Ok. So my bike is insured. And covers me for accidental damage. To its full value (as worded in my policy summary) I accidentally damaged it and put in a claim. Yesterday my insurer terminated my policy. Rang them today and they said that because it is “beyond economical repair” they have cancelled my policy. Only informing me by email yesterday, dated the 22nd. Effective from when I declared the damage was done, the 1st of August. The quotes for repair I sent. Requested by them. Are no where near its full value.

Can they do this? Nothing I can see in the magical wording can justify this. Although revised in the summary in my new policy it states that dents aren’t covered. In my description of how the damage occurred, I stated that it hit a tree and was dented. But I am not claiming on dent repair but more the frames strength and structure being compromised along with my trust in it.

And now I am left without cover, and damaged bike.

Can’t resolve the issue until Tuesday!

So far they have been nice and helpful but am left in the dark until I can speak with the right department/persons.

Can’t see that I will get anywhere with them. But given that they have cancelled my policy, and I have paid for this months cover I believe this gives me more ammo. Have been advised to exhaust their internal complaints procedure and then take it to the ombudsman if that fails.

Anyone else had a similar situation with E&L or other insurers or can offer any advice?

Thanks in advance.

try the insurance ombudsman, or just buy a new bike.

Mmm, I would suggest googling E&L complaints. Have experience of dealing with them. Would rather not have to deal with them.

Good luck!

Thanks bruk. Know how you feel. Googled them too late it would seem. Did it just as I sent my claim off.

In my opinion thats why you are better off with house insurance with accidental damage and away from home cover. I checked into E&L’s cover and cost and there was way too many get out clauses in their favour. Sad to say its the same with many specialist bicycle insurers.
Be firm stick to your guns and be prepared for a long battle.
Had a similar long battle with Tesco over pet insurance but eventually got paid out in full some months later.

Go through their internal complaints then contact Ombudsman. Would not hold my breath for payment though. Depends on how hard you are prepared to fight. Usually people get paid in the end but it often takes months.

I’m not going down without a fight. Utterly peeved that they cancelled my policy without warning. Just hope my bike doesn’t get nicked now too.

Which are the best home/independent insurers to use for theft/damage cover out there? Gonna need to get covered again.