M&S home insurance

[e-rider]

I've been looking at insuring my bikes under house and contents insurance. M&S were always known to have a good policy for bike owners so I got a quote.

Firstly, the Quote was very competitive.

Secondly, if I understand it correctly, any single item under the contents (including bikes) is insured to a maximum of £4000, with no limit on the total claim, and definitely including bikes.

Is this correct? If so, I'll be buying!

Note: Individual items worth more than £4000 need to be specified and the premium increases.

 

[chris-s]

I believe you are correct, the very reason I renewed with them a month ago.

Away from home cover, all my cycle camping kit covered at home and abroad, no specific lock requirements (tho I use a gold one anyhow), no specific details about how and where bikes may or may not be locked/left in a public space. Hopefully if I ever need to claim it will live up to it's wording and I'm sure it will with it being M&S. I looked at many other policies, mainly for bike cover, but when you read the policy details they just shout 'get out clause' to you all over the place.

Chris

 

[jimbut]

Go for it. I signed up with M+S insurance February of this year. I had my bike stolen 4 weeks ago while out on a ride ( turned my back for all of 15 seconds on a coffee stop ). M+S paid up. I had a new bike within 2 weeks ( see "My new Scott Addict R2" in Photo Gallery ). I will tell you tho that they do not actually give you a cheque but rather supply you with a "like for like" replacement on bike and any accessories ( up to £4000 total ). Their supplier is a company called Wheelies Direct. I did not find WD particularly great to deal with. Just as an example I spoke to 3 different people to whom I stated "please do not fit any of the accessories to the bike". I also sent an eMail to same effect. Anyway my bike ( which I am thrilled with ) came fitted with the accessories ! I was really worried that the insurer would not pay up as the bike was not secured in any way even tho the thief was almost within touching distance as he ran off with my precious steed. Anyway no probs. Alls well that ... u know the rest.

 

[Dan B]

I have their contents policy. I found it weird that they apparently don't care about the value of your contents, so it's quite gratifying to know that they're OK about claims. I suppose I should take some photos and compile details of what's fitted to my best bike, as I built it up from the frame and there almost certainly won't be a direct replacement available from any shop

 

[e-rider]

Go for it. I signed up with M+S insurance February of this year. I had my bike stolen 4 weeks ago while out on a ride ( turned my back for all of 15 seconds on a coffee stop ). M+S paid up. I had a new bike within 2 weeks ( see "My new Scott Addict R2" in Photo Gallery ). I will tell you tho that they do not actually give you a cheque but rather supply you with a "like for like" replacement on bike and any accessories ( up to £4000 total ). Their supplier is a company called Wheelies Direct. I did not find WD particularly great to deal with. Just as an example I spoke to 3 different people to whom I stated "please do not fit any of the accessories to the bike". I also sent an eMail to same effect. Anyway my bike ( which I am thrilled with ) came fitted with the accessories ! I was really worried that the insurer would not pay up as the bike was not secured in any way even tho the thief was almost within touching distance as he ran off with my precious steed. Anyway no probs. Alls well that ... u know the rest.

they didn't mention having to buy a bike from a specified shop - that's not so good but better than no new bike at all!



I've bought the policy now so hopefully my bikes wont get stolen, and if they do, hopefully Whellies will have something decent to offer!!!



EDIT: just looked at the wheelies website and although i would prefer a cheque if my bikes were stolen, wheelies stock a lot of the big brands so I'm sure i could find something suitable.

 

[ColinJ]

Go for it. I signed up with M+S insurance February of this year. I had my bike stolen 4 weeks ago while out on a ride ( turned my back for all of 15 seconds on a coffee stop ). M+S paid up. I had a new bike within 2 weeks ( see "My new Scott Addict R2" in Photo Gallery ). I will tell you tho that they do not actually give you a cheque but rather supply you with a "like for like" replacement on bike and any accessories ( up to £4000 total ).

Hmm, I didn't know that either and I have M&S insurance!

Not so bad if the replacement suits you, but who decides what is 'like for like'?

I have an old Campagnolo Athena Racing Triple groupset on my Basso. I wouldn't want them trying to tell me that a Shimano Tiagra groupset with a compact double chainset is equivalent because it isn't!

I would happily settle for a nice new carbon fibre frame and forks to replace the Basso's steel frame and forks though!

I was really worried that the insurer would not pay up as the bike was not secured in any way even tho the thief was almost within touching distance as he ran off with my precious steed. Anyway no probs.

That especially reassures me. I specifically asked the rep about that scenario when I signed up for the insurance. I said that my bike is always locked up when I leave it outdoors, except when I am nearby, or a friend is while I am in a cafe or public toilets.

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

When my bike was stolen I claimed from More Than and they wanted me to source the bike via Halfrauds. I told them that they didn't stock the bike and I needed it as my main form of transport. They simply contacted Halfrauds and confirmed that they couldn't source it quickly, confirmed the replacement price and sent me a cheque instead. I was very impressed!!

 

[e-rider]

[QUOTE 1501114"]
Insurance companies are not allowed to insist that you use a certain supplier.
[/quote]

so if you question it, you will probably get a cheque instead?