Does mum need insurance for her stairlift?

Uncle_Cuddles

Mum is 81 and lives in her own home (a council house) and is virtually housebound now having had mini strokes and onset of dementia. She got a second hand stairlift for free not so long ago, and today she asked me to look for insurance cover for it. What triggered it was a leaflet that was left after she had a minor Warranty repair (end cap not staying on). This quoted an extended warranty one year cover at £275. This included a service visit and call outs, parts and labour. Is this the going rate, or are there providers out there that would cover it for less? Is it something that she could get for free given she is on disability living allowance?

Thanks.

Savvy_Sue

Mum always had insurance, she felt that she'd want a rapid response if it went wrong, and it did include a service each year so the battery would be replaced when needed. 

I don't think it was any less than you've found, and a few years ago. 

BobQ

First question is how will Mum manage when the stair lift is faulty? If she can manage for a few days before a repair firm can fit her in then  fine. Most repair firms will prioritise their clients on service contracts, then maybe on need. But it is very different getting a waranty repair sorted to getting a fault addressed out of warranty.
Second, my experience of the main suppliers is that a service contacts will cost about 10% of the cost of new model. Of course you may be able to find an independent supplier and maintainer who will do it for less.

Clowance

A relative of mine rents his stairlift and this way he gets pretty quick responses when faulty. Not much use to OP but maybe help someone else.

JJ_Egan

<s it something that she could get for free given she is on disability living allowance?>

No that's what the allowance is for .

Personally i would find a local guy that installs /repairs  as yes the call out and parts charges can be high .

Dolphin Lifts may do a policy for second hand stuff .

TELLIT01

It could be worth discussing the situation with a local shop which sells mobility equipment.  They may know somebody who will do work on an ad-hoc basis rather than having to take out an insurance policy.

Uncle_Cuddles

Thanks for all the response. I went on holiday and mum passed away the day I landed back in the uk, so totally forgot I had asked this question. 

missile

Sorry for your loss