Can Guardsman sofa insurance just cancel my policy?

lt123

Hi there, I have a policy with Guardsman which was taken out when I purchased a Natuzzi leather sofa in 2009, delivered in 2010. I was sold it on the basis of 'I could call them out every day of the year for a claim and they would honour it.' I have made 3 claims on it, as the initial repairer they sent out did an appalling job, and naïve little me waited patiently for his repair ' to wear in and become invisible in time' which it was never going to! I've now seen how good an upholsterer can be!
Claims have been for scratches in the leather. The latest which has resulted in this was numerous cat scratches on the ottoman,which was more damaged than the upholsterer could repair and he was arranging for a new top to be ordered for me instead. I have now heard from Guardsman saying they will either give me £170 cash and keep the policy in force until 25/3/2015, or offer me cash of £470 and cancel the policy. This is because they are unable to complete the repair and £170 would have been the cost of the parts and labour had they been available? The entire ottoman cost £490 new, so Im confused on several levels, and have no idea what to do. Ideally I would like the top of the ottoman replaced? Should I keep the policy on force or take the money? Comments and thoughts very gratefully received.

sunflower_2

i have no advice but am very interested in any given.

i also have a guardsman policy and was thinking of claiming for scratches made by my dogs.

good luck with your claim.

Chickabiddybex

Is the ottoman in some sort of specific fabric that has now been discontinued?

How much did it cost to take out?

I'd be inclined to take the larger sum of money, buy the cats a scratching post and get a new ottoman/go on holiday :P

jkkne

I had the same problem and its in the T&C's of the agreement that they'll cancel your agreement upon a settlement if they cannot repair it.

(my situation was arm chair stitching split, couldn't be repaired and item discontinued - Guardsman offered credit to go to store and replace item or cash settlement)

They don't directly replace, you get credit to pick another item in most cases and you have to go back to the store you bought from, get the details of what you want and then Guardsman order it. You get less than retail as its costed on what it costs Guardsman to order direct from the manafacturer

Your final settlement will include a percentage off for use and a charge for the technician (unbelievable but in the T&C's) and if you accept the cancellation policy then the underwriters then get to charge you £10 for the honour of keeping the rest of your stuff.

So, your ottoman will be part of the same set as the chair/sofa they'll ask for a tenner or have the right to take it all upon settlement (also in the T&C's)

I'm glad I got the agreement for free as it's a waste of money!

lt123

They included the policy as part of a 'package' and whilst it has certainly not been 'claim every day of you like' , when I have needed it, it has been worthwhile - once I got a decent upholsterer from them!
Thank you for the info I will make some further enquiries - there is some useful points here