Buildings & Contents Insurance Discussion

oscarhugo

payless wrote:

I've sent you a PM

although as its a product that I have a financial interest in, the details/ link is in the referrers section http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1537&page=2

I'd be wary of PaymentShield -- they're OK if you don't make a claim but, as soon as you do, your monthly payment amount goes up due to the loss of the "no claims discount". Also, we weren't too impressed with the service when we claimed -- they tried to make us use THEIR carpet suppliers [who couldn't supply the underlay we wanted, only an inferior one]. So we dug our heels in [but not into the carpet..].

Have now changed to a policy via Ashdown Partnership since we added a loft room to our bungalow.

payless

Totally agree that one company is not going to be the best for everyone- hence why I use many others also
( I mentioned Paymentshield as it was in direct reply to another poster, who was referring to an offer that I made that matched a deal on offer from broker)

Yes , premiums that are originally discounted by a No Claims Discount, that is removed as soon as the claim is settled, which whilst maybe is a little unusual ,its because they treat their policies as monthly rather than then more usual annual basis ( but i'm yet to see a mid year privce change) - so no extra charge / interest for monthly DD and in effect no penalty should you cancel half way thro' your " year"
( The points about the monthly basis and loss of NCD are now clear in the product guide)

Service -
I have personally been insured with them for 4 years and been happy with the premiums and the service when making policy alterations. Luckily I have not needed to test out their claims service personally. None of my clients have mentioned major problems with claims process ( although one did mention they wanted to use own supplier for a curtain claim - however this is not uncommoin practice- for insurances to arrngane replacements via one of its own suppliers ) but you should always hold out for the right level of replacement , or if not available to choose a supplier who can.

I know they ( and other firms) suffered from claim helpline backlog in recent storm .

Appreciate your personal experinces may put you off using them.

jay-1

Have just spilt ash on my new sitting room carpet.Can I expect the insurance to just patch the carpet or will they replace the whole carpet.It is only months old although we have new for old cover.I expect them to fob me of but should I insist on a replacement.The burns are not THAT big but it has spoilt the carpet that we hoped would last for years.I have not contacted the insurers(Norwich Union) yet as I was hoping for some advice first as I've never had a claim .
I would be grateful for any advice.

payless

I'm not a claims adviser, but I think they will send around a carpet contractor, and take their advice.

They will of course always consider repair if possible , but if this is not going to give the right result I doubt whether they will offer it- and of course don't accept it if its not right.

As the contractor is likely a supplier I would be surprised if it does not result in a new carpet, so long as you policy covers for this event ( was it accidential damage?)

Expect of course to pay your excess and an incresed premium next year.-

as I said I'm not a claims adviser or underwriter. If we are talking a big claim, consider using a loss assessor

jay-1

Thanks for your reply.

Yes my cover is for accidental damage so hopefully they will replace the carpet.

welshknuckles

If you apply for home or car insurance is there a cooling off period where you are entitled to cancel within 14 days or so by law?

chubster

Geordie wrote:

Forgot to mention Halifax too but they are worth forgetting about at a quote almost 3 times more than egg. I have 5 years no claims too.
Geordie

I have just changed from Halifax - £715 to egg £340 for the same cover! I nearly had a heart attack when I saw the renewal from Halifax, I swapped my mortgage last year and up till then was tied in for home insurance. I hate to think how much they have been screwing me for. There must be a LOT of people out there who just keep renewing without checking, I'm on a mission now to spread the word!

brm_2

chubster wrote:

I have just changed from Halifax - £715 to egg £340 for the same cover! I nearly had a heart attack when I saw the renewal from Halifax, I swapped my mortgage last year and up till then was tied in for home insurance. I hate to think how much they have been screwing me for. There must be a LOT of people out there who just keep renewing without checking, I'm on a mission now to spread the word!

'Good on yu' mate,
I advise people only to insure what they legally have to!
Do a risk assessment and decide what you really need.

My Grandmother got screwed by a very well known insurance company back in 1944 when my Grandfather died.

I do not subscribe to any insurance company, to feed their profits.
I understand that there are many people who feel more happy to be insured, in lots of area's in their life because thats the way most adults are attuned to everyday life.
See my question on 'life assurance payout' on the site.
To date no replies, or do people in the know, not want to supply any info.
I rest my case.

Anon

My renewal (with halifax) was for £440 - claimed just over 2 years ago for break in which means only 15%/2 years no claims. Halifax were coming out cheapest on other companies phoned (endsleigh £672 Norwich Union £480) then phoned Frizzell - £374. She then proceeded to break the figures down into building, contents, personal belongings and legal protection - noticed that Buildings was less than half Halifax, personal belongings double.

Long and short of it - cancelled Buildings with Halifax and kept contents etc, took only buildings with Frizzel - saved £122.

Moral? Check the detail - I had assumed that buying a combined policy would be cheaper but clearly not (about £4 with Frizell, no difference with Halifax) - worth phoning for the combined but ask for a breakdown of the prices.

Anon

brm_2

brm wrote:

'Good on yu' mate,
I advise people only to insure what they legally have to!
Do a risk assessment and decide what you really need.

My Grandmother got screwed by a very well known insurance company back in 1944 when my Grandfather died.

I do not subscribe to any insurance company, to feed their profits.
I understand that there are many people who feel more happy to be insured, in lots of area's in their life because thats the way most adults are attuned to everyday life.
See my question on 'life assurance payout' on the site.
To date no replies, or do people in the know, not want to supply any info.
I rest my case.

Seems to be the end of this thread!