Lifestyle Insurance Group - policy dismay and disappointment

butlercott

I have recently tried to make a claim through Lifestyle Insurance Group for the loss of my iPhone 4. It was stolen from behind the counter in my coffee shop (and was not openly on display), but in line with their policy, I am apparently not entitled to claim because it was "left negligently in a public space, accessible by people other than immediate family". The fact that the area behind my counter is not a public place is apparently irrelevant in this instance because it is physically possible for people to access the area - which as far i am concerned would be the case in 90% of shop premises other than banks and post offices, who are protected behind glass counters.

Has anyone managed to successfully claim through this company? I am at a loss as to how anyone would manage this unless they actually have their handset stolen from their person as part of a mugging. As I tried to explain to the customer service rep during my claim, appeal and subsequent complaint, pretty much anywhere you go with a mobile phone (be it public transport, shops, restaurants, libraries, gyms etc) is accessible by the public.

Any advice similar experiences and advice you might have about next steps would be greatly appreciated.

grumbler

I think 90% of mobile insurances are a big con. The companies spend more money on lawyers than on claims. The lawyers do their job well: write tangled and ambiguous T&C and then find every excuse for rejecting claims.

For example, in some T&C the word "theft" means "robbery" after you read the small print: Fonesure - Worst Phone Insurance? - advice needed

You can complain to FSA, but I think the chances of success are slim.

butlercott

i agree. Feel like i have been robbed twice now, thanks to the insurance company.

thanks for the advice - worth a short with the FSA I suppose.

Guys_Dad

Follow their dispute process and get a deadlock letter first. Then take it further. If necessary, take it to small claims court. The cost of them defending outweighs the cost of settling.

Also, reading what you wrote if word for word leaves them a bit exposed legally.
"left negligently in a public space, accessible by people other than immediate family"". The bit following the comma is a further qualification on the former bit - i.e. the public space and accessible go together.

Behind the counter is NOT public space and, therefore, it doesn't matter whether or not it was accessible by people other than family.

I am not a lawyer, but if any are reading this, your opinions, please.