Insurance claim woes

My wife and I have been campervanners for over 20 years, our current being an Auto-Sleeper Warwick Duo, with which we tow a VW Fox. We have, throughout the 20 years, been insured by the same company, and without incident.

An addition to our policy is rooftop satellite equipment damage cover of up to £2,000.

We live at the end of a cul-de-sac and the ’van is parked behind a large hedge.

During the last couple of years, this hedge has been a magnet for a local up-andcoming David Beckham who uses our hedge as a goal area.

He was warned of the possibility of causing damage to the roof furniture on the

’van. But, while we were away, we had a call from a neighbour saying he believes the boy kicked the ball onto the ’van, destroying the Camos dome.

On our return the police were informed and witness details given and a damage report recorded. The police took no further action but, as the damage amounted to £1,000, we informed our insurer and submitted a claim. We pay £200 excess and it pays the

£800 balance.

On renewal of the policy, it was £140 more and the NCD prejudiced as the policyholder was at fault because the insurance company couldn’t claim back from a third party.

Come premium renewal for the towcar, this was up £120, even with protected NCD, because of the ’van claim.

The renewal on my wife’s

car, which is insured with a different company, was also up £120, which we complained about. The insurer agreed and credited my wife’s account with the amount taken.

However, it is going to take us between three and five years to clear the £800 claim. Not to mention the £1,200 CCTV system we have had installed.

Has it been worth it? No. My advice is to think very carefully before making a small claim. It may jeopardise all your other policies for years to come. I will be removing my satellite cover at the next renewal.

Keep up the good work MMM!

David Wild