Definition of equivalent re insurance claim

angieamme

Hi
Can someone help with a question over the definition of "equivalent" in either a reasonable persons view or legal stance.
Basically had a burglary in May for which the claim has been put out to one set of loss adjustors and now another couple of different firms. I am getting into a sticking point over the term equivalent in relation to my sons bikes.
Basically we buy our bikes from our preferred supplier due to customer service, quality of bikes, technical ability of the guys who build the bikes and their excellent aftercare which we can walk to. So ideally I would prefer to use my preferred supplier to purchase identical bikes as they are what my sons chose for their Christmas presents, colour, style , spec etc.
The Insurance company has their own preferred supplier who may not be able to offer the same bikes or local customer service. They say the definition of equivalent they use relates to specification only.
I can understand equivalent could be interpreted that way should the make & model no longer be available for purchase but not simply because the insurance preferred supplier doesn't stock it.
Apparently if I insist on getting the same model and make of bike I would have to accept the amount they would have paid for a totally different bike which will probably be a lower amount due to their discount.

Would really appreciate some objective guidance on this as I have to confess to being emotionally involved as they basically just want their christmas present bikes back same make and model.
Wording of policy is this.

• Pay for the cost of an equivalent replacement (if you arrange this direct with your own supplier the insurer will not pay more than it would have cost had they replaced it)

• Supply you with an equivalent replacement item

I basically think a more accurate wording based on what they are saying should be an equivalent replacement from our preferred supplier which may not be the same make and model but will be the same specification. That way I would have questioned it at the time. To me equivalent means the closest thing available to replace it which would be identical bikes.

vaio

My feeling is if the exact make & model is still available then that is what you should get.

The insurer can use whoever they like to supply it but if their prefered supplier can get one then you can be helpful and advise them where they can obtain one.

dacouch

http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/ombudsman-news/92/92-insurance-claims.html