Last night someone stole a load of my clothes from the laundry room in my apartment. There was maybe 30-45 minutes between when I put quarters in the dryer and when I went back down to discover that things were missing, so I didn't leave them there for a day and beg for this or anything.
I'm pretty shocked--as you know, I investigated to make sure this was a safe neighborhood before I moved in. And who takes someone's clothes? Unless we're the same size, you can't use them. And if you just felt like stealing a load that included some of my underwear, you are a creepy, creepy creeper. Ew. The whole thing feels really violating.
I put a note on the dryer, and on the mailboxes in my building, letting people know what had happened and to watch out. And also to ask for my clothes back, because you never know. I'm hoping it was a mix-up, and some girlfriend had told her boyfriend to "get the clothes from the dryer" and he just got ALL of them from ALL the dryers, and they'll reappear at some point. But more than likely, I am just never seeing them again, including the new pair of pants I hadn't even worn yet.
So, here is my dilemma: I have renter's insurance, but do I file a claim? I did file a police report last night, and the officer estimated my loss at $800. My deductible is $500. I'm not even entirely sure what was in the load--a little bit of everything. I tend to go a long time in between trips to the laundry room, so we're talking pants, shirts, exercise wear, the aforementioned underwear, towels, etc. I'd come out ahead after paying my deductible, but only by $300. And my agent says this could cause an increase in my premium if I ever get homeowner's insurance.
So, Interwebs, I'm putting it to you: file a claim, or no? Have you ever had a similar experience? I'd like to hear your thoughts.
I would suck it up and pay the deductible. I mean, that's a 60% return on investment. You will have to pay to replace your stuff anyway, why not take the extra money. As for a higher premium later on -- I wouldn't worry about it. I doubt it would affect you that much, and this is why you pay for insurance in the first place.
ReplyDeleteSeconded.
ReplyDeleteI never had any clothing theft issues while I was a renter but I did have someone throw some of their clothes in the dryer with mine - likely some tightwad trying to save a buck but did they think I wouldn't notice? Anyhow, I'd go ahead and file the claim - insurance is supposed to be there to insure us and a small claim like that won't even be noticeable down the road.
ReplyDeleteIs the actual replacement cost of your lost clothes over your deductible? If you're truly out the 800 clams, it may be worth to file. The 'increase' in your premium may be a few dollars a month if it comes to that down the road.
ReplyDeleteI'd look at it from a $$ issue and see which is a better option in terms of replacing your lost clothing.
wait... i don't really get how insurance works. someone explain it to me, please. So you file a claim, you pay nothing and they give you $300? Or you file a claim, pay $500 and they give you back $300? Or you pay $500 and they give you back $800 (similar to them just giving you $300). I don't get it. Someone tell me how insurance works, please.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input, everyone. My main concern is that I would pay more in my deductible than I would get back in return. As in, I pay the $500 and then get a check for $300. I don't know if it's worth it. I have plenty of times to weigh my options but I'm trying to figure out what will be most beneficial financially.
ReplyDeleteAt least, I believe that's how it works. I'm afraid I'm as confused as Reuben.
ReplyDeleteI think it works the third way Reuben stated. I've filed a claim on a bike before. But i wanted my bike back!
ReplyDeleteAlso, watch out because the insurance peeps can be dicks and decide that your missing articles are not worth what the PO said they were. This has happened to me. I spent a good amount of time negotiating on that bike.
Maybe go talk to your agent in more depth and then make your decision? Talk is free...
Sounds like it's time to start claiming that you wear VERY expensive underwear.
ReplyDeleteCome do your laundry at our place next time.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's what Reuben said third. You will either give them a check for $500 and they will send you a check for $800, OR, as is more often the case, they will simply write you a check for $300 (your claim minus deductible.)
ReplyDelete