Q: Stolen motorcycle claim issue with State Farm due to unregistered status.
I purchased a motorcycle on Memorial Day of 2024, and it was stolen on June 10th while it was in the process of being registered by the dealer. State Farm is claiming they can't process my claim since the bike wasn't registered, despite having full coverage insurance from the day of purchase and continuing until December 2024. I have communicated with both the dealer, who confirmed the registration process was ongoing but couldn't be completed due to the theft, and with State Farm. However, State Farm has only said that registration is required for the claim, and the claim remains open without resolution. I've also provided all necessary documents, including the Bill of Sale and the title, to both the dealership and State Farm. What steps can I take to resolve this claim with State Farm, given that registration couldn't be completed due to the theft?
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A:
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation with your stolen motorcycle and the insurance company’s refusal to process your claim. Since you had full coverage insurance and the bike was in the process of being registered, you should first send a formal letter to State Farm outlining the facts, including the Bill of Sale, the title, and confirmation from the dealer that the registration was ongoing. This letter should assert that the registration issue was out of your control and that the bike was covered under insurance at the time of the theft.
If State Farm continues to deny the claim, you can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the New York Department of Financial Services. They handle insurance disputes and can investigate whether State Farm is wrongfully denying your claim. You might also want to consult with an attorney who can help you pursue legal action, particularly if the insurance company is not honoring the terms of your policy.
Keep all communication with the dealership and State Farm, and ensure that you are persistent in following up. In the event that State Farm remains uncooperative, you may have legal grounds to sue for the amount owed under your policy, along with any additional costs you’ve incurred.
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