Cycleguard crappy insurance

gtvlusso

Hi All,

Had the Boardman Team Carbon nicked on the 19/20th Feb.

Anyway - wife was in labour at the time, so I fixed the break in (rehung the shed door where they had un-screwed the hinges) and made it secure again, then phoned the Police. Then went to hospital with my wife......

Now, after explaining this to cycleguard, it would appear that Cycleguard are refusing my claim as I cannot prove Forced and violent entry! How can I show forced and violent entry if they simply unscrewed the shed doors?!

I also have to provide receipts for the padlocks used (they are at least 5 years old, but were bought in line with a motorcycle insurance policy - 5 lever locks and are compliant with the Cycleguard policy.

The theif also nicked my cryptonite lock that was bolted to a ground anchor - they levered the ground anchor through the wood floor of the shed - kind of iirrelevent as the policy states that I can have either security method.

Very annoyed and finding out rapidly that Cycleguard insurance actually provides less cover than my house insurance did - not worth the money as they don't cover you if your bike is parked up and then stripped of parts.....My house insurance does if I name the bikes as part of the policy.

My advice is avoid this cover! And use More Than house insurance - far far better!

londonbairn

When I dealt with them, they were good, but it was a traffic accident.

I've heard bad things about bikes being nicked, didn't someone post a while back somewhere that they wouldn't pay out as they took the components but left the frame locked to a stand?

There prices are too high anyway, E&L are far cheaper, I cut the amount I was spending by more than half by switching, though when i buy the new place with the g/f ill prob use M&S...

nicklouse

and E&L are just as bad when it comes to claims

read all the small print and buy new security devices if needed.

Rich158

After readng the small print I've avoided bike specific insurance policies completely in favour of my house insurance. The restrictions they place seem impossible to comply with. I've never had a problem claiming through my house insurance, they've never queried the locks, shed alarm etc and have always paid out.

That said under my current they won't insure anything like the true value of the bikes so it's time to look for a new policy, I'll have a look at MoreThan, thanks for the heads up GTV

lost_in_thought

Also have a look at Hiscox, I went with them after a recommendation from another commuting regular, and the cover they provide is fantastic. I've been able to state values for all my bikes, for cover at home and out and about.

I'd also advise anyone placing cover to ring up the broker, make sure the call is being recorded, then talk through all the elements of the policy that are of particular interest with the salesperson, making sure to get them to verbally confirm things.

A question like 'so if my bike is chained to some railings outside a shop and someone steals it, that's definitely covered, right?' is a good line, you're looking for a 'yes' response from the representative, and make very sure you grill them thoroughly on any terms. Read the policy. In full. Including the small print. Clarify any wording you don't understand, ask lots of questions. The phonecall is your safety net.

That has made me able to claim above and beyond the terms of policies on occasion, specifically with health cover, it's always a good plan.

bigmat

gtvlusso wrote:

Now, after explaining this to cycleguard, it would appear that Cycleguard are refusing my claim as I cannot prove Forced and violent entry! How can I show forced and violent entry if they simply unscrewed the shed doors?!

I also have to provide receipts for the padlocks used (they are at least 5 years old, but were bought in line with a motorcycle insurance policy - 5 lever locks and are compliant with the Cycleguard policy.
quote]

This sounds like a p*ss take. Your evidence about what happened can take the form of a signed statement setting out exactly what happened. If they still dispute it then they are basically calling you a liar and I don't think they'd have a leg to stand on.

If they unscrewed the shed dor what is the relevance of the padlocks anyway? Typical claims monkeys, just put in writing exactly what happened and if they still refuse to be reasonable refer it to the ombudsman.

gtvlusso

MatHammond wrote:

gtvlusso wrote:

Now, after explaining this to cycleguard, it would appear that Cycleguard are refusing my claim as I cannot prove Forced and violent entry! How can I show forced and violent entry if they simply unscrewed the shed doors?!

I also have to provide receipts for the padlocks used (they are at least 5 years old, but were bought in line with a motorcycle insurance policy - 5 lever locks and are compliant with the Cycleguard policy.
quote]

This sounds like a p*ss take. Your evidence about what happened can take the form of a signed statement setting out exactly what happened. If they still dispute it then they are basically calling you a liar and I don't think they'd have a leg to stand on.

If they unscrewed the shed dor what is the relevance of the padlocks anyway? Typical claims monkeys, just put in writing exactly what happened and if they still refuse to be reasonable refer it to the ombudsman.

Cheers dude - I am already speaking to the ombudsmen as I think it is unreasonable. The compliance is impossible too. they cover a wooden shed, but insist on a ground anchor into stone or concrete - how the hell do I do that with a wooden shed?! It has gravel underneath!

spen666

If Insurance companyy won't pay up- issue a small claims application in county court. They will initially defend it, but will pay up before it goes to trial

gtvlusso

spen666 wrote:

If Insurance companyy won't pay up- issue a small claims application in county court. They will initially defend it, but will pay up before it goes to trial

Cheers Spen - good advice.

spen666

gtvlusso wrote:

spen666 wrote:

If Insurance companyy won't pay up- issue a small claims application in county court. They will initially defend it, but will pay up before it goes to trial

Cheers Spen - good advice.

Don't accept any cr*p from the insurance company. They are not on your side. They are your opponents.

i'm sure the County Court Judge will have a similarily low opinion of them as most people do.


In small claims court, even if you lose you will not have to pay their legal costs. This means its not worth their while running a trial, in most cases

tailwindhome

spen666 wrote:

If Insurance companyy won't pay up- issue a small claims application in county court. They will initially defend it, but will pay up before it goes to trial

How much will that cost?

Is a solicitor necessary/ advisable?

If the insurance company pay up before trial is the fee recoverable?

spen666

WheezyMcChubby wrote:

spen666 wrote:

If Insurance companyy won't pay up- issue a small claims application in county court. They will initially defend it, but will pay up before it goes to trial

How much will that cost?

Is a solicitor necessary/ advisable?

If the insurance company pay up before trial is the fee recoverable?

Only cost is court issue fee and if it goes to trial a listing fee- both obtainable from court- are relatively small


Solicitor is not recommended or needed. Small claims court is designed to avoid using solicitors- no legal costs are recoverable so not economic to use a lawyer

Re recovery of fee- yes- if proceedings have been issued and ins co want to settle they have to pay the fee as well

bigmat

My experience of litigation is that its always more expensive and more time consuming than you think it will be. I'd stick with the FOS (ombudsman) route at least to begin with - this is exactly what its there for and its generally pretty consumer friendly. My guess is that if you show that you aren't prepared to be dicked about they will sort themselves out sharpish.

rubbercolin

issue small claims proceedings asap

Document and photograph anything you can .

Most insurers pay up when proceedings issued for a reasonable case - which you have . It's a commercial decision for them , not a personal one.

Otherwise they will wait.

Good lluck

gabriel959

gtvlusso wrote:

spen666 wrote:

If Insurance companyy won't pay up- issue a small claims application in county court. They will initially defend it, but will pay up before it goes to trial

Cheers Spen - good advice.

was going to say the same. Also when doing so include loss of interest and put every single thing the bike had and go for the RRP

p.s: I know from experience. It will take a while to have it back...

spen666

MatHammond wrote:

My experience of litigation is that its always more expensive and more time consuming than you think it will be. I'd stick with the FOS (ombudsman) route at least to begin with - this is exactly what its there for and its generally pretty consumer friendly. My guess is that if you show that you aren't prepared to be dicked about they will sort themselves out sharpish.

The ombudsman scheme is in my view a waste of time. The small claims court is usually faster and more successful imho

bigmat

spen666 wrote:

MatHammond wrote:

My experience of litigation is that its always more expensive and more time consuming than you think it will be. I'd stick with the FOS (ombudsman) route at least to begin with - this is exactly what its there for and its generally pretty consumer friendly. My guess is that if you show that you aren't prepared to be dicked about they will sort themselves out sharpish.

The ombudsman scheme is in my view a waste of time. The small claims court is usually faster and more successful imho

It's horses for courses. FOS is free and I know for a fact insurers take it seriously, all depends how much of an arse the insurers are being and how patient you are prepared to be.

prawny

MatHammond wrote:

spen666 wrote:

MatHammond wrote:

My experience of litigation is that its always more expensive and more time consuming than you think it will be. I'd stick with the FOS (ombudsman) route at least to begin with - this is exactly what its there for and its generally pretty consumer friendly. My guess is that if you show that you aren't prepared to be dicked about they will sort themselves out sharpish.

The ombudsman scheme is in my view a waste of time. The small claims court is usually faster and more successful imho

It's horses for courses. FOS is free and I know for a fact insurers take it seriously, all depends how much of an ars* the insurers are being and how patient you are prepared to be.

Insurers will avoid anything going to the FOS as every referral costs something like £500 that the insurance company has to pay no matter what. In my old job we did anything to avoid a complaint going to the ombudsman.

gtvlusso

I am very pleased to announce that a claim manager from Cycleguard called me this lunchtime and has accepted the claim!

I sen them a draft letter and was accumulating bits of evidence (birth cert of daughter, old motorbike insurance, photos of security upgrades to the shed and so on)...basically proving that I had the specific locks required and that I was compliant with the policy from previous items stored in the shed.

They offered me a Halfords voucher for £1150 (full amount) or £930 cash (less the excess).

Took the cash as I can do C2W again and replace the Boardman and get a bike on that, then build up my track bike properly.

It sounds like the person I dealt with was a bit "computer says no".....

gtvlusso

IN fact Marks and Spencer do a really good House policy that covers up to £4k bikes away from home, bit more expensive, but allot of people in my club use it.

gtvlusso

Additionally - MD of Cycleguard phoned me to chat about the issues occuring. It would appear that they are very keen to hear feedback on issues encountered when making a claim and that they wish to resolve these issues quickly and make their service more improved and helpful to the cyclist - Chapeau to Mr Pickering (?) for the call, It was much appreciated and I am now considering staying with them (assuming they amend the bit about bike part theft!)

mark1964

gtvlusso
gtvlusso

Sorry to hear you had this hassle. Cycleguard were very good to me when I had two bikes nicked, within a year of each other!. Yeah, I had to provide receipts for locks too, which were on their approved list.

Regarding your shed, how about modifying the floor and putting a Sheffield stand through it?. That's what I'm planning - a pent style security shed with a concrete base and sheffield stand. I reckon thieves will get a surprise when they break in and see my bike locked to the stand - more noisy hassle for them to cut through a big motorbike chain I just bought!. Also going to get shed alarmed.

Happy cycling,

Zaphod

lost_in_thought

Hiscox will cover up to £5k per bike as standard, and will go over £5k with an endorsement, at home and away.

badwolf

Good to hear you got a result in the end gtvlusso

Do cycleguard cover you if you have your bike taken from you? (ie, violently taken from you whlst you're sat at traffic lights?)

shouldbeinbed

Legal and general let me negotiate pretty much what I wanted and cover the full cost of my bikes for about £6 a month extra on my contents insurance. I've got near as fully comp insurance.

plowmar

+1 to what many posters have said re household policies as most will include bikes within limits as add ons or within specified contents.

Being a low value cyclist my current insurer barclays covers individual bikes up to 1500 no matter how many you have as well as outside (properly protected) and damage cover.

They are my ex employers so am probably biased but still do an annual search and they come out well for total cost.

jackielynn

This company is a disgrace, after paying my high premium for nealy 4 years my bike was stolen, this is my only form of transport, so after sending in my claim, with police report, copy of my passport! and copy of my bank statment, I was refused a payout.............................apparently my silver lock was no longer a silver lock, and after 4 years I no longer had the packaging...............these people are worse than the thieves that stole my bike

gtvlusso

jackielynn wrote:

This company is a disgrace, after paying my high premium for nealy 4 years my bike was stolen, this is my only form of transport, so after sending in my claim, with police report, copy of my passport! and copy of my bank statment, I was refused a payout.............................apparently my silver lock was no longer a silver lock, and after 4 years I no longer had the packaging...............these people are worse than the thieves that stole my bike

Sorry to hear about your loss. With my troubles from some time ago, I asked for an escalation internally to a manager. keep your cool, be reasonable - don't swear or shout.

Did they inform you of the downgrade of the locks status or a change in terms?

TBH - My bikes are on the house insurance.

markchalmers

How good are the British Cycling club I was thinking of getting the Silver cover (as I don't race) but I wasn't sure who was best to go with?

nation

I've always just made sure that my bikes are specified on the house insurance.

Last time I was looking around, it was considerably cheaper to add cover for items away from the home (which includes leaving bikes locked up) at the appropriate limit on the house insurance than to take out a specific cycle policy. Handily covers things you might have when out and about like laptops and phones, as well.

On top of that, the cycle policies always seem to apply a raft of restrictions that the house insurance doesn't. Most of them are things I'd do anyway, but it's nice to know that there are fewer reasons why a claim might be rejected. I also haven't found a cycle insurer that will do new-for-old, they all seem to do market value or purchase price less depreciation.

bails87

markchalmers wrote:

How good are the British Cycling club I was thinking of getting the Silver cover (as I don't race) but I wasn't sure who was best to go with?

I'm pretty sure the insurance offered by BC is third party liability insurance. So if you scratch a car or injure a pedestrian or another cyclist then the insurance company will cover your liabilities (£200 for a scratch repair/£1million for a lifetime of care due to serious spinal injury). That does not mean they'll pay for a new bike if yours is stolen.