Horse stolen, Insurance investigating liability??

[callysplace]

Unfortunately we suffered the theft of one of our youngsters over three months ago. After supplying the insurance company with details, receipts, signed letter from farrier and vet, star sign, favourite colour etc. etc., I received a letter this morning informing that they were investigating for liability and were coming on a visit that will last two hours!!

I have never been in this position before (fifteen years paying for insurance and not one claim!) and its all new territory to me. What will make me liable for the theft? I didn't invite thieves into the field or offer them bed and breakfast! My horses are passported, unfortunately they targeted the one horse that had not yet recieved his freeze mark The field has natural barrier of large river, twenty foot banks,post and rail fencing as well as more electric fencing inside as a deterrent for itchy bums. The only down side is that no one is on site 24hrs a day, although the field runs along side a lovely lady's house, who checks on them early morning and late at night.

Has anyone been in this position and give some advice of what to expect, and what to say?
Thankyou!

 

[L&M]

Be very careful what you say!! When we had the same for the theft of a trailer the investigator appeared very friendly and sympathetic, but was basically looking for reasons not to pay our claim. They unfortunately found one as according to our policy we had the 'wrong' type wheel lock so never saw the money.....

 

[callysplace]

this is my worry, what to say, what not to say....need headache tablet and stiff drink! I know that I couldn't have had him freezemarked as he was too young (believe they have to be over a year old??) and I can't see how we could have improved security without cctv (no main electricity)

Me thinks Im in for a lot more headaches and vodkas before it finished

 

[a_e_d]

As someone who works in insurance claims, I would recommend you read your policy wording and schedule before they come out so you fully understand the cover, and any exclusions or warranties (terms with which you have to comply).
When they visit, be honest and don't let them push you into an answer if you are uncertain. If you don't know, say so.
Feel free to pm me if you have any specific queries or concerns but I can assure you not all insurers try to get out of paying... in my experience its easier to pay than deny!

 

[the watcher]

You are correct, they must be 12 months old to be freeemarked.

As well as checking that you complied with all the small print on the policy they will also be enquiring into whether you have any other insurance that could overlap so they can try and dump the liability onto another insurer.

 

[Cedars]

Read the small print back to front and yes, they must be 12months to be freezemarked. Good luck. Which insurance company?

 

[ladyt25]

Please do not panic or get yourself worked up unecessarily. Insurers do have to carry out investigations into such crimes and check it is legitimate etc. I worked in horse insurance for the last 7 years and to be honest never saw a policy where there had been a theft of a horse that was being claimed for. It is not that common an occurrence in reality, and quite often theft cases have underlying issues - ie ownership disputes that have been going on etc etc.

If this horse was genuinely stolen, all they will be wanting are the facts of the case. There should be no reason why they should not settle a theft claim but with theft claims there are, understandably timescales for settlement decisions. Sadly there are far too many fradulent claims out there so hence why insurers do have to look into things.

As emmaandandy said, please do read through your policy in respect of the theft section and the general conditions.

i amsure everything will be fine. What would have been better though is not having to claim at all and the horse being found. I don't know what I'd do if one of mine was stolen.