A Question About Cheques

chevalier

My OH had an accident on his bike in nov 2003. Luckily he was ok, but the bike was a write off. After the usual wrangling, it was well into 2004 before we got the final settlement cheque. Because they had just sent it without us agreeing the figure, my OH was going to chase it because he had just bought £200 of bike clothes which also got written off.

However life got in the way and we only rediscovered the cheque again at the back end of 2006. So he asked for another one thinking that the first one wouldn't be valid. Yes yes say the company but no duplicate cheque.

Now my OH is wonderful but getting him to chase this company is becoming a pain (they won't talk to me as I am not on the policy, sigh).

So my question is, do company cheques have a longer life than personal cheques (which as far as I know become invalid after 6 months?). Any advice appreciated
chev

LookingAhead

Hmmm not sure! Cold your bank tell you? They should know as they are the ones to handle the things and you'd think they would take a look at the date and say yay or nay as soon as it comes into the cashier.

rog2

Sorry - didn't read the question fully. I think that cheques need to be presented within 6 months, but the Insurance company should re-issue.
Could you not threaten them with the Insurance Ombudsman (if such a post exists)

chevalier

yes rog that was why he hadn't cashed it because he didn't agree.

ZTD

Company cheques are different to personal cheques - does it not have it's life span printed on it?

I've had ones with a life span from 6 months to 2 years.

Actiongirl_2

chevalier wrote: »

My OH had an accident on his bike in nov 2003. Luckily he was ok, but the bike was a write off. After the usual wrangling, it was well into 2004 before we got the final settlement cheque. Because they had just sent it without us agreeing the figure, my OH was going to chase it because he had just bought £200 of bike clothes which also got written off.

However life got in the way and we only rediscovered the cheque again at the back end of 2006. So he asked for another one thinking that the first one wouldn't be valid. Yes yes say the company but no duplicate cheque.

Now my OH is wonderful but getting him to chase this company is becoming a pain (they won't talk to me as I am not on the policy, sigh).

So my question is, do company cheques have a longer life than personal cheques (which as far as I know become invalid after 6 months?). Any advice appreciated
chev

Just Bank it. If it gets rejected, then you have a real claim against the company. I should think it will be validated by the back office and then passed through.

redsquirrel80

We were told recently by the bank we use at work that there's no longer a 6 month time limit on banking cheques - not heard of there being any difference between personal and business, unless, as someone already said, it has a validity date printed on it.

I'd take it in to the bank and try anyway... and if the above isn't true, then Barclays lied to us :eek:

chica_fi

The bank i work for certainly still has a time limit on cheques - 6 months, regardless of whether they're personal or business. The only exception to this would be if there was a length of validity printed on the cheque. But i'd have thought you would still be entitled to a new one from the insurance company.

GPark

The company I work for was also recently told that there is no longer a 6 month time limit on cheques.

We have been told by the bank that we now have to provide the bank with lists of oustanding cheques over 6 months old if we want them cancelled.
The banks will no longer automatically reject a cheque if it is over 6 months old, they will only reject it if the issuer has requested that they cancel it.

AndyR_3

GPark wrote: »

The company I work for was also recently told that there is no longer a 6 month time limit on cheques.

We have been told by the bank that we now have to provide the bank with lists of oustanding cheques over 6 months old if we want them cancelled.
The banks will no longer automatically reject a cheque if it is over 6 months old, they will only reject it if the issuer has requested that they cancel it.

They're covering their backs. They shouldn't pay a cheque over 6 months old. By telling you to provide a list, they're protecting themselves and moving the responsibility to you.

Chances are, the cheque won't be looked at. If you pay it in via an ATM that reduces the chance even more since there's no cashier to look at it. Keep a photocopy and if it is returned, you should get the cheque sent back from your bank anyway.

I believe the cheque is proof of a debt, so as long as it's less than 6 years since the date of issue, you could sue for a replacement if necessery.

PLEASE - if they ask you to send the cheque back so they can replace it, keep a photocopy and send it by recorded delivery. Just to cover yourself.