The claimant reported that a sewing machine and an embroidery machine were stolen from his parked and locked vehicle. He reported the loss on the day it allegedly occurred under his homeowner insurance policy. He submitted a property inventory that reflected their value at approximately $30,000.
We were asked to complete an investigation and we interviewed the claimant. We also conducted a scene investigation and spoke to representatives at the Sewing Center where the machine was allegedly purchased.
The representatives at the Sewing Center were able to produce a quote sheet and a sales invoice. The transaction was for the sale of a sewing machine and accessories totaling $12,500, and the owner recalled that the claimant advised him of the theft, and that he was using insurance proceeds to replace the item.
During the interview, the claimant assured us that the alleged theft was accurately reported and confirmed the information on the property inventory. He alleged that the embroidery machine was a gift, but he couldn’t recall the names of the people who gave him the machine. He also did not have the owner’s manual or any other documents proving that he owned the machine, saying they were taken with the equipment in the theft.
After the claimant was shown the results of our investigation, he chose to withdraw the claim and signed a withdrawal form. Estimated savings: $29,498 – the value of the items on the property inventory.
The claim was closed without payment.