Contents insurance multiple claims?

Mazinsky

Hi

A recent run of what can only be described as bad luck means that within the last few weeks of our current contents insurance policy (Barclays) my partner has snapped the arm off their glasses (irreparably) and yesterday I dropped my mobile phone (still working apart from screen on / off button, hopefully fixable!).

Having begun the claim for the glasses we've already had a letter from Barclays stating that due to the timing, (ie after the renewal invitation but before expiry date) we're subject to increased renewal premium and reduction in No Claims Bonus. They're going to go nuts when I claim for the phone too!

This seems unfair, especially as we've never claimed (at least 10 years, although this is first year with Barclays).

The policy excess is £75 per claim. Not including the excess, the glasses will cost £150 to replace and the mobile phone £350 (unless it can be repaired).

Should I just claim as I'm perfectly entitled to do or in the long run will this end up costing more in added premiums, reduced No Claims etc?

Thanks for any advice, experiences.

M

keith1950

Hi, this is perfectly normal, if you tell them about an incident even if you don't claim your premiums will go up.

Personally I consider insurance to be for major incidents and would never claim for what I consider minor items such as your talking about.

As you've already told them about the first incident the damage is already done and that is the cheaper item and there are probably exclusions surrounding damage to mobiles, check the terms and conditions.

I have never claimed in the 20 years or so however my net ( price minus cash back ) annual policy for buildings and contents has never been higher than £60/year and some years I managed as low as £19/year ( £139 minus £120 cash back ).

Now you've informed them its a case of damage limitation .

TSx

With smaller value claims it's always a judgement call. It might seem unfair, but they can only base your quote on your history - and you are now a 'riskier' individual. Any claims you make before the renewal will result in your renewal premium being recalculated because you're changing the information which the new contract is based upon.

Do some dummy quotes on comparison sites to see the effect on your premiums once you declare the two claims for an idea of what to expect - and remember you'll see increases for the next 5 years.

One other consideration is that in my experience, many (but not all) insurers will decline to quote if there are more than 2 claims on the policy - I've just done a dummy quote and with 2 claims, most insurers will still provide a quote which is reasonable - but with 3 claims, only 6 insurers on confused.com would provide a quote and the cost went up significantly. So it may make sense now to claim, but if you then need to make a claim in the future, you could find it much more difficult to find affordable insurance.

*Scarlett

Usually any more than 2 claims within 3 years can result in difficulty getting quotes from mainstream insurers.

You can get other quotes but if you have told your current insurer about the mobile this will be recorded as a loss even if you do not proceed with the claim.

Also be aware that some insurers will not take on new business with an ongoing claim - ie until the glasses claim is settled.