Is this a claim?

armtwisting

A friend recently rang her insurance company (a well known bank) to enquire if she was covered under contents for some water damage due to faulty patio doors.She was advised that she was not covered and never thought anything more about it. When her annual premium was next taken from her account it had increased somewhat. The bank said that her telephone call constituted a claim even though it was just an enquiry and no form was submitted. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

lisyloo

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Yes people have had this experience before.

The best thing to do is to NOT phone your insurer unless you really have to.
This query could have probably been resolved by reading the policy.
She could try complaining, but they might argue that she has now become more likely to claim.

I recently had a small car accident and was unsure whether to claim or not.
I discussed all the issues on here and did my reasearch without calling the insurer UNTIL I was ready to put in a claim.

zkw29

Usually the question is roughly along the lines of "any loss - whether you claimed or not". I sympathise with you but theres no way of denying you suffered a loss now as you told them you did. Sorry.

armtwisting

Yes, it seems that where insurance is concerned its a case of claiment beware. It still seems harsh to punish an innocent enquiry. Guidance cost nothing except in this instance. My friend accepted that she could not claim
and the bank profited by it. She is now a confirmed cynic and will of course be on her guard in future. Thanks for your replies.