I lost my Omega watch a few weeks ago. And as I have never made a claim for anything before, this was a new experience. I contacted Barclays on a Saturday, they took details, and said that a company called Ival would contact me by Tuesday. Nearly two weeks went by, so I phoned Ival. Ival said that Barclay had not faxed through the paperwork, they would contact them, and call me back within 24 hours. A week later, I called them again. They had no reference of my claim. So I recalled Barclay - I remained polite, but firm as I was slightly annoyed that I had no idea what was happening- and Barclays said they would fax through the details straight away. An hour later, Ival Called asking me to describe the watch, then email through the receipt (which I still had from July 2001) and a picture of the watch which I said I could supply, they would process my claim, and would contact me again shortly. A week later, I got a missed call from Ival who "wanted to discuss my claim". This sounded ominous. I returned the call and the young lady said that my claim had been approved, that the watch had was no longer available, but they had been willing to go to £4175 replacement value (as that was today market value for the Omega), but my single item limit was £3500, so they would authorise that and send out a card with £3500 (minus my £100 excess - so £3400 to spend) within the next three days. I phoned Northern Goldsmiths, who confirmed the watch was no longer available. But said come in to have a look through their catalogue. I enquired about a Breitling, and they said they had the model in I was after, but it was £3250 (managers special (also, it was last years model -£900 off!?). But the goldsmiths informed me that Ival only allow you to buy full price items not sale items. I said I didnt think was right, as I had found something cheaper than my allowance. So I called Ival back, saying that i had found a watch and it was below my allowance but buying sale items was not allowed? And he said yes thats true, the jewellers would have to sell it to me for the full price. So that would put the watch over my £3500 single item... I pointed out that I had spoke to someone the night before and that initially, Ival were willing to goto £4175. The lad agreed, saying I should have what I want , and that it should be equivalent to the Omega. He had a word with his line manager, and they authorised the payment. minus £100 excess, giving me £4070 for the watch or the same if that sale item gets sold, and there left were only full price watches so I can still get that model. I popped into Northern Goldsmiths, they phoned Ival to confirm the details, and have put the watch to one side ready for me to collect as soon as the Ival payment card comes through. Despite the hiccups concerning the paper work not being sent through, I have found Ival staff to be polite and understanding at all times. At the end of the day, I might not have the Omega back (through no fault of theirs) but the insures have held up their end.