stolen tools

[mivey]

And there are devises that people can use to detect you signal when you lock your doors. The devise will read the code and they can now unlock your doors after you leave. This came out in a security bulletin we received before Christmas. People were doing this in parking lots of stores to steal merchandise that was in the cars. It was advised when you get out to use the manual button to lock the doors that way there was no signal for some one to pick up.

We got that email here and it was on the local news too. But it seemed it was false:
http://www.snopes.com/autos/techno/lockcode.asp

The same as some one picking up the signal from a garage door opener and now the new thing if you have the "go pass" chip on your debit card they can read you card from you wallet.

Do you have an example?
http://www.snopes.com/fraud/identity/pickpocket.asp

Here is a valid one: ATM scams
http://www.snopes.com/fraud/atm/atmcamera.asp

 

[220/221]

has anyone ever heard of not being covered for a claim if there is no visiual sign of forced entery.

With an air bag it takes only a minute to get in a vehicle with no sihns of forced entry.

Don't accept the insurance companys BS. Their MO is to deny all claims at first.

 

[chris1971]

Maybe you should get a police report? Also should consider changing insurance companies after the claim is paid.

 

[renosteinke]

Let's face reality: we invest serious money in our tools, and losing them is a major setback. Just as important, the cost is not just limited to the tools' replacement costs.

First, let's look at the tools. A decent - but neither comprehensive nor unreasonable - tool list one employer gave me I had priced out ... and it was nearly $3000 to meet it with "professional" tools. The most expensive items were the cordless drill, meter, and the KO set (to 2".) The employer supplied ladders and fish tapes.

That means that you get to spend $3K to buy the tools, and another $3K needs to sit in the bank 'just in case.' Even if you manage to find insurance, and the claim is paid .... you need the tools NOW, not in six months' time. (Few of us have just the 'minimum; I'll bet I've got $10K in the bins of my truck!)

Add to the above list the cost of a simple job box (a minimum level of security): $400. You're likely to spend additional money on other storage, security, and transporting gear as well. For example, many see a need to reinforce the bins on their service truck.

Also add the costs - in time as well as material and equipment - to mark, identify, and inventory your tools.

Your homeowners' insurance will NOT cover tools you use in your trade. My State Farm agent won't touch work tool insurance - so it's safe to say that those who sell such insurance are not your 'premium' firms. Face it: we're bad risks.

Why are we bad risks? Because too many of us are surrounded by folks who have everything they need to break into Ft. Knox ... and the records to prove it! Too often 'stolen' tools turn up in the pawn shop the day after someone loses their job. Other tools always manage to get 'stolen' right as they're about to wear out. Perhaps that's why the only times I've seen insurance kick in were times an entire job site was cleaned out.