Hi

last nite after late league someone decided they needed my bowling balls, bag and shoes more than I did, so they walked out with them.  Alley owner tried to make like it was an accident and someone just mistook their bag for theirs and would return soon.  yeah right, there are only two other guys in that league with 3 ball rollers.  anyways drove by early this am to see if someone had left any evidence of the theft.  laying out on the road in the snow and mud were my bowling shoes.  I felt violated.  so my best equipment is bye bye.

question:  (estimated value of 3 balls, bag, glove accessories - $500.00) I have good insurance through state farm. Will they cover this theft?  Will I need receipts, which I no longer have?  Is the Alley owner obligated in anyway in this?  This place has a seedy crowd after midnite, two security cops are always on thursday nites (but they were too busy flirting with chicks in the bar than to actually watch the door like they are supposed to).

any help on this is greatly appreciated.

Edited on 2/20/2004 11:25 AM

Edited on 2/20/2004 11:26 AM

Hard to say for certain what liability that center has under state law.  I would definitely file a report with either the PD or SO (depending on which covers the center) so that there is a report on record.  The only instance I can speak to of relatively recent date was an acquaintance that had their stuff jacked from the car (smash and grab) and their insurance did not require receipts on the bowling equipment.  Call you agent and see what they will require; if they want receipts and you do not have them, inquire whether they will accept affidavits from those that bowl with you that can attest to what equipment you had and the general condition of that equipment.  Also, your local shop can probably provide records on what was drilled.

Unless some of the equipment was purchased used, I feel your $500 estimate is going to be low.

First of all, sorry for your loss. That really sucks when low life idiots steal other peoples belongings.

Secondly, the center itself is not liable for this. I'm sure somewhere near the front desk they have a sign stating they are not responsible for lost or misplaced items and that of course includes someone walking off with your stuff regardless it was intentional or not.

I also do not think State Farm would cover that loss because it was not stolen from your house or vehicle.

Good luck with everything and keep us posted on what happens..

PS: That sounds like a pretty scary bowling alley!!
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If they only made a ball that would carry that d*mn 10 pin..

jkiser01

Hey DS,

I believe the rest of the guys are correct, a bowling center will say you're responsible for your own personal property.  Insurance?  Out here in California, even if it's in your car, auto insurance doesn't cover it but homeowners or renters insurance does because it's deemed as "personal property".  Your pro shop should be able to produce receipts or at least they can give you an official document stating value of merchandise stolen.  Another thought..Was any of this equipment paid for by credit card, some credit cards will cover loss, even due to theft.  Just a thought...sorry to hear about this....frustrating, I know.
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Rick Leong
Ten Pins Pro Shop
Track Pro Shop Staff
Vise Grip Staff

I run a golf course in the summer and people have had golf clubs stolen and insurance has covered it... I don't know about everyone but I know some had their stuff replaced.  Same should be true for bowling I would think.

i am very sorry for ur loss but at least u don't live in out town we dont get insurance on our bowling balls because they are in out house or especially the car.  They tell us they have to insure it as a collection and has to have a seperate policy and won't cover from car because its no part of the car itself just free in it

I dunno much about insurance or what the lanes can do to help you but, you mean to tell me nobody saw this guy just walk up and walk out with 2 bowling bags?? Nobody that you know that you bowled with , or somebody on your team I dunno i just find it hard to believe that this guy  would just waltz up and take a three ball bag in the league that he bowls in and he knows he has to go back there. If i was you i wouldn't think it would be a bowler who did it , check out the people that work in the lanes . Or the pro shop thats in the lanes . Either way i think somebody had to see something and just isn't saying anything. Hope everything works out for you .