Damaged hire skis - Travel insurance won't pay.

Dafne

I was away skiing last week and during the week, I had a spectacular crash, resulting in a snapped ski and loads of blood. Whilst I didn't require hospital treatment, it was terminal for the ski and after speaking to the hire company, they said that it would be ok and they would sort it out.

On the last day of the holiday, they told me that I would have to pay the £280 for the ski. At no point prior were we offered any insurance on the skis, but then its not something i've encountered or required before.

The flights/hotel/ski hire were all organised through the same company, who owned the hotel and skis. They are a UK based company.

I'm obviously slightly miffed, but phoned my insurance company at the time who said to ring them when I had the invoice and claim then. After speaking to them today, my insurance company (insurance with my bank account) said that i'm not covered for damage to the skis, because I was using them at the time. So, had I broken them whilst not using them, i'd be fine, but no. I did check the small point, and it is there (although not very clear).

I've had a look on the interweb and from the few pages i've seen, most people with broken ski equipment haven't been charged for it. The skis were not brand new and another friend has also been charged a smaller amount (due to it being a cheaper ski) for a 'bent' ski, despite him being a beginner and it being his first time on snow. For the force on the ski to break it, i'm lucky that I didn't break my neck or leg.

Any suggestions?

raskazz

First thing to check for me is whether you are even liable. What caused the crash? If you (say) hit someone else because they weren't looking where they were going, then lost control then you are not liable as you have not been negligent.

Then once that is determined move on to whether the quantum (amount claimed) is appropriate given the skis would have been subject to wear and tear/depreciation.

Dafne

I fell over, trying to avoid a beginner skier that fell over in front of me. The resort had not had snow for a few days and as a result, every slope was icy, including the blue and red runs. As I moved to the side of the slope, I was caught out by a bump and the next few seconds were a bit of a blur. I know I lost one ski and had a bit of a tumble, before sliding along on the ice and burning my left arm. Somewhere during the tumble, the second ski had come off and when I went to pick it up, noticed it was in half. Whereabouts it snapped (as in, before I had the proper fall, or halfway through) is unknown. The 6" burns to my arm were enough to cause substantial bleeding and thankfully I managed to grab a small bandage off one of the lift attendants. The first aid kit available at the hotel was somewhat lacking, but it was the best that could be obtained without visiting hospital. At least i'll have a good scar to show the grandkids.

It was a recognised red run. I have been skiing for the best part of 20 years and i'd consider myself an advanced skier. As i'm more prone to injuries these days and the icy conditions, we were certainly taking it a lot easier than I have done in previous years and were sticking to the managed red and blue pistes. I've never had a problem with a ski breaking before.

The company is claiming that the ski new was £280. It is a 2011 Nordica Sportmachine R70. I can't find a price on an exact same model, but the price seems a bit expensive, especially given that the company would be buying them in bulk. They did say that they would consider knocking off £50-60, due to them being a year old.

Dafne

Well, after not hearing from the company for some time, they've now contacted me to state that they still haven't received payment.

Any suggestions? I've checked the contract that I signed for the holiday/ski hire, and it reads as follows;

10. Insurance. You must have winter sports cover for any trip with [Name of company]. In addition, you should carry your European Health Insurance Card if you are eligible to have one. Some of our holidays have insurance included in the cost of the holiday and some do not so please check your booking form carefully. If you choos to use your own insurance, please remember to bring your policy with you. If we have arranged your holiday insurance for you, a copy of the policy wording will be made available. You are liable for all expenses that are not covered by insurance.