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Post by Peter Mueller on Sept 5, 2005 9:57:35 GMT
Recently, we had a small fire in the engine bay. On initial inspection there did not seem to be great damage as a result. However, more in order not to miss the 24hr deadline than to make a claim eventually, we informed our insurance broker, which has been for the past 7 years Footman James. We had chosen - and stayed with - them for mainly two reasons: - The insurer - Link Insurance - offered the lowest premium
- They allowed business use based on certain conditions
On the other hand, one might say that an insurance is only as good - or cheap / value for money - as the service received in times of trouble. And that is where we now have grave doubts. Once we had registered the potential claim we were told the insurer would send an appointed engineer to assess the damage and see whether there were grounds for a claim at all. Unfortunately, that did not happen because the engineer let us down a staggering SEVEN times. Of course, this could be a one off and we were just unlucky. What I would like to know is what experience other members have had with their insurers/brokers. Who is happy - Who is unhappy - and in both cases WHY? If you are/were with Footman James, what is your impression? As the cover will come up for renewal in the near future your comments might help us to decide, which way to go. Thanks for any replies. Peter
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Sept 5, 2005 16:07:57 GMT
When I applied for a quote with them they said they did not do business cover "No classic policy does"! This was several years ago and when I pointed out that the existing Royal Insurance policy via what is now Aon (I still have some of our cars on this) they bsaically implied they did not believe me and it was their take it or leave it attitude that annoyed me.
I got cover with Peter Best and NO mileage limitation either and that includes breakdown cover although I have never used it yet. In all other respects and can recommend both these Brokers. They do a wide variety of schemes to cover various situations although the mention of business use often gets the till bells ringing with other brokers and some online quotes. I checked last year costed more for one policy than it did for all three I have currently. So beware and note that some underwriters will not even cover occasional commuting which is Ok if you are retired I suppose
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Post by dorsetflyer on Sept 5, 2005 19:14:43 GMT
The broker I deal with is based in Brentwood Essex, and they deal through Equity Red Star.
When I phoned the claims line, they filled in a form as I relayed the information to them. A few days later I was sent the partially completed claim form to complete and return. Whilst on the phone, they said one of their appointed assessors would contact me to check the damage. The next day the engineer rang me to confirm a date and time, and on that day he rang to say he would be with me in half an hour. All I had to do was send him the Estimate for the paint finishing, plus invoices for the the replacement parts to make good the damage. Provided I didn't go over a certain figure by too much I could start the work myself.
Having collected all the necessary paperwork this was sent off to him, and I completed the claim form and sent that off to the insurance company together with photos of before and after the damage. Within two weeks I had a cheque come back to me virtually paying out the full amount.
They were in my opinion very friendly, helpful and certainly efficient.
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Post by Smallfry on Sept 5, 2005 19:47:05 GMT
I think Dorsetflyer is talking about RH ? I have been with them for a long time and can recommend them, although I have to admit I have no experience of their claims performance. I can also recommend Firebond. I had a vehicle stolen, and with no argument or problem the full agreed value cheque was with me in two weeks, which is excellent for a claim of this nature. Footman James ? What a miserable, unhelpful and downright obstinate company they are. They messed me about a lot, and are too expensive anyway, especially with the NON cover they offer. It seems that everything is covered EXCEPT what you are claiming for. If you care to look at either the Triumph Sports Six Club, or the Club Triumph websites, you will see a lot of disatisfied customers. I would rather nail my testicles to a plank of wood than use them
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Post by glennr on Sept 5, 2005 20:10:30 GMT
I'll supply the nails but has anybody got a piece of 4x4? and we will need a piece of leather for Smallfry to bite onto. Myself ?, well I'm going to burn my bra! ;D
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Post by Smallfry on Sept 5, 2005 20:23:20 GMT
I have got lots of Land Rover parts here !
Piece of 4x4 ?
Oh never mind.......................
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Post by dorsetflyer on Sept 5, 2005 20:37:41 GMT
Sorry Glenn, I couldn't keep a piece of the 4X4 I have only the impression of one, albeit in a front wing. You are quite right in your assumption Smallfry it is RH.
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Post by Peter Mueller on Sept 6, 2005 8:26:10 GMT
Dear All
Thanks for your contributions. What interesting reading they make. I thought I might be alone with my experiences but no ...
What renders it even more bizarre (perhaps I should offer it to the makers of Little Britain or The League of Gentlemen) is that apart from a tiny bit of paint peeling there is probably no damage at all. I wish we had never called them but out in the sticks with only a torch for comfort the mind plays tricks on you.
As I already presumed in my initial posting this WILL influence our decision when it comes to renew our insurance.
Yours
Peter
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Post by Geoff Arthur on Sept 6, 2005 9:58:48 GMT
Hi all, I use a broker here in Farnham who only deal in classic vehicles. I have used them for 18 years and found them to be very helpful and adaptable. They allow business use / travel to work for a small extra premium and were very quick with the one and only claim I put in to them. I have 4 cars and one motorbike with them so I get a combined deal. They are Cherished Car Insurance on 01252 713148, ask for Mike Chamberlain. They also specialise in old tractors!
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Post by Peter Mueller on Sept 6, 2005 16:46:31 GMT
Well the story has come to an end so far as, believe it or not, an engineer really did turn up today - although not at 9 o'clock in the morning as I had been promised . The result was as I anticipated. Because the insurance does not cover the Cause of the fire, only the subsequent damage, there is nothing we could claim. In other words all the hassle for nothing. I will now see, which organisations might be guarding the trading standards of this industry and take it from there. Never mind, with all those suggestions I am sure I will find a good insurer or broker for the future. By the way, should the above mentioned matter of semi-permanently attaching male reproductive organs to a piece of timber with the aid of metal fixings go beyond the planning stage I would be more than happy to add my medical expertise . I once earned a living as a veterinary surgeon and could offer a choice of procedures to give it the professional touch. ;D
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Post by Smallfry on Sept 6, 2005 22:57:17 GMT
Well Peter, you are welcome to come and touch if you feel the need, but I am interested to hear a bit more about Glenn and his exploration of his wifes wardrobe The thing with ANY insurance, no matter what its for, is that you only find out how good the company is when you make a claim. We are all guilty of punting around for the best price, but price is not always the only consideration. Important yes, but not the be all and end all ! Recommendation is worth a lot in my view.
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