Insurance: “garage” defined over the phone but nowhere in writing

SouthLondonUser

I have not called Devitt, so, if I don't call them, I can have plausible deniability!

When these companies say something over the phone, which is not in writing, and which is in the consumer's interest, it might be a good idea to record the call. However, they don't always let you do it if you tell them, and I have no idea if you can use a recording if you didn't tell them you were recording.

When I was complaining with Vodafone, I tried multiple times to tell them I'd be recording the call; they hung up claiming they didn't "allow" me to do so. I got nowhere by pointing out that, if they could record me, surely I could record them?

SouthLondonUser

Thank you all for your input.
The fact remains it's a grey area, and our "opinions" count for little because the only opinions that will matter will be those of the judge or the Ombudsman ruling on such a dispute, if it ever gets to that.

In the end it's all become a moot point. I have double checked the quote for the automated renewal; it turns out it's the cheapest, at slightly less than £180 and with the bike declared as on "street/other", not garage, so I have just bought that. The odd thing is that the website of the very same insurer, with the very same details, quotes a price that is more than 2x dearer. I am used to automated renewals being more expensive (the lazy tax...) but I would have never imagined them to be actually cheaper. Yet one more confirmation that insurance prices can be totally nonsensical!

Begsey

Herzlos wrote: »

Garages can also be wooden, so I'm not sure how accurate that description is.

It's not a description, it's the requirement MCE have if you declare your bike is garaged.

If I had a wooden garage, and my bike was stolen from it, and they refused to pay out, I'd go to the ombudsman and let them decide.

DoaM

SouthLondonUser wrote: »

When I was complaining with Vodafone, I tried multiple times to tell them I'd be recording the call; they hung up claiming they didn't "allow" me to do so. I got nowhere by pointing out that, if they could record me, surely I could record them?

When you call them, if they play you a pre-recorded message along the lines of "This call may be recorded for training and quality purposes" then that's your green light to record the call.

7Raiden

Hi guys, I'm new here and I registered to MSE basically because I saw this post and would like to share my experience (sharing is caring after all )

First of all, I'm insured with MCE, and I've been for 2 years. Recently someone tried to steal my motorbike. They didn't succeed, but they caused a significant damage. Having the motorbike for only 2 years I decided to actually make a claim (I generally tend not to).

In my policy, I said that the motorbike was garaged, but instead they define garage a private place where you and only you have access. Fair enough you would say. Not only did they refuse to pay out (again, fair enough), but they voided my policy for deliberate or reckless misrepresentation!

So, a word of warning here, I'd go for the most conservative choice, I'd rather pay 300£ more today than not beinbg able to get insured ever again!

Ps: I've made a formal complaint, contacted the FOS, do you think I can hope of driving any vehicle ever again in the UK? What do you think? My point being, I genuinely thought "garage" was the correct definition! I even contacted my other bike insurer for telling them my mistake, and they made me pay just the premium surplus! Do you think what they did is fair?

missile

I would suggest in the event of theft few insurers would actually check the "garage", however it is not a risk I would take.

In addition I would be concerned what if another resident did not lock the garage or the bike was stolen whilst parked outside the garage, e.g. when you go back to flat to collect something.

I had similar dilemma when declaring the bike is ALWAYS secured with a Thatcham approved device. What do you do when out for a ride, stop for a coffee, then realise you left that heavy chain at home?

I decided it was simpler and safer to pay the extra premium.

dacouch

missile wrote: »

I would suggest in the event of theft few insurers would actually check the "garage", however it is not a risk I would take.

In addition I would be concerned what if another resident did not lock the garage or the bike was stolen whilst parked outside the garage, e.g. when you go back to flat to collect something.

I had similar dilemma when declaring the bike is ALWAYS secured with a Thatcham approved device. What do you do when out for a ride, stop for a coffee, then realise you left that heavy chain at home?

I decided it was simpler and safer to pay the extra premium.

Most Insurers would look into the garaging of a vehicle in the event of a theft claim.

The method of theft and the customers description will often give away the type of building the "garage" actually was.

In addition, most Insurers will simply go on google street view.

They also have the option of asking for photographs from the customer or very rarely may arrange a site visit to interview the customer / check the garage.

Most policies will have a definition of under what circumstances the bike should be garaged eg between certain hours of the night.

They will also often have a description of when a bike lock (If one is required by the Insurer) is deployed which will generally be whenever the bike is parked

SouthLondonUser

7raiden, they can say whatever they want, but what had they actually put in writing? Was "garage" defined in writing, somewhere in a document they had shared with you? My gripe was not so much with their definition, but with the fact that no insurer was willing to define it in writing.

If it wasn't defined in writing, I'd consider seeking the help of a specialist solicitor, like White Dalton (look them up) who deal only or mostly with motorcycle cases. Let us know!

Nilrem

Herzlos wrote: »

Can you describe this shared garage to us? Is it a separate building? Does it have a locking door (with all 12 properties having keys?) or a barrier?
I'm struggling to picture what a communal garage is and how it differs from a secure car park.

Unless you can get them to submit something in writing, or have any evidence that you are keeping in a garage, I'd be looking elsewhere.

That's what my thought is.

A garage to me is a private secure parking/storage area that only one residence has access to..

Something with multiple parking spaces that multiple residences have access to, with any person having access to all the spaces to me is communal parking/"secure" parking (although I'd hesitate to really call it secure given you're relying on strangers with no training or obligation to "secure" it).

Ergates

SouthLondonUser wrote: »

What I don't understand is why no insurer seems willing to provide these clarifications in writing. What call centre minions say over the phone is irrelevant - they have told me loads of incorrect information several times.

Presumably it was these same error-prone minions who told you it *wasn't* written down anywhere. Which could just as easily be wrong as anything else they told you.