What do I do if I don’t have pictures/proof of purchase for a renters insurance claim?

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Hello, so my bike was stolen yesterday. It was a $65 diamondback 29er, I paid $50 (purchased off of craigslist). I don’t have any photos of me with the bike or a receipt. I filed a police report and called the insurance company within a few hours after the incident. What should I expect to happen? I’ve been researching and it seems (take into consideration I have yet to speak with a claims adjuster) that there will most likely be an investigation. Will they come to my house? Or ask my neighbors and roomate questions? I’m 28, I earned 35k last year, this year Im on track to earn 60k. Im not hurting finically and have paid all of my bills on time/taken care of any delinquent accounts. I shirked some of my financial obligations in college so my credit isn’t fantastic but now all of the accounts are paid for. I’m really wishing that they help out with something. I’ve never had to use renters insurance before. First time doing all of this… I feel like and idiot for not taking pictures.

✅ Answers

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  • The photos wouldn’t be as positive proof of ownership as having the serial number of the bicycle. You could take a photo of a identical bike and the police would know what to look for, but the identifier of any owner’s property, ( bicycle in this case ), would be to be able to positively identify your bicycle by the serial number stamped in the frame, or the check you wrote to buy the bike. Usually if you have items listed with the insurance agent like cameras, bicycles, televisions or computers, the serial numbers are what is used as proof of ownership so they can be returned to you by the police when they are found. Yeah a photo would have helped, but the serial number would have been more important. Good luck and I hope your bike is returned. The other things you talked about mean little in a case of theft of your property.

  • They have to pay you for it. Try to get what eve you can for proof (manuals, photos, maintain ace receipts, accessories, car carrier, spare parts, related tools) but don’t stress a out it. They may have you fill out a Sworn Statement in Proof of Loss. That is not a big deal. If you have replacement cost coverage they have to pay you for a new bike, not what you paid. Don’t forget any accessories that were taken with it (lock, water bottle, luggage racks, upgrades, etc.)

    Source(s):
    I’m the Claims Manager of an insurance company (manager of adjusters)

  • Do you still have the listing from Craig’s List, that may have included a photo? My guess you either arranged for purchase by telephone or email?

    You may not have a receipt, but how did you pay for the bike? Did you pay by check, or can you show that you withdrew $5,0 cash from your bank? You should have a “trail” of how/when you bought the bike. Like one poster stated, you most likely have accessories you bought for this bike.

    You filed a police report which is important. The only time your finances would come into play, is (IF), they suspect fraud. Many people who are in financial difficulty, will have a car stolen, or burned, so they check finances to see if car payments current or other debts.

    But, most likely this claim will be handled like any other claim and paid out. They will have you submit forms and ask you questions.

    Don’t worry about something that may not happen.

    Relax, breathe.

  • You ask: “What should I expect to happen?”
    You can expect that the insurance company will contact you. When they do, they will explain what they need from you. What you earned last year or will earn this year or what your credit status is has nothing to do with a claim for a stolen bike.

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