Is it legal for my insurance company to not reimburse me for items that were installed on my truck prior to my ownership?

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Is it legal for my insurance company to not reimburse me for items that were installed on my truck prior to my ownership?

My truck was stolen and I have full coverage comprehensive insurance. It had a 6″ lift kit and 35″ tires that were installed prior to my ownership.The insurance company saying that they will not include that it the total loss payment.They want to pay me for a stock truck not the truck that I insured with them. To get compensation for the custom parts they said that I need to give them a receipt for custom add-ons and how can I when I bought it that way?

Asked on December 12, 2011 under Insurance Law, Washington

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

An insurer only needs to pay 1) for a loss that was insured and 2) which is provable. If you had custom add-ons to your truck which would increase it's value beyond that of a stock truck and wanted them covered, they should ideally have been disclosed when you bought the insurance, and would possibly have affected your premiums--i.e. expensive options or accessories often need to be specifically insurered. If the insurer is willing to look past that issue, as they seemingly are, they still have a right to demand some proof of the installation and cost of the items before paying out for them. The insurer does not need to take an insured's word, without proof, for the fact that there were expensive add ons.


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