Union Mutual of Vermont USI Refuses to pay full replacement value for stolen wedding set even though policy was originally for replacement value Montpelier Vermont

On 5/1/17, I called Union Mutual Of Vermont to report a possible loss/theft of my diamond engagement ring and wedding ring.  I spoke to Christine Carter who explained it was covered by my homeowners and I would have a $250 deductible.  She then called me back and explained I had insured my rings for replacement cost.  She told me I could go to any jeweler to get an estimate and I had no deductible.  She verified a few times that they were insured for replacement cost. I even asked her to be sure. Through several emails and phone conversations, I verified that it was replacement value.  I got an estimate on what it would cost to make an exact copy of my rings from Jewelry Creations in Dover.  I spoke to my former retired jeweler and she sent the company a letter verifying the cut, clarity, quality, and sizes of my diamonds.  I provided everything they needed.  Once I completed everything they asked, I was told they needed to get an appraisal from their company jeweler.  

When I called to see the status of my claim, I was told their jeweler said my rings could be replaced for approx $3800 and the insurance company would only pay the cash value of what I paid for my rings in 1994 which is not replacement cost. I was told I should have updated the policy and it was my fault I was under insured.  I was never advised to do this nor contacted by anyone from USI to update my policy. I just updated my homeowner's policy in October and it was not mentioned to update my rings.  When I purchased the policy, I was never told this was a requirement. I thought I had purchased replacement cost insurance.  When I questioned what the Customer Service Rep had told me,  the adjuster, Wendy Benway blamed the misinformation on the Claims Rep,  Christine Carter.  She said she was a new employee and did not understand my policy. I have since found out, Ms. Carter has been with the company since March 15, 2015. Ms, Benway said that since the rep was new, that made the information Christine provided me invalid. I also asked for them to provide a breakdown of prices for stones and each ring from their jeweler like I provided them and they said they could not.

I just would like them to pay replacement value year 2017 prices to the jeweler of my choice which is approx $7900.  I have provided an estimate and drawings to the insurance company with a list breakdown of the cost of each stone and ring.  I did this so they can see I am replacing my ring with the exact diamond 4c's as my previous ring.

I have all email correspondence with the company to date.  The company also sent me a check for only the 1994 purchase price of my rings, which is $2990.  I asked them not to send any checks until we could come to a reasonable solution and I was told they wanted to close this claim and sent the check anyway.  I will not be cashing the check until we come to a proper agreement.  I also have documents from my former jeweler and estimates from my current jeweler.  Both state the $3800 estimate from Union Mutual is very unreasonable.

I have filed complaints with the Vermont and New Hampshire Insurance Boards.  Vermont could not proceed since the policy was signed in New Hampshire.  I am still waiting to hear from the New Hampshire Board.