Household insurance renewal problem
just renewed my household buildings and contents insurance with a Broker - on checking new Policy schedule find that freezer contents £300 are not now insured (but was last year) - the Broker is asking for a further £10 to add this cover to new Policy - but as I particularly asked for the renewal to be "like for like" I feel it's the Brokers error and they should add in and stand the cost - any views on what I should do now as I have complained - they kept me waiting ages on the 'phone and have not replied to e.mail.
wizzywheels Sat 05/04/08 12:46
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I think you will find that most policies of "Like for Like" specifically exclude freezer contents(ours does) we had to add on an extra sum to cover it.
I think you may argue till you are blue in the face,but if the policy does not specifically state"freezer contents" then they are not covered.
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'Like for like' is a specific insurance term that means your damaged/ lost/ stolen goods will be replaced with as near to identical goods as is possible.
Freezer contents is usually an addition, but I get the impression you meant you wanted the policy 'like' the old one when you specified 'like for like'.
It is a clear misunderstanding and you have what you asked for.
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Question Author
Thank you "In A Pickle" - but the point I am making is that if you ask a Broker to requote for nenewal on the existing basis (which included freezer contents) surely they should find a Policy for you at renewal that does include it.
They did renewal for me over the 'phone - stating same cover and took payment by Credit Card and it wasn't until I got the new documents that I discovered the problem - I feel the onus is on them to make good. It's their error.
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Question Author
Answer to Ethel - They knew exactly what I meant - They knew that I meant the new Policy should cover exactly as the old one. Now of course it doesn't - and they have the nerve to ask me for an extra £10.00 owing to their error !!
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If you asked for the renewal to be like for like, this would mean they would quote on the main covers like for like, so if you have buildings £150k, contents £40k, they would quote for exactly the same. Covers like freezer contents are usually additional features and vary very much from insurer to insurer. The broker wouldn't trawl through the features of your previous policy as there are too many such as pedal cycles, alternative accomodation, loss of keys, trace and access etc etc. To summarise if you asked for like for like they would take this as meaning the main covers so buildings and contents, NOT the extra features and benefits, unless you specifically asked for freezer contents, in which case the broker should identify this in your 'demands and needs' statement, and then should have made sure it was covered in your renewal.
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Question Author
Answer for Louise07 - why not - that's what they're paid for?
Too lazy - I guess.
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This is simple. Don't use a broker. Get out the Yellow Pages and look for yourself - bet you within a half hour of calls to free numbers you get a better deal!
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£10? and you r moaning? i`ll send you a £1 towards it, so that will help xxx
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Question Author
velvet lady - yes I'm moaning - and for good reason.
If they had done their job properly - I would have had nothing to moan about. It's the principle of the thing. Cryptic comments - don't help !!
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If the policy is a "renewal" and not "new business" and the freezer cover is no longer included there should be an endorsment to state this ommision as it is a change from the existing contract. Who is the insurer? Check your proposal form to see what you agreed to on the inception of the policy and the policy booklet for what is included whithin the cover as standard. The broker may have just made an error.
Under FSA rules there are very strict guidelines for complaint procedures so ring your broker and remind them of their duty to you.
Whickerman may be right that internet might save you money but from experience, not everyone gets the cover they think they are purchasing. Brokers have expertise, good relationships with insurance companies and can get excellent deals for their clients.
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