Will making an insurance claim be worth it?

Joe_Totale

I have already had a claim for accidental damage to my (Victorian, deteriorating) drains paid out this year. I had no choice but to make this claim as it was a big one. I now have some accidentally damaged spectacles. The excess is £100, a new pair will cost £210. Is it worth me making this claim? I have no idea how this might affect my new quotation (with One Call) when it renews. Is it worth it? I don't generally make any claims, but this year I've had these two issues. Can anyone give some advice here? Thanks.

Hasbeen

£210?? Shop around like here or others. Glasses Direct ™ - 2 Pairs From £16 - As Seen on TV

TELLIT01

I wouldn't make a claim for such a small amount.  Even if it doesn't increase your insurance this time around I presume it will be on your insurance record and any higher value subsequent claim could cause the premium to increase.  I made a claim in my insurance in the past year but there is nothing in the renewal cost to make me think that the price has increased because of that claim.

Yes glasses are available from £6 but that will be for very basic, simple lenses and probably plastic lenses as well.  I'd rather pay more as I have a complex prescription and wear varifocal lenses.  These cheapo suppliers certainly won't be much help in that situation.  I also pay considerably more than £200 for my glasses.  As my prescription hasn't changed in many years I still get good value from them.

Joe_Totale

Thanks. Yes, they're varifocals, essential for my job but pricey.

TELLIT01

Joe_Totale said:

Thanks. Yes, they're varifocals, essential for my job but pricey.

200 quid for varifocals is pretty good.  I paid over £400 for mine but they have top of the range lenses (no distortion at all when looking out the edge of the lens) plus various coatings etc.

[Deleted User]

Hasbeen said:

£210?? Shop around like here or others. Glasses Direct ™ - 2 Pairs From £16 - As Seen on TV

It's not always as simple as that - basic glasses, yes absolutely you can get dirt cheap as a backup, but even on basic frames, lenses can be expensive particularly with treatments like anti-glare, transitions, ultra light lenses, anti-scratch treatments et. While it's not glasses, but sports lenses, a pair of Oakley prizm lenses with prescription can be upwards of £200 without the frame. Also that offer is not obvious on the site any more, it's now 2 pairs for £49 and adding varifocal lenses adds £49 minimum, going up to £99 for their supreme lenses

lisyloo

I would not make the claim. Increased premiums plus excess I’ll wipe it out.
i also wouldn’t buy cheap varifocals or buy them online. £210 sounds very reasonable if they are a quality pair for a real optician offering local service.

chrisw

Asda opticians 'designer' varifocals £80 or 2 for £120, including anti scratch and anti reflect coatings.

That's what I'm using and they're far better than my previous £300 pair.

TELLIT01

Personally not interested in designer frames.  The lenses are the important part, along with the service provided.  I'm happy with both so won't shop around as I might for insurance etc.