Accidental Damage claim

RobotXander

RobotXander

RobotXander

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Joined
3 Mar 2010
Posts
1,694
Location
Highlands, Scotland
My son has just tried to draw a picture on our LCD TV screen with a butter knife...my fault completely as I shouldn't have left it out within reach.
It's very noticeable when the tv is off, but not so much when its on (the scratches are quite deep, and cover all areas of the screen)
Initially I wasn't going to bother claiming on accidental damage, but it states within the policy that this kind of thing (damage to equipment by children) is covered.
I will call Direct Line tomorrow to see where I stand, but thought I would ask if anyone has made a similar claim and how it went?
I've never had to make any kind of insurance claim before now.

The TV is a Samsung LE37A656 and cost £680 about 3 - 4 years ago
 
I actually made my first ever claim on house insurance the other week, which was also with Direct Line so might be helpful.

My iPad fell off a chair and the screen smashed.
I called Direct Line to make a claim and then had to pay my excess up front.
With electronic goods they use somebody called DVS, who assess, repair and replace for Direct Line. They sent around a courier with a secure padded case and within one working day I had a response that they intended to replace it and would be doing so by way of a voucher.

The voucher was for DSG stores, which some people might have issue with. I've read that you can quote the financial ombudsman at them if you want a cheque, as you are entitled to it, but they will give you less credit than the gift voucher.

Overall I was very pleased at how quick the turnaround was.
 
You might be able to pickup a similar TV for not much more than your excess, I presume that any claims will also increase the price of your premium. Or I guess if the policy says they'll give you what you paid for it 3 years ago.. then you can get a better one.
 
You could try selling it to the tate modern? Call it something like "Picture on a picture box" ;)

Only really half joking with this...
 
Ouch, that sucks!

It is up to the insurer how they indemnify you though, they have the option to repair or replace. If they have approved supplier networks they can replace or offer vouchers.

Also you will get like for like. Just because you paid 600 3 years ago doesn't mean they give you 600 quid tv, its indemnity, so putting you back in the same situation. A similar spec tv is the policies limit. Lots of people don't understand 'new for old'

Check the wording of the policy. The FOS can't rule how a claim is settled.

Good luck
 
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Direct Line used to (I'm not with them anymore - premiums too steep) offer a 'for new' replacement. Our old Sony CRT got replaced by a Bravia flat screen when it got damaged by a lightning strike.

So if the still do so you should be able to get whatever the current new equivalent is.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys.
The excess is £25 (just checked my documentation)

I would be happy with a £400 replacement voucher but I guess it also depends on how much my policy goes up (currently £13 a month)
I am in no way out to milk them. I just figured I pay for the cover so I may as well use it :)
 
Why do people always come out with ridiculous excess comments when people post about accidental damage. £50 is pretty much the highest you will see as an excess on AD from any reputable insurance company.
 
My kitten knocked my bedroom tv onto the floor, broke it beyond repair.

Legal and general paid out (minus my £50 excess) as I was covered for accidental damage by pets.
 
BDEE said:
Why do people always come out with ridiculous excess comments when people post about accidental damage. £50 is pretty much the highest you will see as an excess on AD from any reputable insurance company.
Click to expand...

It was £230 for me with Direct Line.

Which was £200 for a claim and an extra £30 for accidental damage ones.
 
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More than happy for them to come out and inspect the damage but hoping I won't have to send it away. That would be a complete pain...
 
RobotXander said:
More than happy for them to come out and inspect the damage but hoping I won't have to send it away. That would be a complete pain...
Click to expand...

They had to take mine away to be assessed, even though a man came to the house, he was only the inbetweener paid to come pick it up. Had a new on in just over a week.
 
BDEE said:
Why do people always come out with ridiculous excess comments when people post about accidental damage. £50 is pretty much the highest you will see as an excess on AD from any reputable insurance company.
Click to expand...

He said direct line.
You can scale your excess to make your payments smaller on their website, it all depends how he set up his policy, so with direct line, then comment isn't stupid.
 
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