Insurance - proving residency

legalMcFi

My new insurance company is now asking for me to prove residency before they will proceed with my claim. I am surprised by this as i would have thought it it was a condition, they would ask for it before i signed up with them!

Anyone know if this is legal?

I'm feeling like i am jumping through hoops and wonder what the next thing they ask for is!

dunstonh

Anyone know if this is legal?

Why do you think it would be illegal?

I'm feeling like i am jumping through hoops and wonder what the next thing they ask for is!

A little bit sensitive aren't we? It's a simple request and one easily satisfied unless you are not telling the truth.

legalMcFi

no it is just quite inconvenient and i have never had to prove this before.

i don't believe it can be legal to take my money if they have a clause to get out of paying for claims later on

thanks but please only reply if you intend to be helpful, not pose unnecessary questions back to me

pborojon

Where have they said they won't pay the claim? It's a simple request. If you've told the truth at the start of the policy you have nothing to worry about!

dunstonh

no it is just quite inconvenient and i have never had to prove this before.

Have you had many claims before then? If so, perhaps that is why they are taking a greater interest now.

i don't believe it can be legal to take my money if they have a clause to get out of paying for claims later on

If you think its illegal, then go to a police station and ask them police. However, its not. So, don't waste your time.

Also, if they have a clause in the policy that says they wont pay out on xyz then clearly they are right not to pay out on xyz. If that clause doesnt exist in the policy then they will pay out.

legalMcFi

hi selden,
Thanks for replying
Its a travel insurance policy.
This is my first claim with this new company for me. They don't have a great track record but were one of the only who insure for up to 90 day trips so i was forced to pick them.
No questions were asked relating to my residency at the time of purchase, however now checking the small print it is a condition.
I feel this should have been asked before taking my money and making the contract. I have in fact been resident here for 7 years but proving it requires some work as I don't have the documents at hand they require.

This is more the matter of principle for me, I've had 5 rounds of them asking for different things relating to the claim and wonder when it will stop!

dunstonh

No questions were asked relating to my residency at the time of purchase, however now checking the small print it is a condition.
I feel this should have been asked before taking my money and making the contract. I have in fact been resident here for 7 years but proving it requires some work as I don't have the documents at hand they require.

If you bought via a broker under advice then they would have asked you this. If you buy direct (i.e. on-line direct to provider or via quote site) then you take on the responsibility of knowing what you are buying.

If you used a broker you should go back to them as they will have liability for making sure what they sold matches your need. You may have grounds for bad advice.

If you didnt use a broker then not reading about what you are buying was your own risk. DIY can save you money in premiums but it does mean you have to do more of the research yourself.