Can you get anything else except vouchers from home insurers if you argue?

joshtbh

Hi all,

I just wondered if I was offered some vouchers to be spent in a specific shop on a claim for my home inurance, am I likely to get anywhere by asking for cash/alternative vouchers instead?

thanks

dacouch

They will tell you that you have to accept vouchers or if you have cash its very reduced, however read this guidance from the Ombudsman that may help you http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/ombudsman-news/10/oct-repair-replace-cash.htm

MrsE_2

Can you not insist on vouchers from a shop of your choice????

dacouch

Read the link I posted

joshtbh

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]. [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Policyholders should be allowed to choose where they purchase a replacement and they are entitled to a cash settlement if they cannot find an acceptable alternative. In such circumstances, we would not regard it as reasonable for the insurer to make a deduction from the cash settlement to represent any discount it would have got if the policyholder had bought a replacement from one of the insurer’s nominated suppliers. Nor would it necessarily be appropriate for the insurer to offer vouchers to the policyholder. If the option of replacement is not available, then the only way in which the insurer can indemnify a claimant is by a cash settlement. [/FONT]

Thansk dacouch...I'm reading from that that if I dont find a replacement which I deem suitable in the vendor for which the vouchers are valid, then I have a reasonable case for claiming a full cash amount for the voucher's amount..........

dacouch

The ombudsman is basically saying vouchers / suppliers are an acceptable method of replacement where they can offer a reasonable replacement. However on some items like antique jewellery they give as an example its not always suitable to give vouchers.

A lot of companies use Goldsmiths for jewellery and for high end watches eg Rolex they only stock them at their major city branches which is obviously a problem for a lot of customers.

Have you had a claim then?