After getting a $12ish dollar bike lock cable snipped and a $380 Fuji Roubaix bike I bought off craigslist that I was going to resell for $700ish (Current new price was $950 and original MSRP was like $1200-$1500), I bought a $44 U lock/cable combo pack with $1500 of anti-theft protection. That got me thinking about what I needed to do to qualify. There are different rules per manufacturer, but I don't know if I'd qualify.
It kind of seems like there are so many hoops to go through to process a claim, that there really isn't a good chance you can actually collect from the anti-theft warranty.
In Summary, Kryptonite does not require you to have a homeowners policy existing on your bike unlike Master Lock (Probably) and Bulldog (even more probably). With Kryptonite, you don't need the UPS You still only have 15 days to send in all paperwork including a reciept of your
Bulldog Lock policy
http://www.onguardlock.com/?page_id=486
2.2 Registration Form
Within 15 days of purchase of your OnGuard U-lock or chain lock, please completely fill in the OnGuard Lock Registration Form, and mail it, along with the following items to:
Todson, Inc.
Limited Anti-Theft Program Offer
73 North Washington Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760:
2.2.1 The original sales receipt clearly showing that you have purchased an OnGuard U-lock or chain lock and model number.
The limited anti-theft program does not cover any cables or cutting of cables that accompany U-locks. Only the following model locks are covered under the anti-theft program:
------(How often would a thief cut the lock instead of the chain? The chain is usually the weak point. Oh, and ANY CABLES includes cables that come with the locks)
5000, 5001, 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005, 5006, 5006M, 5007, 5008, 5009, 5009LM, 5010, 5010LM, 5010C, 5011, 5012, 5012C, 5013, 5013TC, 5013TC7, 5014, 5014TC,5015, 5015TC, 5016, 5016L, 5017, 5017HD, 5017LPT, 5017HPT,5018, 5018HD, 5019, 5019L, 5019LP, 5019LPS, 5020, 5021, 5046, 5047,5048, 5048C, 5049, 5050, 5100, 5108, 5109, 5112.
2.2.2
A copy of the sales receipt of your vehicle, or if your sales receipt is not available,
a signed and dated appraisal of your motorsport vehicle/bicycle by a reputable authorized dealer on that dealer’s business stationery.
-------(Used bikes are likely appraised at about 50%-75% of a new one.)
2.2.3 If you qualify for the anti-theft program, you may purchase one (1) year of coverage for $1.00 (USD); two (2) years for $10.00 (USD);(3) years for $15.00 (USD). To purchase additional coverage, enclose a check (USD) made payable to Todson, Inc. with the paperwork required for registration. Coverage may only be purchased within 15 days of purchasing your OnGuard Lock.
-------(So within 15 days of buying the lock, you have to actually take the extra step and purchase the insurance on top of filling out paperwork. I'm not sure if you have to have your bike registered under your insurance policy. It asks for that info. What if you don't have an existing policy?)
3. Limitations and Conditions of Limited Anti-theft Program Offer
3.1 This limited anti-theft program offer applies only if you satisfy all if the requirements within the time periods set forth below.
3.2 Todson, Inc. will NOT be liable if theft occurred where:
3.2.1 The vehicle was not properly locked to a solidly anchored immovable post or object,
3.2.2 The object to which the vehicle was locked was dismantled or cut,
3.2.3 The frame of the vehicle was cut,
3.2.4 The OnGuard lock was not broken or opened by forceful means,
3.2.5 Torches, battery operated tools or power tools were used to open the lock.
3.3 Todson, Inc.’s liability under this limited anti-theft program shall be determined by the following formula: A – B = C, where:
A = the base purchase price of the stolen vehicle including manufacturer’s original equipment and excluding separately purchased accessories and taxes or the maximum applicable program amount whichever is less, and
B = the amount of any home owner’s or other insurance proceeds paid as a result of the theft, and
C = Todson Inc.’s maximum liability subject to the value limitation as identified on the package of your lock.
3.4. This limited anti-theft program does not cover:
A. vehicles used commercially (rental, delivery bikes, etc.),
B. damages to a vehicle in connection with attempted theft, (So if a crowbar breaks the spokes in the wheel, or bends the crank, or the people steal the handlebars, unsecured wheels
C. thefts occurring outside the United States of America, its territories and possessions.
3.5 The maximum amount to be paid to any owner depends on the lock model and its usage, regardless of the number of vehicle(s) belonging to such owner.
(Speaking of multiple vehicles, what if I alternated the one lock between 3 bikes? It seems like I can only register one bike to each lock. Lame....)
4. To File A Claim Under This Limited Anti-theft Program
4.1 Report the theft to the police within 72 hours. FAILURE TO REPORT THE THEFT TO POLICE WITHIN 72 HOURS OF DISCOVERY VOIDS THIS LIMITED ANTI- THEFT PROGRAM.
4.2 Notify Todson, Inc. in writing within seven (7) days of the theft by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the above address and include:
4.2.1 a copy of the police report indicating that you reported the theft within 72 hours of discovery,
(Yeah, if you dial 311 as I was told to by the biking police people, the non-emergency 911, you talk to someone who takes down your police report over the phone. How do I get a copy of that? If I had the police station mail a copy, there is a good chance I would not get it for 4-14 days and be outside of the 7-day time restriction-unless I took 3-4 hours out of my day to file a report at the police station and asked them for a copy-which they may or may not do, to get a copy of the report the same day to mail)
4.2.2 a copy of the claim filed with your insurance company, if applicable,
(If I don't have insurance on your bike, it better not be applicable. Sheesh, I go through a bike or two ever month or so. Too much paperwork.)
4.2.3 at least one original key from your OnGuard lock,
4.2.4 your broken OnGuard lock, and
(Which the thieves leave there 100% of the time..?)
4.2.5 your Registration Form, and all applicable attachments, if not previously submitted.
(Didn't you have to mail this in within 15 days after purchase?)
4.3 After Todson, Inc. receives all the materials listed above, Todson, Inc. will instruct you of any further steps necessary to process your claim. Todson, Inc. reserves the right to fully investigate your claim and request additional information it deems necessary to determine the validity of a claim. Todson reserves the right to deny claims that it cannot substantiate or that it deems to be false, misleading, or fraudulent.
-----------
Master Lock has a similar story
They make the "Street Cuff" (one with a 9 link chain one with a 1-3 link chain) that the police force invested in since police bikes were getting stolen.
http://www.masterlock.com/cms/support/bike_anti_theft_guarantee
http://www.masterlockbike.com/pdfs/antitheft_1000.pdf
There are links to the PDFs with the small print. In summary, master Lock will only pay if the lock itself is forced open or cut on select models. All paperwork has to be completed within 15 days of purchasing and it is only good for ONE YEAR.
Only U-locks and the Street Cuff models have the anti-theft warranty. No chain or cable locks qualify for the warranty. (From that I can infer that the chain and cable locks.... are at a high risk for being forcibly removed.) You need to have your bike registered with an official authority. You need the ORIGINAL UPC code from the box (not a copy) AND reciept... wow. Who saves those? Also a copy of the sales receipt from the bike dealer or a signed and dated appraisal from "your dealer" on the dealer's letterhead.
Here are some kickers with Master Lock
You need a copy of the detailed police report from within 72 hours of the theft.
2. YOU NEED A COPY OF THE CLAIM FILED WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY.... wait... I don't have a policy for my bike... so I don't qualify?
3. BOTH original keys from the Master Lock (and if you loose one like people tend to do... you loose)
----------
For Kryptonite, they seem a bit more easygoing
http://www.kryptonitelock.com/CustomerService/FAQ.aspx
"If you would like to send in the paperwork but have already discarded the package, or the shop didn't give it to you at purchase, here are the things you will need to do within 15 days after you purchased your lock. Send the following items to Kryptonite or its authorized representatives outside of the U.S (Canada, Germany and the UK only):
* Your completed Kryptonite Lock registration form (if you need a new one, please contact customer service at letters@irco.com)
* A copy of your itemized lock bill of sale
* A copy of your itemized vehicle bill of sale, or a dated and signed dealer appraisal reflecting market value (not including tax and accessories)
* Proof of bicycle or vehicle registration (if available, not required)
* A check or money order for the coverage on locks that require payment for the first year or to extend the offer for a maximum of three years."
---It is my understanding that you must have homeowners' insurance to take part in the anti-theft protection offer. What are the parameters?---
We've heard that, too, but it just isn't true. Unlike other companies, Kryptonite does not require you to have homeowners', or any other insurance, to register for the anti-theft protection offer. Kryptonite covers the base purchase price of your registered item, excluding accessories and tax.
Should you have insurance, in most cases the insurance company will cover the total value of the item stolen. However, if they do not, we will pay the amount of your deductible
