramegabob]

my last post almost came off kicking you when you are down, not my intention, sorry about your tools being stolen, tool thieves should be hanged.....

 

[IMM_Doctor]

why will the insurance company drop them if they file a claim? isnt that what they are here for?

if your boss is a good man he will buy you all new tools

I agree, I had my car borken into on a jobsite, car damaged, and tool loss. I was working out of town for the company, right up to Christmas Eve. My company took care of the loss and the details. If you are busting your hump for the company, they need to buck-up.

If I owned the company that you work for, I would RUSH to replace your tools.

 

[PetrosA]

I'd check with your renter's insurance provider, since I'm pretty sure they'll cover it even in a company truck. If not, post here. It may not be much, but I have some spare tools in the bin I could send if it'll help you get back on your feet. If a few others can do the same...

 

[MAK]

The tools were drills that I had provided. At the time when I started with this company I had nothing for tools. I bought what I was required to have (hand tools). I had bought tools over a period of time because I would get sent out to a job and need say a drill. If I did not have the drill they would send me home. Well it's 5 years later now and I had aquired a bunch of stuff. I had grabbed a bunch of my extra tools like meters, drills, saws, etc...
to gear up for a job the next day with another worker.

The insurance thing I am told by my agent (I had to ask him about it) is that if you have 2 claims in 5 years the insurance carrier can drop you and you will basically end up paying alot more to go with a different carrier.

I don't usually carry that much stuff in my truck but I know we would have made good use of it the next day on the job.

 

[electricalperson]

why was it your responsilbility to provide tools like drills and saws anyway? your boss owns the company and should provide all that stuff. once you get your new tools i would quit

 

[MAK]

my last post almost came off kicking you when you are down, not my intention, sorry about your tools being stolen, tool thieves should be hanged.....

I did not take it that way. I agree tool thieves should be hanged and if I could get my way you might see them hanging from the big green bridge out here.

The worst part is I was slated to move out of the city in two weeks to the suburbs.

 

[ultramegabob]

I dont want anyone that works for me to bring any tools other than typical handtools that fit in a pouch, the only other tool they can supply is a meter, I but I dont require that. I have them available to use...

 

[MAK]

why was it your responsilbility to provide tools like drills and saws anyway? your boss owns the company and should provide all that stuff. once you get your new tools i would quit

No it was not technically my responsibilty to provide drills and such but basically they would send me to a job without the tools needed (those would be on a different truck) and I would end up getting really short days in for work. When I asked about getting some of the tools I would get the " oh yeah well have to get you one of those soon" response and then nothing would get done about it. My thought process at the time was I have the money now and if I ever go into business for myself I would have the tools to start at least.
In retrospect I should have just pushed way harder about them providing those tools but I was new at the time and thus expendable and easy to say "hey why don't you go home early today".
Now I am their lead guy in a small shop and I am not sure if they are going to help me out with recovering my tools.
They have treated me very well in the past so I am little concerned that they did not say hey we are going to take care of you. At least they have not made that clear at this time.

PS. I have not slept since yesterday so I am not even sure if this is sounding logical right now.

 

[JacksonburgFarmer]

Well....that can be tricky stuff....

First off....if your boss makes you have all the tools....including power tools....why not think about doing it yourself???

Second....they should cover your loss....if they are afraid to make a claim....well....that tells of their financial situation....$3500.00 shouldnt hurt to bad out of pocket....

Third....FIND A NEW BOSS!!! YOURS SUCKS!!!:smile:

 

[brantmacga]

man this really stinks.

Of all the things they could choose to steal, they take the very thing you need most to make a living.

I would talk to your boss about at least helping you get a new set of the essentials. I'm afraid the power tools will be your loss though.

I'm pissed off for you MAK.

 

[chris kennedy]

No it was not technically my responsibilty to provide drills and such but basically they would send me to a job without the tools needed (those would be on a different truck)

I hear this. The only tools on my truck that belong to my employer are a chipping hammer and the ladders. I have outfitted the truck for the work we do. I am well aware of the fact that most of the power tools, meters, ect that I own and my crew use and abuse will be long gone if I ever decide to go into business for myself. I consider it part of remaining valuable and working comfortably.

Third....FIND A NEW BOSS!!! YOURS SUCKS!!!:smile:

I let him know all the time, but he doesn't particularly care for me either.

 

[Rockyd]

Thieves should have a rope around their ankle, and the other end around the bumper....drive around town with the jerk dragging behind till you get a ticket for littering.

 

[hardworkingstiff]

I know you probably feel violated (I did when it happened to me). I'm sorry.

 

[blueheels2]

I hate a thief.

 

[vinster888]

im fortunate to have a personal relationship with my boss. every tool in the truck is his. down to the pencil. i take the truck home, so i decided to go the expense of putting an alarm in the truck. he thought it was strange at first, but appreciated the gesture.

 

[ctmike]

I hate a thief.

as do i thats why i never buy tools from the guys who show up at the job with such a good deal.... dont forget to checkm the local pawn shops after you ve been robbed