Beware: Switched-On Gadget Insurance

adamapple

I took out a policy with Switched-on Gadget Insurance in 2018 for the mobiles in my household. Before I took out the policy I checked they covered used items bought from bonafide sellers, which according to their t&cs they did. Last September I dropped my phone and damaged it so decided to make a claim. However a week later they wrote back rejecting my claim as I didn't supply the original owner's purchase receipt. This was new to me as I'd bought the phone from CEX and only had the normal purchase receipt. I rechecked their Ts&Cs and couldn't see any clear requirement for the original owner's purchase receipt. Quoted below.

We can only insure gadget(s) that are: 

1. purchased new or refurbished from a UK VAT registered (or the equivalent tax if purchased overseas) company and supplied with a proof of purchase. 

2. purchased second hand or gifted to you, provided that you have the proof of purchase (which corresponds to notes 1 above) or a signed letter from the original owner confirming that you own the gadget(s). The proof of purchase or letter must include the following details of your gadget(s):

a. either the IMEI or serial number (whichever is applicable); 

b. the make and model; 

c. the sale price; 

d. confirmation that the gadget(s) were in full working order at the time of sale.

The receipt from CEX has the required information on it, such as make, model and IMEI and my name.
After numerous exchanges I decided to contact the Financial Ombudsman, however they informed me that they couldn't pursue this as this company is actually based in GIBRALTAR which is beyond the powers of the Ombudsman, which means its the end of the matter for me.

Neil_Jones

Might have been better to see if you were already covered by your household/contents insurance before you bought this.