If 4 years ago I filed a claim regarding a lost ring but have now found it, what should I do?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

If 4 years ago I filed a claim regarding a lost ring but have now found it, what should I do?

I had a personal articles policy for my engagement ring that I filed a claim against because I had lost the ring. They paid us for the amount listed on the appraisal, which was $12,200, and the policy was canceled. However, I recently moved and in the process I discovered the ring. If the claim was filed back in October of 2012 is the ring now my property if found since they paid the claim and the policy was cancelled or is there a statute of limitations that applies?

Asked on January 23, 2016 under Insurance Law, Arizona

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

The ring belongs to the insurer, if they paid for it; alternately, you may be able to repay the money and keep the ring--but you can't do both. The law does *not* let you keep property for which you were paid by an insurer. The problem for you is that the statute of limitations is 6 years, so if this was in 2012, they have 2 more years during which they could sue you for one or the other--and worse: knowingly keeping the ring when you'd told the insurer it was lost and been paid is insurance fraud, and you could face jail time.
Canceling the policy is irrelevant, because the policy was clearly in force at the time--that's why they paid you.
You are advised to contact the insurer and explain that you just found the ring and inquire into whether they want the ring or want the money (and if the money, if under the circumstances, you can set up a payment plan).


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption