So, Bob, I don't know if you know this about Cat, but the forklift divisions are somewhat different that the small rental equipment divisions, and we in the forklift/industrial equipment divisions support not so much Caterpillar Corp, as we support a joint venture named MCFA, who has nothing to do with the skid steer side of Cat.
All that said, how far up the line at Cashman or Cat Rental Store have you taken the calls to? Have you considered writing a letter to the president of Cashman if he won't return your calls? Send it registered return receipt req, to be able to prove you tried to notify them of your dissatisfaction? And maybe include a copy to Caterpillar corporate customer service in Ill.?
How was the unit stolen? (that information may help far more people to avoid the problem you find yourself in. than a rant against a corporation.)
Why would you rent something for 2.5 month (10weeks?) when you only needed to use it for an average of an hour a week?
Which insurance company was it that would not tell you what you were covered for? (that may also help people avoid your problem, more than Cat could).
From my standpoint, your experience would seem to me to be the greater exception, and not the rule, of how Caterpillar Corp expects the customer to be treated.
I wish you better luck with using Case, NewHolland, JohnDeere, Mustang, Bobcat, or what ever other brand of skidsteer or Excavator you get next. Thank goodness we have so many choices.
May I suggest you make friends with that dealers personal BEFORE you have another problem / miscommunication?