Contents insurance claim - Laptop

asm01

Long and short of it, I didn't drop my laptop, but the screen/hinges came off in my hand.

AS is, apparently I am covered for a one off incident, ie "dropping the thing", but they say that faults due to mechanical failure are not covered.  Arguably my laptop is no longer fit for purpose as I can't go anywhere with it, the screen is hanging off and, although still functional it is... knackered.

I'm not trying to do anything naughty - I bought the laptop when I was working, I am not now and can't afford to re- case or replace the thing, even if I could get the parts.  It is long out of warranty (bought March 2018)

Do I have any way of digging myself out of this or have I been "too honest"?

I'm conscious of the fact if I phone them later on and say it fell off my desk... It will look strange, even if that was the case.  I'm also Disabled which I told them (they asked) and I DO actually look after my equipment (which I also told them).

Any advice ?  I could really do with a laptop that is in one piece and reliable (screen although working is now flickering).

A

Sandtree

As you imply, an extended warranty covers for mechanical breakdown etc and home insurance covers flood, fire, theft, accidental damage etc... the two are mutually exclusive.  If its just worn out then thats not a home insurance coverage. 

It may be worth checking how much it'll cost to repair the hinges as its possible the repair is below the excess anyway. 

Smithcom

asm01 said:

Long and short of it, I didn't drop my laptop, but the screen/hinges came off in my hand.

AS is, apparently I am covered for a one off incident, ie "dropping the thing", but they say that faults due to mechanical failure are not covered.  Arguably my laptop is no longer fit for purpose as I can't go anywhere with it, the screen is hanging off and, although still functional it is... knackered.

I'm not trying to do anything naughty - I bought the laptop when I was working, I am not now and can't afford to re- case or replace the thing, even if I could get the parts.  It is long out of warranty (bought March 2018)

Do I have any way of digging myself out of this or have I been "too honest"?

I'm conscious of the fact if I phone them later on and say it fell off my desk... It will look strange, even if that was the case.  I'm also Disabled which I told them (they asked) and I DO actually look after my equipment (which I also told them).

Any advice ?  I could really do with a laptop that is in one piece and reliable (screen although working is now flickering).

A

If you've already explained the situation to them, and then re-write the events to make a claim fit, you risk having your insurance cancelled, which will cause you no end of problems.........pretty much forever.

Even if the circumstances have not yet been made known to the insurer, claims must be made factually,. and house Insurance does not normally cover breakdown/wear & tear, but actual events such as theft, accidental damage etc.

I wish I could give you an easy way to resolve this, but alas, just not possible.

Any way of speaking to the retailer if a fairly recent purchase, even if out of warranty?    Paid by credit card?   

DM

[Deleted User]

Why not get it fixed? You could even do it yourself, just buy replacement hinges on eBay.