Debenhams Store Card - GE Capital/Santander

Bassplayer

Hi folks
This is my first post on this part of the forum, so sorry if this topic has already been raised here before (my search didn't throw it up though!)

My ex wife and I separated back in August 2006 but having recently gone through a load of old paperwork, we found old store card statements relating to a Debenhams account from that time.

These had payments on them for 'Account Cover.' As the account was in my ex's name she made a PPI claim on Santander (who now seem to be responsible for this). Her claim was that she was self employed at the time (she still is) at the card/protection was taken out and some of the cover provided was useless to her.

They basically replied that, yes, the account did have cover for price payment and purchase protection but since the premium was clearly stated on the monthly statement breakdown it was up to her to cancel it. Santander's response goes on to say that her being self employed did not exclude the main benefits of the cover.

Can any one please clarify whether Santander's response is a suitable defence. It sounds suspect to me. Any guidance you in MSE land can provide will be gratefully rec'd.

Incidentally, our paperwork search threw up an old (pre-2006) Marks & Spencer store card with payment protection on it. As this account was in my name I approached M&S Bank with a claim. In contrast to Santander, they could not have been more helpful and I'm just waiting for an offer from them. And the situation with M&S is exactly the same as with Debenhams/Santander, in that I was and still am self employed - which formed the basis of my claim.

As I said, any help gratefully rec'd.

Thanks in advance good people.

Kevin

[Deleted User]

There is no point complaining about being self employed unless the insurance didn't cover you in that event. In the case of the M&S card the insurance likely did not cover self employment (or the terms were too onerous). In the case of the Debenhams card you have been informed that the insurance did cover self employment.


Regardless, it is unwise to compare the success or failure of one complaint with another. M&S may well have paid out as a goodwill gesture (if the amount concerned was below their floor limit) or they may have identified other failures with the sale of your PPI which you did not actually complain about.

Your only recourse now is to refer your complaint to the Ombudsman.