Have a question -

If you had a notification of a live shot discharged inside a house that came to rest outside the house in the lawn, would you notify your insurance carrier?

Two question I ask in any situation like this:

1) What do I hope to gain?

2) What do I fear to lose?

What shot?

Most people and landlords haven't a clue about the internal workings of insurance carriers, I do! First of all if you simply ask your agent or your insurance company a "Question" that may pose an additional "risk" for them, they are required to put that in your fire and share it with a National Data Base that gathers information on a Property or Insured!

Then when you seek a policy, an insurance company will look up your file/date base, to see what problems you pose for them.

In my case a partner got a letter about our renewal of an apartment property policy. Since our roof and electrical were older systems, our rates were going to climb. My partner called the agent and like a dummy jerk said, oh my partner is good at fixing things and re-wired the property and put on a new roof! Within weeks every property I owned got inspected or had a drive by. I began getting letters or cancellation or non-renewal.

I had to hire an Insurance Attorney to put a stop to things. My file in the national insurance data base got changed, stating: Owner is a Licensed Contractor with six specialty trades and many certifications in related fields. He is insured, bonded with zero complaints on file. All work is permitted and inspected by the City. He is an asset to his properties and exceeds code requirements".

James,

No way, no how.

Re-read what Robert just wrote about your "question" to your agent being listed on YOUR permanent file and the PROPERTY's permanent file.

A good friend asked about the radio stolen from his car. Later asked about his son's leather jacket stolen while away at college. A third such minor inquiry resulted in all his insurance cancelled (home, auto, etc). He was told "3 strikes and you're out, even without a single claim."

"Like a good neighbor" is a sales slogan. Their job is to protect the company from claims. Your agent is a nice person but when it's time to pay out you'll quickly learn they are not "on your side".

I'm also with Dave - Did you fire the weapon? Did you SEE the event? Do you have proof? Right now it's just hearsay which can only cause trouble for you.

BRAD

Maybe do a quick inspection to see if any appliances, plumbing, or wiring was damaged? Maybe a little caulk on the exterior to prevent water infiltration and drywall mud for the inner drywall damage.

Single shot with no damage to property or people? No way.

Although...

our largest claim to date was for a tenant who got drugged up and unloaded around 50 rounds inside a house. He then passed out. When he woke up the next day he turned off the water...that was pouring from three different holes inside the house.

LOL Ray. As a retired(??) firearm and self defense law instructor, if the police weren't involved and nobody got hurt, stick to the standard "three esses." Shoot (did that) shovel (fix damage) and SHUT UP!

DON'T report it to your insurance.

Here in AZ a negligent discharge is a felony in city limits. I had several students who took my basic pistol course under court order.

An appropriate story for this. We belong to a private training facility outside of Las Vegas. We used to rent a VRBO home nearby that was owned by another member. Nice place with a dedicated gun cleaning space in the garage. One time we arrived for a course and the lady who cared for the place pointed out all the new renovations they had just finished.

Someone was "cleaning" a shotgun in the garage, when it went Boom! Sent a slug through the wall, through both laundry room walls next door, through the $10,000 steam shower, through both the glass door and the standing glass, out the open bathroom door and through the master bedroom, exiting out the sliding glass door, chipped the concrete deck and fell into the pool!

I don't know what the cost was, but I was impressed with the damage! LOL

Reminds me of when a tenant called the fire dept for a "warm" extension cord.

FD arrived .... shut OFF electrcity and gas to the house and said "call you landlord". And left.

City inspector showed up before I did with his "list" which included hiring a permited electrician. All done before anything can be turned on!

All because the tenant overloaded a 20 amp breaker with 18 gauge extension cords.

Nope. I didn't hear a thing.

Somebody has to say it...

"You dodged a bullet."

I'll see myself out.

BRAD

Right about that, that your insurance agent or independent broker is not your friend or on your side.

Long ago,..if you sustained a loss and had a claim, you would start by calling your agent, who would then call the company AND THEN Shepard you through the whole claim process,...including negotiating with the claims adjuster on your behalf to get you the best settlement.

Yes,.....that actually was the way it happened. Way back then.

You didn't need a public adjuster let alone a lawyer.

Now there are fewer independent broker / agents, and none of them,...either independent or captive agents have any authority, ability or interest in sheparding you anywhere.

.......here's the number to the claims office. Thank you for your business.