Claim Advice

Dave1216

Hi,

I had two push-bikes stolen that had a declared value of £300 each. Including accessories it came to almost £900 (inc Helmet). When i claimed they capped the claim at £600 - is this correct? I consider the accessories to be a separate item. Like a laptop in your boot of car.

On a second note, they sent me a cheque for £600 made payable to the bike shop. I don't want to purchase the replacement just yet – can I demand that they make it payable to myself?

TIA

gyzmo

It will depend on your policy wording and the limits imposed by the policy. That is where you will find the answer to both your questions.

Insurers usually send cheques or vouchers to be used at a specific place to deter fraud or gaining a pecuniary advantage. You could ask the insurers if they would be willing to send a cheque payable to you, but policy wording may make it their option, not yours.

Astaroth

Accessories are normally included in the section limit as whilst they may not be physically attached to the bike they are of no use without it/ are designed to be used in conjunction with it.

The £600 will be net of the excess of cause.

Every insurance policy I have seen says the insurer reserves the right to decide how the claim is settled and so you have no rights to demand a cheque payable to you. Many insurers will however give you a cheque for yourself rather than their prefered supplier but the cheque will be for a lesser amount as there is a whole host of reasons why an insurer wants to push trade through one of their suppliers and so discourage people taking the cash instead.