Window Locks-whats the point.

dacouch

Oopsadaisy wrote: »

Urban Myth or not???

Bloke is robbed. Entry point: Burglars kick the FRONT door off its hinges. Exit point: same FRONT door [to be exact: the gap where door once was].

Insurance sends assessor round, assessor looks at BACK door and says 'this is a 3-lever lock and your policy says 5-lever is a must, so we are invalidating your policy'.

So despite the fact that thieves never went into the kitchen or near the back door, the insurance company avoids paying out.

True or false.

It's false.

The FSA (Who regulate Insurers) adopt the ICOBS rules which under chapter 8 for claims states the following

" breach of warranty or condition unless the circumstances of the
claim are connected to the breach"

The rule is designed for the above situation.

In addition the Ombudsman would rule against the Insurer (There are plenty of similar cases he has ruled in the customers favour and helpfully publishes them)

Oopsadaisy

dacouch wrote: »

It's false.

The FSA (Who regulate Insurers) adopt the ICOBS rules which under chapter 8 for claims states the following

" breach of warranty or condition unless the circumstances of the
claim are connected to the breach"

The rule is designed for the above situation.

In addition the Ombudsman would rule against the Insurer (There are plenty of similar cases he has ruled in the customers favour and helpfully publishes them)

Wow, a common sense approach...it's not common to find.

rubytuesday

roddydogs wrote: »

Insurance companies make a big deal out of "Have you got window Locks", but you cant open a window from outside even if its unlocked, if a burglar can open your windows, hes already inside anyway?

You certainly can! My front widow was locked and a burglar came in by forcing it with a pair of scissors! Between the hours of 6pm and 8pm just after New Years Eve last year!

dacouch

Oopsadaisy wrote: »

Wow, a common sense approach...it's not common to find.

Yes it is sensible.

In addition, as a general rule the Ombudsman is very sympathetic to the customer. When looking at a complaint and poicy wording, he tends to look at what's fair and how an everyday person would act.

Unfortunately complaints involving the Ombudsman take a very very long time to resolve though.

If you have selected a lock discount it is very important to check if the Insurers have applied any warranties etc about them being used and also whether they have stipulated whether theft claims are only valid if their is a violent or forcible entry

WhiteHorse

dacouch wrote: »

If you have selected a lock discount it is very important to check if the Insurers have applied any warranties etc about them being used and also whether they have stipulated whether theft claims are only valid if their is a violent or forcible entry

Yes, this is increasingly common.