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Hello!I am a new user of these forums and am really in need of some help. I made a storm damage claim with direct line about one month ago and aquired two repair estimates and sent them both off.it turned out however, that one of the estimated provided to me stated that the roofer was VAT registered, when infact he was not. After the roofer told me this and told me he wasnt aware I was sending the estimate off to my insurance company, I informed direct line that I did not want to carry out the work with him and they asked for another estimate which I sent off.When direct line investigated this further, they found that I had made claims with previous companies in recent years however, I did not register this with them. As I was not aware of the fact that I needed to tell direct line about my claims regardless of the fact that they were not with direct line, I sent in a letter asking for my claim to be cancelled as I thought it breached my policy contract and had the work carried out privately and paid by myself. They said as my claim was being investigated, I could not cancel the claim nor change any details which reflect claims that I have made in the past. This claim was made last year. I also sent in a letter which showed the previous claims made with other companies.
I renewed my contract believeing that direct line would accept my mistake and let me continue my insurance. Now it turns out that 'I am responsible for the estimate provided and it is under scrutiny'. I am very unhappy about this as I did not do anything wrong with regards to the estimate and as I renewed about a month ago, I asked them to cancel my policy for this year and they said I could not do this, and it was upto them whether they cancel the policy or not.
Does anyone know whether I can cancel my policy as the claim was made on last years policy?can i also have my claim cancelled or are direct line right?and how does a estimate that I provided which was from a roofer become my responsibility?are they planning to do me with fraud because it seems like they think I have made the estimate up?
Please help as I don't know where I stand and direct line have said they will make a decision soon...
ALL insurance companies ask for details of previous claims, whether it be home, car, health, etc., so I doubt very much that saying you were 'not aware of that fact' is a viable excuse.
The builder made the "error" - even though you have submitted the estimate you have submitted it in good faith.
What the Insurer is probably doing at the moment is sending the estimate to forensics - which means they are checking to see if the handwriting for the VAT section of the bill is different to the main body of the estimate. I would not worry about this part - If they will hold anyone accountable it will be the builder. The fact that the builder has admitted his "mistake" will mean Direct Line will probably do nothing.
They are correct in advising they are not closing the claim withdrawn while they carry out investigations.
With regards to the non disclosure I am confused on their stance. They will have informed the underwriters who will calculate if the previous claims were disclosed to them at the time you took out your insurance whether they would take on your business, and at what premium. It might be because they will find it easier to charge you the additional premium if you were still a current policyholder - however, this should take a couple of weeks maximum.
Your best bet is ringing Claims and asking them if the underwriters still want to write your business in view of the non disclosure. If they say they dont know ask if they have referred it yet - If they say not ask them to immediately - if they say yes, and it was over 14 days ago ask them to chase / ask how long it usually takes to refer, and back this up with a letter.
You can cancel the policy early. however, you may have to pay a months premium to get out of the contract - see your policy booklet.
Abbey - owed £3260 - Paid up.
Barclays owed £2500 - Paid up.
Halifax, Mint & Egg - next on the hit list
Dont click on the scales - I'm quite proud of my little red dot! - As the little red dot has gone - click away!!!!
Therein lies the problem. I think once the builder told me he is not VAT registered, he has told the insurance company different to get himself out of trouble. He admitted his mistake to me but I don't think he has done the same with the insurance company.The estimate was a computer written one so will there be a point checking it with forensics?
I am still a policyholder as I renewed my policy with them a few weeks ago believing direct line has my best interests at heart but this has not turned out to be the case.
The claims handler who is dealing with my case has told me that I cannot cancel my policy and it is upto them if they want to cancel, not me. I think this is because of the investigations that are oing on.????
They can cancel your policy, but they have to act in a timely measure.
It is not fair that they are leaving you on hold, withthe chance of not having any insurance.
If not done already regarding the call to claims regarding the underwriter referral I would contact them again & ask to speak to a manager.
Dont worry regarding the VAT problem - They cannot formally accuse you of fraud - to do so would be slanderous. They can only call you fraudulent if they have proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Abbey - owed £3260 - Paid up.
Barclays owed £2500 - Paid up.
Halifax, Mint & Egg - next on the hit list
Dont click on the scales - I'm quite proud of my little red dot! - As the little red dot has gone - click away!!!!
direct line home insurance claim
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