Home Insurance Forum

Back in June, my mother-in-law borrowed my camcorder, a 35mm camera, and all my accessories, to take on vacation. While on vacation in Virginia, her vehicle was broken into, and all my equipment was stolen along with some of her belongings.

Upon her return home, and after four months of waiting, her homeowners insurance company is saying that it will only cover her belongings (about $1,300 less her $500 deductible) and I will have to file a claim on my homeowners. I have a $1,000 deductible.

She also checked with her auto insurer and it said the loss was under her homeowners policy — and her homeowners company agreed. Do I have to file with my homeowners insurance or should her homeowners cover? My loss was about $4,600.

Richard, Tennessee

Dear Richard,

Marilyn Elam, the spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Insurance, says you should check all of the policies or with your agents to see how your loss should be covered. But, according to Jayna Neagle, a spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, it is likely that you'll have to make a claim with your home insurer.

If you encounter problems, Elam says you should file a grievance with your homeowners insurance company. If you're still having problems, you can call her department toll-free in Tennessee at (800) 342-4029 and file a complaint. When you call, make sure you specify that you are filing a complaint so that a form can be mailed out to you and the process can begin.

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