who is right ?

[foxyfeet]

I bought a super dooper laptop from a friend for �200 as she needed the money. She bought it 12 months ago for over �1K Stupidly, I dropped it and its broken and not a viable repair. House insurer wont pay for a comparible laptop (now 1500ish).
A. I have no proof of purchase from my friend, (any muppet could concoct a receipt though ...)
B. I am told that I am potentially making a profit out of my loss.
C.Am now computerless and borrowing my sons to send this plea....
Are my insurance company just trying to wriggle out of paying ?

[JB]

Check your policy! If you've got new for old cover (not indemnity) and accidental damage, and the value of the laptop did not exceed the limit for individual items, then you should be covered. I'm assuming that your friend can verify the sale and that you still have the broken lappie (for inspection/salvage)
As far as making a profit, you are only asking for a comparable replacement - the fact that you bought the laptop at a bargain price shouldn't make a difference. As an example, if you bought a colour tv in a sale and you dropped it, would you accept the value of a black and white tv from your insurer as a replacement? Hope that makes sense! And good luck!

[gouldc]

I can sort of see where the house insurers are coming from, as they are trying to use "Betterment" as an argument, but this is very flawed.

We can't use this in the car insurance business - ie if you bought a car in a sale, this doesn't affect the value and we have to pay you the full market value.

Has your friend got the original purchase receipt?

I shouldn;t advocate this, but if you haven't already told your insurers how much you paid for it (although I assume you have), get your friend to confirm you paid �X amount for it.

Threaten them with the Ombudsman as they're talking rubbish

[Ethel]

I can't see how a �1000 laptop is now �1500, even if it was sale price - the prices of laptops have fell dramatically for the same spec.

Which laptop have you smashed? The insurance company should replace like for like - same spec.

What make and model is it?

[foxyfeet]

Thanks everyone, Sorry took so long to respond, MSN and Facebook have a lot to answer for when you are at the mercy of a son in control of PC. I have replied to my insurance company with your points. Will keep you posted. Thanks