Fridge/Freezer has failed

unholyangel

DoaM wrote: »

I don't think AO said that at the time of purchase ... they said that when OP called to complain about the fault. At that time AO are perfectly correct - they are not liable for the loss of the foodstuff in the fridge/freezer unless the contract T&Cs had said otherwise.

Why else would home contents insurance offer an option to cover the contents of a fridge/freezer in the event of a failure? There'd be no need if sellers were automatically liable.

I wasn't saying they were automatically liable - just OP said the company are taking the stance that they wouldn't be liable "in any event" for consequential losses and to me that means they're saying even if the goods are faulty, they aren't liable for the foodstuffs.

You don't ever have a claim for damages without some cause of action - which is why I made reference to breach of contract. Obviously if the goods aren't inherently faulty then there has been no breach of contract

macman

The excess on the home contents insurance will almost certainly exceed the value of the ruined freezer contents. In cases like this, you have nothing to lose by an appeal to the manufacturer for a replacement or repair on a goodwill basis.
However, on a budget brand like Hotpoint/Whirlpool, don't hold your breath. And they certainly won't cover your consequential losses.
Next time, buy your white goods at John Lewis, which gives you a 2 year retailer's warranty-or buy a better brand which offers a 2 year manufacturers warranty: Bosch, for example, do so on many products.

Al_Ross

There is no way Hotpoint will say you are entitled to a free repair.

You should have called out an independent Engineer and got his report.

macman

I didn't suggest that they would. I said that it's worth a try on a goodwill basis. If the OP uses a phrase like 'I am entitled to a free repair' then they will get short shrift.
Hotpoint need favourable PR at the moment more than most.
An engineer's report will probably cost nearly 50% of the value of the freezer, if we are talking about a budget Hotpoint model c. £200-250. And that upfront outlay carries no guarantee of a successful resolution.

homeworkgirl

UPDATE

Engineer said failure was due to excessive build up of ice on fan, even though this is supposed to be a frost free model. He carried out tests anyway, but by my switching it off and allowing it time to totally defrost, it had cured it anyway. He suggested I approach AO or Indesit about a refund for the wasted food, as although not an inherent fault, it did fail through no fault of my own..