Am I the asshole here?

[msc545]

My insurance company required me to send a picture of the odometer on one of my cars. I TOLD them that I could not with my camera as it would not focus close enough. I wound up buying another camera when they insisted on a picture and they refused to reimburse me for this camera.

Insurance Co: "Thank you for following up! We did not receive the photos beforehand to check if they were eligible for acceptance or to see if anything further was needed. Just to clarify, we did not require you to purchase a camera to take these photos. I apologize, but we will not be able to offer a rebate or refund for this."

Me:

"You required me to submit a photo of the odometer under threat of cancellarion of my policy. The vehicle in question is very small, and I informed you that the camera I had could not focus close enough to take a readable picture of the odometer, and I proposed buying a camera that would work for this, or in the alternative that you send a representative to inspect the car in person. You rejected both proposals and renewed the threat to cancel my policy. I took the photo with a new camera I was forced to purchase, and requested reimbursement which you have now also refused.

I therefore now renew my request for reimbursement.

Do you think that the bad will this sort of thing creates is worth saving $ 100 over?"

Updates

15 d

I insure three cars with these people. I think it is interesting that they are willing to piss me off for a lousy 100 bucks. For me it isn't the money - its the point in this case.

[Part2603]

Nobody cares. They told you what they want, you find the solution that provides them the information they want. You can borrow a camera, you can hire a professional photographer. You can sell the camera now that you don't need it anymore.

If their offer doesn't work for you, you can change providers. The guy on the phone is just working through his company's policy. No, they don't reimburse for camera equipment.

How hard is it to take a photo of an odometer? Did you illuminate correctly?

[msc545]

I dislike being pushed around or taken advantage of. The money is not the point. My phone camera could not focus that close, and the steering wheel didn't allow it to be moved back further. Of course, it was illuminated properly. It actually has internal lighting.

[Part2603]

So use a mirror? Remove the steering wheel? Maybe park your car with the axle rotated at an angle? There were probably alternate solutions, but you just wanted to get angry and ask the insurance company for $100.

Here's an idea, why don't you just ask them for a discount for being such a loyal and long term customer?

[msc545]

I was not going to do any unpaid work (remove the steering wheel my ass) to satisfy them that I wasn't lying.

[AviatorTom]

In this case, you are wrong. You could have easily borrowed someone's camera, assuming yours really couldn't take the picture. Any smart phone can take a picture of an odometer.

The insurance company recognized your attempt at scamming them... so you could get the camera you wanted for free. You are fortunate they didn't just cancel your policy.

[msc545]

You have to be kidding. I wouldn't bother taking my time to buy a cheap little camera for a hundred bucks and then try to scam somebody for the money.

[LazerBean]

I definitely would not expect them to reimburse me when they have no indication that they would. That part is kinda on the you for expecting them to. Plus I wouldn't have bought $100 camera. Maybe $25 one, but probably I would have just asked a neighbor or friend or something to take the picture for me and send it to me. Or I would have just sent a blurry picture.

[exitseven]

You should have sent the best photo that you could but a hundred bucks is not a lot of money to save you a big headache.

[msc545]

I bought a camera, took a photo, and sent it, and they accepted it. I just want to be reimbursed for the money I spent on the camera.

[exitseven]

What if you bought a very expensive camera that cost a thousand bucks, should they still pay for it? I have a pretty basic Samsung cell phone. . I have taken pictures of serial numbers that are on he bottom of laptops or networking components while they are still on the rack. I always get good results. Sometimes I cannot wee the numbers myself because the print is too small so I take a picture on my phone and blow it up/.
I recently had a big tree fall on my shed. I got a check for the replacement shed but later I put in a claim for the demolition and disposal of the old shed. Then a few weeks later I put in another cliaim for the site prep for the new shed. Before I hired contractors I made sure the insurance company wpuld reimburse me for the work, otherwise I would have did it myself.

[msc545]

I bought the camera because when I tried to use the one on my cellphone it would not focus that close. I TOLD them that before I bought the camera and they said essentially "Not our problem". I bought the cheapest camera I could find that would take close-ups. I offered to let them inspect the car in person. Everything I suggested was "no".

The car is a 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder with 84K miles on it. Do you think I use it excessively? Apparently they thought so.

[msc545]

I insure three cars with them. I think it is interesting that they are willing to piss me off for a lousy 100 bucks.

[exitseven]

Someday ask me to tell you the car insurance story

[msc545]

Please do!

[Redstang88]

I’d tell them get fucked, they can come read the odometer themselves if they don’t believe me. Never heard of insurance requiring a picture of that before

[msc545]

I told them they could have the car inspected, but they refused.

[Anonymous]

I would have just found a new insurance rather than hassle with this.

No I don't think this is worth pissing off a loyal customer. But most business do not care about customer loyalty. They'll tell you they do. But that's just lip service.

[msc545]

I thought about finding a new insurance company but this one is very cheap and I don't like paying for compulsory insurance to begin with. Moreover, I am very busy right now and I don't have the time to mess around. Looking for a new company. You can bet I'll be looking for a new one when this policy expires though.

[Opinion Owner]

I understand.

[Iron_Man]

When your insurance is up, leave them and find a better insurance company a cheaper one

[msc545]

Definitely.

[Iron_Man]

What about Geico check that out?

[msc545]

I will - actually I will check many companies.

[Iron_Man]

Good job. Let me know when you’re finished.

[ProbablyClueless]

Eh. Insurance companies have an awful relationship with damn near everyone. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[OddBeMe]

Ehh no…I pay insurance by miles and my iPhone can take pics of my odo. It is kinda the point of their cheap insurance. Not sure if that’s what you have.

[msc545]

Who is your insurance carrier? Mine is called Metromile and it too is by the mile. I do not have an iPhone, and this is an issue with this car and my camera lens.

[OddBeMe]

Mile auto. I think it’s the same because I’ve seen metro mile on my bill.

But I see it as a trade for the per mile cheaper insurance.

[DrPepper12]

There were 99 other ways to solve it other than buying a camera.

[msc545]

Like what?

[Jamie05rhs]

Not really, but damn; you should have just called me. I would have taken a picture for you for free.

[Agape93]

Nope, they are. Fuck em.

[On_cloud_wine]

Should’ve kept the receipt

[On_cloud_wine]

Why do you need 3 cars anyway lol

[msc545]

I have the receipt. Doesn't help.

[On_cloud_wine]

To return the camera.. I’ve never had to send a picture of my odometer.. I just tell them what it reads via phone, but yes I agree, if they insist on visual proof, they could’ve had one of their representatives to come out and see for himself

[msc545]

I got the camera on Amazon so no returning it. I suggested they come and inspect the car, and they refused and kept threatening me.

[On_cloud_wine]

I suppose you’re extra angry because you somewhat feel attacked. They’re only going to lose a loyal customer the way they handled this situation

[msc545]

No, I'm angry because I find it insulting when people like this imply that I am lying.

[On_cloud_wine]

I’ll never question you 💕

[msc545]

Questioning is one thing; asking me to provide proof is another.