Shed Break In

[bainbrig]

How picky do insurance companies get about a shed break-in - they jemmied the padlock off the door and had it away with several hundred quids worth of tools etc.

No receipts, of course, and the geezer at Direct Line was sympathetic (although he did try and tap me to pay an up-front excess of £250!), but at the moment we're waiting for a Crime reference no. before Direct Line will say or do anything.

I just wondered how awkward they're going to get over this, and whether or not it's worth pursuing - about £500-worth of gear has gone, but how much is it going to cost me in excesses and increased premiums?

Ta.

BillB

[TonyV]

BB my condolences about your break in, doubt you will get much joy from police, other than a reference number. Hope I am wrong though. Do you know what was stolen?

[teacake44]

About as sympathetic as the scum that broke in I would think. You will more than likely end up paying them more in extra premiums over the next 3/4 years than what you lost. :(

[TonyV]

BB now that you have reported to the insurance company that you have had a break in you can expect your premiums to increase IMO, even if you do not claim. What does your policy say about excess payments?

[bhg481]

It's only when you come to make a claim that you find out how good your insurance company is. People tend to buy insurance on price and disputing claims is one way that "Cheap" insurance companies keep their prices down (not necessarily a comment on Direct Line as I know nothing about them). The other thing to bear in mind is that not everyone is as honest as you are and some people do tend to exaggerate claims somewhat, so the insurance companies have to be very wary.
As a final comment - before you make your claim check very carefully what was stolen and what its value is. We had our garage broken into several years ago and lots of tools (spanners etc) were stolen. I initially guessed £200 when I called the police; when I worked it out it was nearer to £2000.

[teacake44]

^^ Not unless you make a claim, they will stop the same.

[teacake44]

^^14.27

[woofgang]

I am insured with Marks and Spencer. I made a hefty claim for a broken computer 2 renewals ago and my insurance did not go up.

[bainbrig]

Thanks all. The old story, eh. Insurance Companies always keen to get your business and take their premiums, not so keen when it comes to claims...

BB

[Arrods]

Our claim with Direct Line last year was for nearly £8,000. The next year's renewal premium was lower. Work that one out!

[DarceyK123]

Its true you dont know how good a Company is until you have to use them.

When my Son had a car accident Direct Line were brilliant, so he/we would use them in the future even if they were a few quid more than others.

[bainbrig]

Yes, that's why we switched to Direct Line from the dreaded Hastings - we heard Direct Line didn't muck about.

I'll see how this goes. Lack of receipts, as I say, might be a problem - these are tools etc bought over the past 7 or 8 years, and I'm up to about £750 so far...