Hurricane Harvey Tool Loss

[Codenforcer]

As most of you have probably seen on the news, the disaster that has occurred to the gulf coast. Thousands if not millions of people have suffered some sort of loss from personal property, homes and family. We in the Houston area are experiencing historical flooding, major highways are now rivers, homes and businesses under water.

Fortunately my home and vehicles in north Houston have not suffered any damage. My place of employment has suffered severe flooding up to the roofline and is still not accessible. Mine and other mechanics in the area have been out of work and waiting to return to our place of employment to see our tool boxes completely of flooded water damage.

Now my concern is I know many things such as ratchets, pliers, wrenches and air tools would be reusable. Electronic diagnostic tools such as torque wrenches, electronic ratchets/impacts, compression/leak down testers, multimeter, test light, power probe will never be the same.

I have mostly snap-on tools I have had for my entire 12yr career which are 100% payed for. I have not heard any updates from my employer on returning to work. My goal was to return when accessible and others are returning to examine the damage. I want to take pictures and remove all my reusable tools to bring home and clean. I plan to make a list of damaged tools and get replacement costs from my snap on dealer. I want to present this to my employer to be replaced under there insurance obviously. I'm afraid of the answer I will get regarding this, I don't want to be responsible for replacing thousands of dollars of tools which I have worked hard for to make my living. I just want to get your guys opinions on this.

Thank you for your time, and please pray for us on the gulf coast for a quick rebuild and return to normal life.

 

[48548]

Post pictures if you can get some... I don't think anything else will do justice... I hope everything works out and insurance steps up and makes it rights.

 

[Cyansarunt]

****** situation. I hope insurance comes through for you although I can't imagine this it's going to be a quick or easy process for you to get a settlement - they're already saying this is going to completely destroy many insurance companies and the flooding still hasn't subsided...best of luck

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Sorry for all the trouble you are going through. It looks and sounds horrible.

It's certainly worth a shot asking your employer what they are planning to do to help you out, but in many cases flooding damage is specifically not covered by insurance. They may not even be able to get $ from their insurance to cover their own losses. Then again, if they are truely liable (in other words, they did something wrong...not just an act of God) then liability might cover it.

I recall years ago I had some equipment that was damaged in a storm when a chimney fell on it. I just assumed the owners insurance would cover it. Nope. Act of God. Not covered.

Not trying to be a downer. Good luck. God bless.

Phil

 

[JohnDeere1]

God bless you brother I hate to hear or think about the damage to yours and the other mechanics tools it will take alot of cleaning for the air tools alone full break downs even the ratchets and so on I couldn't imagine. My first thought was insurance reimbursement I hope it all works out for the best.

 

[travisn1]

I wouldn't remove anything until insurance can have a look at it. Maybe try to dry things out but I'd leave them on site. Take lots of pictures as you initially open each drawer to show insurance. I wouldn't bank on ratchets and air tools being usable, eventually they will internally rust. Try to get them covered and possibly buy them back and rebuild.

 

[James-W]

What insurance company pays for the loss? Does your homeowners insurance cover the loss, or is the business insurance company on the hook for the loss? I would almost think the business would have insurance to cover a loss caused by theft, or fire, or water, etc.

 

[Codenforcer]

Thank you guys, this is a rather large dealer so I'm sure the insurance they have must cover a situation like this (fingers crossed). And hopefully it covers employees property. This is not exactly a flood prone area either, not that anyone would have expected water to get into the shop, especially at this level. Surrounding neighborhoods have water into the second story of homes. If there insurance doesn't cover flooding this could put this business out for sure. The county I do believe qualifies for federal disaster relief, rather that effects the insurance claim I'm not sure. I believe there are other locations of this dealer that have experienced the same damage. For right now I'm going to keep the details of this business private, as I here what the plans are.

 

[AngryBeaver]

as others have said, do not remove them from the property. take detailed pics.

Now, don't be in a rush... you're employer will take care of you if they are worth a hoot, but there are bigger fish to fry for them so to speak with all the issues they will have going on. if you get antsy, they may just cut you a small settlement check.

Also, I hope they have good insurance... a lot of places don't have flood insurance. not to scare you, just making you aware of possibilities

 

[Fcvapor05]

For your sake, I hope you have flood insurance on your homeowner's policy, and a rider covering your tools.

I would not be optimistic that your employer has a flood policy.

 

[Davefr]

If it's a large dealership, then I'd get together with your peers and discuss this with the dealer's management at the appropriate time.

It sounds like you'll be in for a ton of future work fixing flooded out cars.

Hang in there and wish you the best.

P.S. I'm betting some of the electronics can be salvageable if you can get to them quickly and clean/dry them out.

 

[Codenforcer]

So I shouldn't remove anything, even after taking pictures, and I'll have to check but I'm sure my homeowners policy only covers items that are on my property.

I would hope as an employer you would take care of your employees in this situation. There are other guys in the shop which will be facing a much higher loss than myself.

 

[CoogarXR]

Interesting situation. I wonder what the coverage is. I know when I was a landlord, I just insured my buildings (and on-site liabilities that I could be sued for), and the tenant's property was their own to insure. There may be no coverage on contents. Again, I don't know, but I am interested to see how this pans out.

Sorry for your loss.

 

[woody 73]

sorry about your loss, as the others have said take a ton of pictures, not sure about the employer covering it ? Sounds like everyone in the shop will want to get together and go from there. If after all the pictures (speaking for myself) I would want to dry the tools off asap, air tools can be rebuilt, not sure about the electronic tools ?

Good luck hoping for the best.

 

[Davefr]

So I shouldn't remove anything, even after taking pictures, and I'll have to check but I'm sure my homeowners policy only covers items that are on my property.

I would definitely start cleaning things up to minimize your loss/salvage what you can. (in the event there is no insurance recourse). Most insurance policies even require the party incurring the loss to make every reasonable attempt to abate the situation/prevent future damage.

So in the event that they do not have flood insurance to cover this loss, what do you think my chances are of finding them liable with a attorney in civil court? The toolbox I'm not so worried about, it can be broke down and cleaned. But depending on which way this goes it could get ugly.

You'll have a hard time convincing a judge that your employer was liable for the flooding/damage. Plus the attorney will likely cost a ton in fees.

I would hope as an employer you would take care of your employees in this situation. There are other guys in the shop which will be facing a much higher loss than myself.

That's why I think you and the other techs should have a meeting with management at the appropriate time. I think the dealership will get a ton of service work as a result of this flooding and they'll want their techs ready to go.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

OP,

If you can't get your tools replaced for any reason, we can send a call tag for your air tools and repair and clean up all of them. Any parts that need replacement we'll replace, any tools that need to be replaced we'll replace with ours if we make a comparable and send you back your original as well.

Good luck out there,

- Astro

 

[JimNC]

My homeowners insurance covers off-site items up to 10% of the insured value of the policy, I think that's pretty normal.

I would approach your manager about it ASAP. Don't be argumentative about it, just ask very plainly what documentation the dealership's insurance will require. Assume that they are going to cover it. That said, he isn't the decision maker, but if you start getting management going along with you it improves the odds for the outcome you desire.

At the end of the day I bet they cover them. Surely there is someone on here that's been through this exact issue.

 

[JimNC]

Interesting situation. I wonder what the coverage is. I know when I was a landlord, I just insured my buildings (and on-site liabilities that I could be sued for), and the tenant's property was their own to insure. There may be no coverage on contents. Again, I don't know, but I am interested to see how this pans out.

Sorry for your loss.

Hopefully he is an employee and not a contractor or tenant.

 

[Codenforcer]

Thanks again for the responses, I really want to get started cleaning up tools that are salvageable for sure to minimize the loss.

My biggest concern is returning to work, this obviously could take many months to rebuild this store at a level to be usable again. I don't have that kind of time to sit back and wait on unemployment due to the disaster.

On the other hand it's going to be a challenge to move on to another employer that I can earn a paycheck with half of my tools. Which would also mean I would have removed everything from my current employer which could dictate me getting compensation. I'm already set back 1 week from work, it's not going to be easy to transition replacing tools I've lost.

 

[2oolhound]

Doesn't rust need air to form? It seems to me (all insurance talk and condition aside) sitting submerged won't be as bad as sitting wet in the air. You don't want the tools just sitting after the water retreats. You need to get to the tools asap and force hot air over, around and through them. Then wipe them dry with rags. Then disassemble others to dry them a quickly as possible. The longer you wait the more damage from rust you will encounter.

It's one of those things, if insurance covers it don't touch them. If insured - the insurance Co. should want you to photograph everything then quickly dry as much as you could to save it. Then they cover the rest.

If there is no insurance - get on it asap and dry them out.

 

[Codenforcer]

Yes I am a employee, not a tenant or contracted. I plan to take this professionally to the management and be as cooperative as possible. I'm just hoping it's not a drug out situation to get answers. I will update you guys with pictures and what I hear when I return, we think Friday we will be able to return.

I'm mostly concerned because from the time I have been there I have learned how cheap the owners can be with shop related items.

 

[vavet]

Don't be in a rush to turn on any electronics. Dry them out if you can before turning them on. It's possible it is too late and they've already shorted, especially if you left them with the batteries in them or the capacitors were charged.

 

[bushmechanic]

OP,

If you can't get your tools replaced for any reason, we can send a call tag for your air tools and repair and clean up all of them. Any parts that need replacement we'll replace, any tools that need to be replaced we'll replace with ours if we make a comparable and send you back your original as well.

Good luck out there,

- Astro

That's pretty damned awesome.

 

[Davefr]

I'm mostly concerned because from the time I have been there I have learned how cheap the owners can be with shop related items.

I image your shop is going to want "billable hours". Lots of them and as quickly as they can.

Pissed off Techs and/or Techs w/o the right tools will prevent this. This is not the time for them to be cheap. They need to get back to business ASAP.

 

[48548]

OP,

If you can't get your tools replaced for any reason, we can send a call tag for your air tools and repair and clean up all of them. Any parts that need replacement we'll replace, any tools that need to be replaced we'll replace with ours if we make a comparable and send you back your original as well.

Good luck out there,

- Astro

Thanks for being a stand up company... This makes me want to buy some more of your tools... Like your rivnut kit and tap and die set. Thank you again for this offer. I tell a lot of people to go with Astro because of the stand up company you are and the quality which obviously is most important for someone who wants the best bang for the buck.

 

[Codenforcer]

OP,

If you can't get your tools replaced for any reason, we can send a call tag for your air tools and repair and clean up all of them. Any parts that need replacement we'll replace, any tools that need to be replaced we'll replace with ours if we make a comparable and send you back your original as well.

Good luck out there,

- Astro

Thank you, I will share this with my fellow techs.

 

[Codenforcer]

I've been told we are returning tomorrow to start cleaning up through the weekend to makeup lost time. Boss has already been there to look at everything, i heard it's pretty bad. I'll update tomorrow when if I hear anything about our tools. I have a feeling insurance isn't going to pick this up and will come down to the good will of my employer.

 

[M_George]

Was the flood in the area fresh or salt water. If it was fresh water, you should be able to clean and dry most if not all of the hand tools. Take the ratchets apart and clean, dry, and put a little Super lube on them. I've picked up tools at action that had been in a flood when the river flooded and with a little cleaning they are as good as new.

 

[Codenforcer]

Was the flood in the area fresh or salt water. If it was fresh water, you should be able to clean and dry most if not all of the hand tools. Take the ratchets apart and clean, dry, and put a little Super lube on them. I've picked up tools at action that had been in a flood when the river flooded and with a little cleaning they are as good as new.

It's fresh, river water/rain water. I've been told there is oil everywhere and on everything

 

[Fcvapor05]

So I shouldn't remove anything, even after taking pictures, and I'll have to check but I'm sure my homeowners policy only covers items that are on my property.

Definitely check- if you bought a regular 'ol homeowners policy and not something special, it will definitely cover items not physically on your property; although it's likely you have a limit on tools unless you bought a specific rider for them.

So in the event that they do not have flood insurance to cover this loss, what do you think my chances are of finding them liable with a attorney in civil court? The toolbox I'm not so worried about, it can be broke down and cleaned. But depending on which way this goes it could get ugly.

Your likelihood of winning a suit against them is exactly zero. I wouldn't even bother.

A flood event like this is in 'act of God' territory as far as the courts are concerned. The only chance you'd have is if you are in a federal flood relief area and they don't carry flood insurance- but in that case the tools are your personal property and should be covered by you at the end of the day.

I would definitely start cleaning things up to minimize your loss/salvage what you can. (in the event there is no insurance recourse). Most insurance policies even require the party incurring the loss to make every reasonable attempt to abate the situation/prevent future damage.

I agree with this- you should get in there and clean everything as best you can, but don't take anything home.

The insurance company can't void your policy (if you're covered) because you made a good faith effort to reduce the loss- this is against the law.

This is an actual law written into the books- because of early insurance companies trying to screw policy holders. For example- if you have a house fire, they can't refuse to cover water damage that resulted from the fire being put out.

As long as you don't remove anything from the site, and you don't attempt to damage things that aren't damaged already to increase your loss, you're safe.

 

[Codenforcer]

I did check my homeowners policy and I'm not covered. The business is in a disaster relief area which would allow the business owner to get federal assistance. Not sure how this is going to turn out. I know a lot of my fellow techs have all the cordless snap-on stuff in every size and color. I'm glad I'm not partial to those expensive cordless toys, I've always been a pneumatic guy. So my losses will be a 1/3 of my coworkers.

 

[Tallpilot]

I'm sorry brother! Please keep us informed. This is a disaster on an amazing scale. I'm glad your house is OK.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Sorry for your loss, been thru this 12 years ago in Katrina, the company I work for has a large presence in TX and we are collecting donations thru the Red Cross. God Bless, personal property can be replaced, trust me I know all to well.

 

[gnpenning]

My heart goes out to all effected, many lives are turned upside down and will never be the same .


Years ago when I went to work for a dealer the service manager gave me some great advice. If it's valuable to me get it insured. Nobody has a greater interest than me to protect my assists.

We I had rentals the agreement they signed and got a copy of stated there was no insurance on their property and if they wanted it insured it's their responsibility.

I'm not sure but if your employer carries insurance on your tools and equipment it would be considered a benefit and would need to be reported. You would need to provide documentation for the insurance company to set premiums. Some employees would receive a greater benefit than others possible opening another can of worms.

As with others I will be interested to see how this plays out.

Best wishes.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

May want to pick up some WD40 by the gallon to give everything a good coat as soon as you can get in there. It will put off any flash rusting on stuff like taps and dies while you dive into hand tools to start cleaning.

It's going to be a mess no matter, and while it's terrible to hear about, I hope it all works out in the end. Keep us updated, and get pics when you can get in there.

Also, Astro Pneumatic as always standing up and saving the day in any way they can.

 

[Codenforcer]

The only thing that leaves me to believe a civil suit might go my way is that I signed nothing of that nature stating that my property was not their liability in case of any loss, theft, fire and in this case Mother Nature.

I've actually declined job offers based on the theft history brought up during the interview. One place had multiple break ins and there was no way I was putting my tools at that kind of risk.

I'm not looking for a way out of this employment, I'm really just looking for worst case scenario. I don't think I could get over the fact that any scenario whether it be theft, fire or in this case weather that my employer wouldn't have my back in the majority of there assets as a shop.

I'm bringing multiple totes to put my sockets and hand tools in. My Tap/die set hopefully hasn't already gone to far. I'm bringing a pump sprayer with 1/3 atf/diesel to spray my stuff once in the tote. I'm taking pictures before I begin any cleaning.

Thank you guys for your support, I've always feared theft/fire but never this. Tool insurance might be something to look into at this level.

 

[pcmeiners]

Feel for you guys in Texas....

Your employer required you to bring your tools to his business for his benefit, you were not given a choice to use your tools or a complete set he provided. I can not see how he is not legally responsible to replace your tools. As to your home owners insurance, your tools are being used in a business, not a good situation.

As to the government, you get a small amount to repair your home. Then they will place you in a flood zone, if your not already, raise flood insurance costs, thus your house value goes down >100k.... at least that how it went on Staten Island NY. FEMA works very slow, they should be running lemonade stands, not emergency relief; they will promise pump, generators ect., I did not believe it, and was not disappointed. Avoid hiring contractors right away until rip off prices come down.

 

[the intimidator]

Definatly look into you're own insurance for the future I've only worked in one shop where the owner added my box and contents onto the shop policy any where else was bring at you're own risk and you're own insurance. Unfortunately looks like you wont be covered as you never agreed to anything at the start of you're employment in terms of insurance and values placed on you're personal property.

I hope I'm wrong and that you can get it sorted out though. My thoughts would be bring Rubbermaid totes and abought 20 gallons of diesel fuel as you empty youre drawers out put the contents in the totes for storage untill you can get everything cleaned up like totally submerged in the diesel. Save you're sprayer for hosing down the tool box and other bulky items you wont be able to submerge good luck hope it all pans out for you

 

[Gotcha640]

Since a lot of you have tool sets worth more than all three of my cars, is it not common practice to have some kind of insurance, even high deductible?

 

[Dozerhand]

I'm surprised more professional techs don't weigh in on this. I would be very surprised if the dealer had any insurance to cover your loss. As a rule property is insured by the owner. The only person I know who had his tools covered by the company had to submit a detailed inventory beforehand. It *****. I too was in one of those grey areas when I carried tools in my truck for work. Homeowners or vehicle insuranse will pay if the tools are for personal use. If they are for work it's a different ballgame and need their own policy. I also think you will have no luck suing the dealer. Act of God and all. Dry it out,rebuild what you can, replace what you have to, and move on. I hope I'm wrong and some insuranse will cover you, but from my experience you are going to have to suffer the loss.