Insurance without need

BHouston12

Hi all,
I've found myself in a strange position. To give full context - I've always followed MSE's helpful link to get 2 for 1 cinema tickets. Take out 1 night travel insurance even if you're not going away and get access via comparethemarket.
However, I thought I done something similar and I am now been told I may be reported to the police.
Animal friends had a £40 voucher when you sign up. I have a cat that lives in our garden so signed up knowing that I would never really have to claim. They're now saying they're taking legal action... Over a £40 voucher? To be clear...I would never have claimed anything from the insurance policy as there was no real requirement for it. Is this different from the travel insurance? Have I overstepped the mark?

dunstonh

To be clear...I would never have claimed anything from the insurance policy as there was no real requirement for it. 

Technically, you were committing fraud.  i.e. telling lies to obtain a financial benefit.

You were doing this with the travel insurance as well but were getting away with it.    You have been caught with the pet insurance. 

BHouston12

dunstonh said:

To be clear...I would never have claimed anything from the insurance policy as there was no real requirement for it. 

Technically, you were committing fraud.  i.e. telling lies to obtain a financial benefit.

You were doing this with the travel insurance as well but were getting away with it.    You have been caught with the pet insurance. 

Ok, I guess I didn't see it as being that serious. That's not great news. MSE still have it on their website about the travel insurance which just seems strange? I maybe should have checked it out but just couldn't see them advising people to do this?

BHouston12

BHouston12 said:

dunstonh said:

To be clear...I would never have claimed anything from the insurance policy as there was no real requirement for it. 

Technically, you were committing fraud.  i.e. telling lies to obtain a financial benefit.

You were doing this with the travel insurance as well but were getting away with it.    You have been caught with the pet insurance. 

Ok, I guess I didn't see it as being that serious. That's not great news. MSE still have it on their website about the travel insurance which just seems strange? I maybe should have checked it out but just couldn't see them advising people to do this?

I guess I'll need to take whatever comes at me...but a bit scary when you see mention of fraud leading to jail etc. 

DullGreyGuy

Clearly I am being thick because I dont get what's happened. 

I'm guessing its the classic get £50 cash back when the item you are buying is only £40 and so the OP has randomly bought the item even though its unwanted to get the £10 benefit of the cash back being above the price?


For general insurance the requirement is to have an insurable interest at the date of claim not at the date of purchase. That said, disclosure would have to be accurate otherwise that creates a separate issue and unsure how the OP would have been able to declare who the owner is, confirm its age, medical history etc. Knowingly making so many false/incomplete declarations could quickly start looking like fraud. 

How did they discover the issue? Have you received the bonus/cashback for buying the policy?

BHouston12

DullGreyGuy said:

Clearly I am being thick because I dont get what's happened. 

I'm guessing its the classic get £50 cash back when the item you are buying is only £40 and so the OP has randomly bought the item even though its unwanted to get the £10 benefit of the cash back being above the price?


For general insurance the requirement is to have an insurable interest at the date of claim not at the date of purchase. That said, disclosure would have to be accurate otherwise that creates a separate issue and unsure how the OP would have been able to declare who the owner is, confirm its age, medical history etc. Knowingly making so many false/incomplete declarations could quickly start looking like fraud. 

How did they discover the issue? Have you received the bonus/cashback for buying the policy?

Thanks for the response. That's what it was... I was asked to provide a vet letter showing I owned the pet and I didn't have it. I have paid for the insurance up until now and have not (and will not) receive the bonus. I have cancelled the policy.

marcia_

 Did you actually pay the monthly premiums on the insurance or did you cancel when you got your reward? 

BHouston12

marcia_ said:

 Did you actually pay the monthly premiums on the insurance or did you cancel when you got your reward? 

I paid 2 months premiums and did not (and will not) receive the reward.

BHouston12

This is by no means a defence but I can't understand the difference between this...and surely MSE would not recommend doing it if it was against any law? This would be insuring without an insurable interest?

Ozzig

BHouston12 said:

This is by no means a defence but I can't understand the difference between this...and surely MSE would not recommend doing it if it was against any law? This would be insuring without an insurable interest?

I don't think traveling is mandatory / a legal requirment when buying travel insurance.

BHouston12

Ozzig said:

BHouston12 said:

This is by no means a defence but I can't understand the difference between this...and surely MSE would not recommend doing it if it was against any law? This would be insuring without an insurable interest?

I don't think traveling is mandatory / a legal requirment when buying travel insurance.

Didn't realise that 👌