Claim for Stolen Winter Sports Equipment
Hello everyone,
Last month, while I was on holiday in France, my snowboard and bindings were stolen. The total value of the equipment was £600 when I purchased it.
I’ve filed a claim with my travel insurance, but they’ve only agreed to reimburse me £250. They cite wear and tear as the reason for this, reducing the item’s value by 10% per year. To provide some context, I’ve owned the snowboard (worth £350) for 3 years and the bindings (worth £200) for 9 years.
The policy states that personal belongings are subject to this 10% depreciation per year, but it also specifies that winter sports equipment is not classified as personal belongings.
For stolen winter sports gear, the policy mentions:
“If we pay to replace winter sports equipment that you own, and the item is more than one year old, the most we will pay is the current purchase price less a deduction for wear and tear.”
I’ve tried to get more clarification from Admiral, my insurance provider, but haven’t found any further information.
Given this situation, do I have a valid case? What steps should I take next?
I appreciate any insights you can provide. Thank you!
It sounds like you’re in a tricky situation with your travel insurance claim. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Review the Policy in Detail: Since you’ve identified a discrepancy in the policy wording regarding the classification of winter sports equipment, take the time to read through your insurance policy again carefully. Pay close attention to any definitions and the specific provisions related to winter sports equipment.
Contact Customer Service: Reach out to Admiral’s customer service to seek clarification on their claims assessment. You can request a detailed explanation of how they determined the payout amount and why they applied depreciation to your equipment.
Gather Evidence: Compile any documentation related to your equipment’s purchase, such as receipts or photos, to support your claim for its actual value. If possible, find evidence showing how much similar used equipment sells for in the current market.
Appeal the Decision: If you feel that the insurance company did not handle your claim appropriately, consider filing a formal appeal. Reference the specific language in your policy regarding the treatment of winter sports equipment and the limitations they have placed.
Seek External Advice: If you’re still not satisfied with the insurance company’s response, you may want to contact a financial ombudsman or a consumer protection agency for further guidance. They can provide specific advice on your rights and how to proceed.
Persistence is Key: Sometimes, being persistent in your communication with the insurance company can lead to a more favorable outcome. Keep records of all interactions, noting dates, times, and names of representatives.
By following these steps, you may be able to strengthen your case and potentially secure a higher payout. Good luck!