They robbed my car at gunpoint — and the insurer wouldn’t pay!

Unbelievable — wait for the surprising ending.

My client Marian Gómez purchased a Chevrolet Blazer and, in her haste, didn’t wait for the insurance confirmation. She contacted me to insure the vehicle, and I scheduled an inspection and policy issuance for 11:00 a.m.

She arrived at 10:00 a.m., an hour early. A broker named José Rojas told her I wasn’t there and offered to assist, saying it was the same. Trusting him, Marian insured the vehicle with Rojas, and the sales commission went to him — I lost the client.

Three months later I ran into Rojas at the insurer’s office; he was distraught, reading a letter. He explained that a theft claim had been denied because the vehicle did not have the supplemental mechanical anti-theft device required by an endorsement. The endorsement required installation and inspection within three days; otherwise, coverage for theft would not be recognized. He admitted he had failed to notice and inform the client of that requirement when issuing the policy.

Realizing the claimant was Marian, I could have been glad at a colleague’s misfortune — but instead I decided to help. After reviewing the file as a claims expert, I concluded:

• The vehicle was taken by force: at a traffic light, armed criminals on motorcycles forced the driver out and stole the Blazer.
• The loss was caused by robbery with violence; even if an anti-theft device had been installed, the armed assault would likely have had the same outcome.
• Therefore, denying the claim on the basis of lacking an anti-theft device was not justified.

I prepared a technical letter to the insurer explaining these points and the claim was paid.

This real case highlights the importance of working with experienced, ethical insurance professionals — and of reading and understanding your policy.