Insurance question

[lazymanc]

As per my other thread, my bike has just been stolen.

It was taken from outside my parents house, where I've been staying until I can find a new place, but I haven't told the insurance company that I'm living there yet...

Does this void my policy? The small print says that I must notify them of a change of address "as soon as possible".

So, do I tell them I live here or do I just say I was visiting or what?

[petevtwin650]

How long ago did you leave your old address?

I'm hoping they may just want an additional payment if the area your parents live in is more expensive area rating wise.

Also remember, this is an open site.;)

[lazymanc]

How long ago did you leave your old address?

I'm hoping they may just want an additional payment if the area your parents live in is more expensive area rating wise.

Also remember, this is an open site.;)

Yes I realise it's open so i'll be careful what I say.

I have been "house sitting" for the 'rents since the middle of November. I've got a V5 registered for the vehicle to this address dated 26/11/08. My parents live in a nicer area than I was at previously so I would expect the premium would actually have been cheaper.

[Rog]

Be extrememly careful. Remember the insurance company will do anything to get out of paying up as its easy profit. I suspect that if you have changed the v5 and havent informed them you could get a letter after you cliam saying you have voided your insurance for failing to notify change of address. It doesnt matter that your rents live in a nicer place.


Check your small print.

[Paws]

similier situ happened to a guy on mcn ninjas, have a read,might help:

http://www.mcnninjas.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=70124.0

[anna]

Very sorry to hear that you have had your bike stolen, never very nice.

It really depends on what your policy states as to whether or not it will be simple. If the bike was insured to be garaged at your old address and if it was garaged when stolen etc. etc.

Generally insurers look to get out of paying claims on these basis but if you have only just moved and the storage of the bike is the same at the new add as the old, then you might be ok.

Also it will depend on the area of where the bike was stolen from and if you had notified them of the change of add prior to the bike being stolen and it would have increased your premium dramatically you do run the risk of them charging you an additional premium.

Notify Insurers and explain to them the situation.

[lazymanc]

Ok, I've told them I've been staying there temporarily which is the truth - I'm only at my folks house until I can get a job in London and relocate there (I've been interviewing for jobs since before Christmas, which I have evidence of).

The only problem is whether their definition of "temporarily" matches my own. Gotta wait for the claims handling team to give me a call now.

It's making me feel sick though, I've still got over 2 years left on the personal loan I took out to pay for the bike / lessons / gear / insurance and there's no way I can afford a replacement bike if they don't pay out :(

[Thingus]

I suppose it depends on whether or not you changed any documents saying you lived there. Otherwise you could say you just stayed the night, i dunno.

Anyway best of luck, hope it works out.

[petevtwin650]

So reading your other thread LM, the insurance company refused payout due to your forgetfulness. Well that, unfortunately, is their right. Maybe if you had been a long term customer with them they may have treated your claim differently.

I'm really sorry to hear this, but it perhaps a warning to others not to be too lackidasical with something as important at insurance.

Hope you get it fixed quick and cheap.

[lazymanc]

So reading your other thread LM, the insurance company refused payout due to your forgetfulness. Well that, unfortunately, is their right. Maybe if you had been a long term customer with them they may have treated your claim differently.

I'm really sorry to hear this, but it perhaps a warning to others not to be too lackidasical with something as important at insurance.

Hope you get it fixed quick and cheap.

The reason they gave on the letter said because I'd changed address and it was no longer garaged at the new address, the policy was void. Maybe if i'd not had the garage clause they'd have covered it, who knows?

All I can say is please make sure your policy details are always up to date so you don't get shafted like I did.

[lazymanc]

*UPDATE*

Not only will the insurance company not pay out, but they have refused to back date any refund to the date of the theft (which I felt I was entitled to considering the policy is now effectively worthless).

They said that because the bike was recovered the policy was still in use - what possible use would I have for the policy where I'm not covered against theft and I can't ride the damn thing due to damage caused by the thieves?! I couldn't cancel the policy while they were still deciding whether to pay out on the claim, but I did attempt to start the cancellation process as soon as they confirmed the claim wasn't being upheld, which was before the bike was recovered.

I really can't quite put down in words how angry and cheated I feel with these ba$%&rds. They have absolutely no qualms about bending you over at every given opportunity and rinsing you for every last drop of cash, all the while hiding behind their legal obligations. Maybe I'm deluded but I'd expect a company to at least treat their customers with a little bit of respect and decency.

Anyways, if you're looking for bike insurance, please don't use CHAUCER because they're complete robbing scumbags.

[Milky Bar Kid]

You have to keep yourself right mate, Insurance will ALWAYS look for a reason not to pay out. Lesson learnt I suppose, although a harsh one. Your biggest downfall was changing the V5 to the new address, or you could have just claimed you were visiting. Gutted for you!

[muffles]

Have you spoken to the insurance ombudsman? I don't know if you are entitled to anything but they will help you out if you want to go further...

[lazymanc]

Have you spoken to the insurance ombudsman? I don't know if you are entitled to anything but they will help you out if you want to go further...

I have spoken to them about the insurer not paying out on the claim but unfortunately there's not a lot they can do with that due to my change of address.

I haven't spoken to them about the cancelation / refund issue yet but I will be doing.