Contents Insurance....Is it really worth it?

hcb42

steve1980 wrote: »

We do have personal possessions but we were only advised that it's only needed for higher value items such as laptops, digital cameras, bikes etc, not a handbag!

that is normally the case. Not checked your insurer,although I see you have mentioned them.

Was there another exclusion, i.e. not in a parked vehicle, or visible in a vehicle or anything?

steve1980

dacouch wrote: »

Was it a proper car boot eg not a hatchback

hcb42 wrote: »

that is normally the case. Not checked your insurer,although I see you have mentioned them.

Was there another exclusion, i.e. not in a parked vehicle, or visible in a vehicle or anything?

I have a Renault Megane Scenic so you can't see in the boot.

No other exclusions

TSx

Castle Cover 100% provide cover for unspecified personal possessions including bags on their policies ("clothes and articles of a strictly personal nature likely to be worn, used or carried, for example mp3 players, mobile phones and sports equipment. It does not include valuables, money or pedal cycles.") - if you've paid the extra for for personal belongings cover. The driving license won't be covered as they exclude any documents under that section.

I suggest you speak to them again and ask for the claim to be reviewed by a manager and make a formal complaint. You could also speak to Castle Cover and they will usually register it as a complaint for you and forward it on to L&G.

I prefer to make the complaint by phone (it's just as valid as writing in according to the FSA) but you may prefer to do it in writing.

edit: the only exclusion on Castle Cover for PP in a vehicle is

For theft from an unattended motor vehicle – £1000 limit

policy booklet here

dacouch

TSx wrote: »

edit: the only exclusion on Castle Cover for PP in a vehicle is

policy booklet here

u) theft from motor vehicles unless at the time of the loss or damage:
– someone aged 16 or over was in the motor
vehicle or
– the motor vehicle was securely locked and
– force and violence were used to get into the motor vehicle and
– the items stolen were out of sight in a locked luggage boot, luggage
or glove compartmen

TSx

dacouch wrote: »

u) theft from motor vehicles unless at the time of the loss or damage:
– someone aged 16 or over was in the motor
vehicle or
– the motor vehicle was securely locked and
– force and violence were used to get into the motor vehicle and
– the items stolen were out of sight in a locked luggage boot, luggage
or glove compartmen

My mistake although going on the OP, it was in a locked luggage boot, and force and violence were used to get into it.

dacouch

Meganes do not have proper boots, they're basically a hatchback with the card bit over the boot, it could be why the claim is being declined

steve1980

dacouch wrote: »

Meganes do not have proper boots, they're basically a hatchback with the card bit over the boot, it could be why the claim is being declined

They do have proper boots!

It's a twin boot, ie, glass can be lifted or the whole rear door can be opened. Again, not card over the boot, it's a standard parcel shelf that you get in every car.

Thanks for the info TSx. I'll speak to them tomorrow/today (joys of a 12 hour nightshift!)

mikey72

dacouch wrote: »

Meganes do not have proper boots, they're basically a hatchback with the card bit over the boot, it could be why the claim is being declined

That would be interesting if insurers refused to pay out on anything but saloon cars.

I would think from

"the items stolen were out of sight in a locked luggage boot, luggage or glove compartmen"

the claim would be from a l,ocked luggage compartment, and they wouldn't really be able to argue.,

steve1980

Any old reason not to pay out.

When I took the policy out I was asked to provide details of high value items only that would need to be covered away from the home. It would appear that personal possessions are not covered on my policy (this excludes the items that have already been listed) and anything in the car is not covered under the standard policy, this would be classed as personal possessions.

The term "personal possessions" would appear to be different under every unsurance company.

They are going to listen to the recording and come back to me in 48 hours to let me know what had been said.....this should be interesting......

Update: 14:25. Received a call back to say that the bag was not listed in the specified items list so they will not be accepting the claim.

Asked if this has gone down as a claim "it will go down as a "nil claim".....Watchdog anyone......

pineapple

This is going to sound unsympathetic and I don't mean it like that honest, but I would never, ever leave a bag with cards, keys etc in a car - whether in the boot or not. Especially somewhere like a country park. These places - where people tend to go off for a long walk - are notorious for car thefts.