Barclays Gadget Cover

[thejanegirl]

I've just had a claim refused for my ipod which was stolen from my car.

Barclays insurance people say it's because my ipod was more than two years old when I registered it for gadget cover.

I wasn't asked how old the ipod was when I registered it, I wasn't even told its age would be an issue.

The letter refusing the insurance payout says this should be stated in the T&C, but I didn't receive any, just a covering letter, and the electronic version on Barclay's website doesn't work.

I intend to appeal - do you think I have a leg to stand on?

[LemonTwist]

I had the same problem when trying to access the policy documents via the Barclays website, but I managed to find them by searching on Google: http://www.personal.barclays.co.uk/P...es/9905484.pdf

I'm afraid it does say at the bottom of the first page that the gadget must not be more than 2 years old. If however you can prove that you weren't told of the 2 year condition when you bought the policy, and you weren't given any terms and conditions, then I think you would have a case. For example, if you took out the policy over the phone, then Barclays would probably have a recording of the conversation.

As your ipod was stolen from your car, would your car insurance cover it? If you have comprehensive cover, you will probably have a limited amount of personal belongings cover included as standard.

[thejanegirl]

Yes, it was done over the phone.

We got a letter about gadget cover on our joint account, rang up and and arranged it over the phone.

I was sent a letter confirming it had been covered, but nothing was mentioned about two years.

The excess on my car insurance is £250, so it wasn't worth claiming, plus it's my first policy, so I was hoping to avoid claiming until I had a few years under my belt.

[LemonTwist]

It definitely sounds like your policy was mis-sold, especially as they didn't even ask how old the ipod was. If that's one of their criteria for cover, then they should have asked you about it, and then they would have been able to tell you straight away that they wouldn't be able to provide cover.

You should either call them or write to complain. They should be able to listen to a recording of the sales call to find out what was said.

These are the contact details under the complaints section on the policy booklet (page 10):

The easiest way to contact us is to call our
Customer Relations team on 0845 600 7722#
and select the
gadget option.
Alternatively, you can write to us at the following address,
quoting your Policy number in all correspondence:
Customer Relations Department
Lifestyle Services Group Limited
PO Box 395
CREWE
CW1 6WT

[thejanegirl]

Thanks again,

I've sent a letter (recorded delivery) today stating my case plus that I will take my complaint to FOS if ness.

Once this is all sorted I'm cancelling my gadget cover. It's been no use, and the excess goes up by £25 every time you claim.

[thejanegirl]

Well Barclays continue to take the p!

They wrote out to me saying I needed a copy of the police report which was prepared following the break-in to my car resulting in the loss of my ipod.

I wrote to the relevant police force and they have just rang me back saying Barclays should know THEY have to make the application, under an agreement between the Ass of Chief Police Officers and the Ass of British Insurers.

I can apply for the crime report, true, but this costs £10, whereas Barlcays making the application will cost them £75.

I've just had another argument with Barlcays callcentre where they deny any knowledge of this agreement being in place.