Go Back   English Forum Switzerland > Help & tips > Insurance
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06.01.2012, 14:14
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Zurich
Posts: 81
Groaned at 1 Time in 1 Post
Thanked 90 Times in 29 Posts
JonC has an excellent reputationJonC has an excellent reputationJonC has an excellent reputationJonC has an excellent reputation
Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Hi all,

Just before Christmas the cellar in our shared flats was broken into and the bastards got away with my bike (fourth one to be stolen in four years living here).

Unfortunately I can't find the receipt, and though I've been back to the shop from which I bought it they were unable to help me with any records either. My question is, and I'm guessing I probably know the answer already, will this preclude me entirely from being able to claim it on insurance?

I guess I could show my credit card bill which may help. We have not made any other claims in three years of having house insurance.

Thanks for any help,

Jon
__________________
www.swisscynic.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06.01.2012, 14:19
Forum Veteran
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Vaud
Posts: 1,575
Groaned at 117 Times in 71 Posts
Thanked 637 Times in 394 Posts
CorsebouTheReturn has no particular reputation at present
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Quote:
View Post
Hi all,

Just before Christmas the cellar in our shared flats was broken into and the bastards got away with my bike (fourth one to be stolen in four years living here).

Unfortunately I can't find the receipt, and though I've been back to the shop from which I bought it they were unable to help me with any records either. My question is, and I'm guessing I probably know the answer already, will this preclude me entirely from being able to claim it on insurance?

I guess I could show my credit card bill which may help. We have not made any other claims in three years of having house insurance.

Thanks for any help,

Jon
Police report>?
Bank card transaction?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 06.01.2012, 14:19
Dantesheaven's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Vaud
Posts: 267
Groaned at 8 Times in 5 Posts
Thanked 300 Times in 130 Posts
Dantesheaven has a reputation beyond reputeDantesheaven has a reputation beyond reputeDantesheaven has a reputation beyond reputeDantesheaven has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Quote:
View Post
Hi all,

Just before Christmas the cellar in our shared flats was broken into and the bastards got away with my bike (fourth one to be stolen in four years living here).

Unfortunately I can't find the receipt, and though I've been back to the shop from which I bought it they were unable to help me with any records either. My question is, and I'm guessing I probably know the answer already, will this preclude me entirely from being able to claim it on insurance?

I guess I could show my credit card bill which may help. We have not made any other claims in three years of having house insurance.

Thanks for any help,

Jon
It's been my experience (1x when living in Germany) when making a claim for theft to my insurance company, the first thing I was asked for was a copy of the police report.

Unless you want to provide the full copy of your insurance policy that describes all of the exclusions and procedures for people to read, the best people to ask how to make a claim and what proof/documentation needs to be provided is your insurance company.
Reply With Quote
The following 2 users would like to thank Dantesheaven for this useful post:
  #4  
Old 06.01.2012, 14:23
Forum Veteran
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Vaud
Posts: 1,398
Groaned at 54 Times in 46 Posts
Thanked 1,921 Times in 776 Posts
Mikers has a reputation beyond reputeMikers has a reputation beyond reputeMikers has a reputation beyond reputeMikers has a reputation beyond reputeMikers has a reputation beyond reputeMikers has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Quote:
View Post
Hi all,

Just before Christmas the cellar in our shared flats was broken into and the bastards got away with my bike (fourth one to be stolen in four years living here).

Unfortunately I can't find the receipt, and though I've been back to the shop from which I bought it they were unable to help me with any records either. My question is, and I'm guessing I probably know the answer already, will this preclude me entirely from being able to claim it on insurance?

I guess I could show my credit card bill which may help. We have not made any other claims in three years of having house insurance.

Thanks for any help,

Jon
It will depend entirely on your ensurer Jon. Here in Vaud our Vaudoise insurance has been absolutely brilliant in this respect. we have had two bikes stolen, the police wouldn't give us the time of day without receipts for them which we didnt have. One visit to the Vaudoise office and they took our word for it and asked only that we drop into a nearby bike shop and got the proprietor to list how much replacement bikes would cost. Couldn't rate them better to be honest.
Reply With Quote
The following 2 users would like to thank Mikers for this useful post:
  #5  
Old 06.01.2012, 14:34
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Zurich
Posts: 81
Groaned at 1 Time in 1 Post
Thanked 90 Times in 29 Posts
JonC has an excellent reputationJonC has an excellent reputationJonC has an excellent reputationJonC has an excellent reputation
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Thanks all. I have filed a report with the police and am awaiting a number to provide the insurance company. Not holding out much hope.

If I get another one I'm going to start sleeping next to it.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 06.01.2012, 14:42
Village Idiot's Avatar
Forum Veteran
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Basel
Posts: 1,822
Groaned at 13 Times in 13 Posts
Thanked 2,577 Times in 843 Posts
Village Idiot has a reputation beyond reputeVillage Idiot has a reputation beyond reputeVillage Idiot has a reputation beyond reputeVillage Idiot has a reputation beyond reputeVillage Idiot has a reputation beyond reputeVillage Idiot has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

To reiterate what Mikers said, my experience in Switzerland is that insurance companies overwhelmingly give you the benefit of the doubt. Every time I've made a claim against an insurance policy here, the companies have demanded minimal or no documentation and have been very helpful in paying claims.

My sense is that the Swiss generally shoot straight, so there isn't a huge culture of insurance fraud here -- and as a result, insurance companies are much more trusting.
Reply With Quote
This user would like to thank Village Idiot for this useful post:
  #7  
Old 06.01.2012, 14:49
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Zug
Posts: 80
Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts
Thanked 19 Times in 16 Posts
romainesol has made some interesting contributions
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Just a small hint. Since bikes get stolen from time to time, I tend to fill in the bike pass that is provided with the purchase and to enter the frame number in the pass. Thus the bike can be traced.
Reply With Quote
This user would like to thank romainesol for this useful post:
  #8  
Old 06.01.2012, 18:17
NotAllThere's Avatar
Forum Legend
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Baselland
Posts: 4,802
Groaned at 47 Times in 45 Posts
Thanked 4,819 Times in 2,114 Posts
NotAllThere has a reputation beyond reputeNotAllThere has a reputation beyond reputeNotAllThere has a reputation beyond reputeNotAllThere has a reputation beyond reputeNotAllThere has a reputation beyond reputeNotAllThere has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Quote:
View Post
Just a small hint. Since bikes get stolen from time to time, I tend to fill in the bike pass that is provided with the purchase and to enter the frame number in the pass. Thus the bike can be traced.
Do you mean the vignette? If so - they're no longer mandatory. (Just checking).
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06.01.2012, 19:12
Big Mara's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Berner Jura
Posts: 117
Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts
Thanked 107 Times in 59 Posts
Big Mara is considered knowledgeableBig Mara is considered knowledgeableBig Mara is considered knowledgeable
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Quote:
View Post
Hi all,


Unfortunately I can't find the receipt, and though I've been back to the shop from which I bought it they were unable to help me with any records either. My question is, and I'm guessing I probably know the answer already, will this preclude me entirely from being able to claim it on insurance?

I guess I could show my credit card bill which may help. We have not made any other claims in three years of having house insurance.

Jon
Hi Jon.
What the shop say's is total rubbish. They must keep all sales records for at least 10 years in Switzerland. (Tax office control this)
If you have the date of your credit card bill, to find the bill of sale is no problem.
Just say that if you get Insurance money, you will buy a new bike.

Salut Zämma
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 06.03.2012, 13:09
Newbie
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Zürich
Posts: 8
Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
lulito has no particular reputation at present
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Hi Jon,

I am in a similar situation, did you insurance company replied to you (positive or negative)?

Liebe Grüsse
Lucie
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 06.03.2012, 15:37
FriendlyKiwi's Avatar
Forum Veteran
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Shoppinzentrum
Posts: 1,148
Groaned at 8 Times in 8 Posts
Thanked 393 Times in 272 Posts
FriendlyKiwi is considered knowledgeableFriendlyKiwi is considered knowledgeableFriendlyKiwi is considered knowledgeable
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

I reported a stolen bike over the phone

I had lodged a lost bike notice at the police station in advance

I told the insurance company everything they wanted to know over the phone. The case was opened and closed on the one phone call, and the money was in my bank account about 1 week later

I was not asked to provide evidence of purchase

I was taken at my word - and I was completely honest.

Perfect service.
Reply With Quote
The following 2 users would like to thank FriendlyKiwi for this useful post:
  #12  
Old 06.03.2012, 16:05
Forum Legend
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Zug
Posts: 3,337
Groaned at 30 Times in 27 Posts
Thanked 1,505 Times in 969 Posts
fatmanfilms has a reputation beyond reputefatmanfilms has a reputation beyond reputefatmanfilms has a reputation beyond reputefatmanfilms has a reputation beyond reputefatmanfilms has a reputation beyond repute
Quote:
View Post
Hi Jon.
What the shop say's is total rubbish. They must keep all sales records for at least 10 years in Switzerland. (Tax office control this)
If you have the date of your credit card bill, to find the bill of sale is no problem.
Just say that if you get Insurance money, you will buy a new bike.

Salut Zämma
I never keep any recipes for anything, I am not claiming anything against tax so it's up to me what I spend my money on!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 06.03.2012, 16:10
Tim8803's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Zürich
Posts: 111
Groaned at 1 Time in 1 Post
Thanked 100 Times in 46 Posts
Tim8803 is considered knowledgeableTim8803 is considered knowledgeableTim8803 is considered knowledgeable
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Quote:
View Post
I never keep any recipes for anything, I am not claiming anything against tax so it's up to me what I spend my money on!

I didn't know cooking could get you money back from the tax man!
Reply With Quote
The following 5 users would like to thank Tim8803 for this useful post:
  #14  
Old 06.03.2012, 16:19
lost_inbroad's Avatar
Forum Legend
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Olten
Posts: 7,559
Groaned at 351 Times in 228 Posts
Thanked 7,187 Times in 3,154 Posts
lost_inbroad has a reputation beyond reputelost_inbroad has a reputation beyond reputelost_inbroad has a reputation beyond reputelost_inbroad has a reputation beyond reputelost_inbroad has a reputation beyond reputelost_inbroad has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Quote:
View Post
My sense is that the Swiss generally shoot straight, so there isn't a huge culture of insurance fraud here -- and as a result, insurance companies are much more trusting.
Ya ok!
Ever thought how much it would cost for an insurance agent to investigate each bicycle theft? Exactly, less than what the claim of the bicycle was....thus, they have theshold of approximate possible cost which have to be surpassed in order for the claim to be investigated.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 06.03.2012, 16:47
Forum Legend
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Geneva
Posts: 5,111
Groaned at 107 Times in 94 Posts
Thanked 2,764 Times in 1,476 Posts
Shorrick Mk2 has a reputation beyond reputeShorrick Mk2 has a reputation beyond reputeShorrick Mk2 has a reputation beyond reputeShorrick Mk2 has a reputation beyond reputeShorrick Mk2 has a reputation beyond reputeShorrick Mk2 has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Quote:
View Post
Ya ok!
Ever thought how much it would cost for an insurance agent to investigate each bicycle theft? Exactly, less than what the claim of the bicycle was....thus, they have theshold of approximate possible cost which have to be surpassed in order for the claim to be investigated.
"Dear [fill-in-policy-holder-name],

In order to allow us to process your insurance claim, please send by return mail copy of the police report and purchase bill.

Yours,

Your insurance"

Total cost - 1CHF postage, plus 5 minutes' worth of a temp's time to do the filing when / if the paperwork comes in.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 07.03.2012, 05:54
lost_inbroad's Avatar
Forum Legend
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Olten
Posts: 7,559
Groaned at 351 Times in 228 Posts
Thanked 7,187 Times in 3,154 Posts
lost_inbroad has a reputation beyond reputelost_inbroad has a reputation beyond reputelost_inbroad has a reputation beyond reputelost_inbroad has a reputation beyond reputelost_inbroad has a reputation beyond reputelost_inbroad has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Quote:
View Post
"Dear [fill-in-policy-holder-name],

In order to allow us to process your insurance claim, please send by return mail copy of the police report and purchase bill.

Yours,

Your insurance"

Total cost - 1CHF postage, plus 5 minutes' worth of a temp's time to do the filing when / if the paperwork comes in.
Absolutely, this way there is no chance to fraud the insurance company. As I mentioned before, there is a threshold of approximate possible cost before anybody is going to investigate anything.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 19.03.2012, 11:25
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Zurich
Posts: 35
Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts
Thanked 11 Times in 6 Posts
BigB.ZH has no particular reputation at present
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

FriendlyKiwi, your follow up with Insurance company sounds hassle free. Who are you insured with?

Quote:
View Post
I reported a stolen bike over the phone

I had lodged a lost bike notice at the police station in advance

I told the insurance company everything they wanted to know over the phone. The case was opened and closed on the one phone call, and the money was in my bank account about 1 week later

I was not asked to provide evidence of purchase

I was taken at my word - and I was completely honest.

Perfect service.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 19.03.2012, 11:46
FriendlyKiwi's Avatar
Forum Veteran
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Shoppinzentrum
Posts: 1,148
Groaned at 8 Times in 8 Posts
Thanked 393 Times in 272 Posts
FriendlyKiwi is considered knowledgeableFriendlyKiwi is considered knowledgeableFriendlyKiwi is considered knowledgeable
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Quote:
View Post
FriendlyKiwi, your follow up with Insurance company sounds hassle free. Who are you insured with?
Mobiliar.
With the Diebstahl Auswärts option.
Reply With Quote
This user would like to thank FriendlyKiwi for this useful post:
  #19  
Old 02.04.2012, 16:51
kri's Avatar
kri kri is offline
Forum Veteran
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Zürich
Posts: 612
Groaned at 2 Times in 2 Posts
Thanked 206 Times in 129 Posts
kri is considered knowledgeablekri is considered knowledgeablekri is considered knowledgeable
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

My bike also got stolen, SO ANGRY

Has same experience with insurance company (Axa Winthertur) I called them up just to ask how to do it, what was needed etc.

The guy was super nice, handled everything super quickly and actually sent me a link to their own online shop where you can spend the money. you do not have to, but it is a nice option to avoid the hassle of going to a shop and also all is delivered to your door.

They were great

Had to file a police report and got no copy though, the policeman said if insurance wants to check they call the police directly

Anyway, in our case we have quite a high insurance and never claimed anaything in at least 5 yrs so I think that they look at your file and you have 1 off

Excellent experience though (the insurance part, not the bike getting stolen
Reply With Quote
The following 2 users would like to thank kri for this useful post:
  #20  
Old 17.04.2012, 10:37
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Zurich
Posts: 81
Groaned at 1 Time in 1 Post
Thanked 90 Times in 29 Posts
JonC has an excellent reputationJonC has an excellent reputationJonC has an excellent reputationJonC has an excellent reputation
Re: Claiming for a stolen bike with no proof

Just to conclude this, AXA have said they will pay me - without asking for any additional details, despite the minimal information I had to offer. Very pleased.

Next bike I will be watching over with a loaded shotgun though.
Reply With Quote
This user would like to thank JonC for this useful post:
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Claiming for car usage, when no car is used tones Finance/banking/taxation 18 14.01.2010 22:42
Brand new bike stolen lizziebeebee Transportation/driving 19 19.08.2009 18:26
My new bike was stolen MaKita Complaints corner 7 16.07.2009 00:05
Bike stolen Chuckle Complaints corner 43 23.05.2009 12:32
wanted - swiss kid bike with no pedals DWsimp For sale / wanted 13 11.06.2008 21:35


All times are GMT +2. The time now is 20:20.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
LinkBacks Enabled by vBSEO 3.1.0