House contents insurance question about claiming?

[GSDog]

My laptop died last week when I spilt a pint of water over it. I contacted my house insurance and they agreed to replace the laptop. I was expected them to just give me the cash for what the laptop is worth, but instead they said they were going to give me a voucher for £650 for a well-known highstreet store (purple shirts). I tried to persaude them to give me more choice or ideally cash instead, but they said I had to take the voucher.

I've been onto the website of the store to see which laptops I can get for £650 and they seem to be out of stock of most of their laptops! I only have a choice of about 3 laptops for £650 (none of which I really want) and I think all of them are out of stock in every store within a 30 mile radius...

Has anyone here claimed from their insurance for a laptop or similar item and if so, were you given a voucher or cash?

 

[GSDog]

Yeah I don't mind being given vouchers and I can understand why they wouldn't just give out cash. But I don't like being limited to one store which has such little choice and seems to be out of stock of most laptops.

 

[GSDog]

Well, ring them and tell them you understand vouchers, but you don't like being limited to the one store. And suggest an alternative.

Thing is, £650 in vouchers do NOT cost the insurer £650 - they have deals with companies.

I did tell them that when I phoned to claim but they wouldn't allow any other method or voucher for any other stores...
I will phone them again tomorrow.

I also had to pay £100 excess which has frustrated me even more.