 Poster: A snowHead
|
Just a word of warning .
After being a member of SCGB for several years to get both discounts and insurance - we recently had to make a claim ....
Turns out their insurance claims are handled by Claims Settlements Agencies Ltd (CSA) - who is a bloody crap company.
They don't answer emails , never anyone available on the phone .
Not sure if any others are better but I wish I knew before I bought - their truspilot reviews say it all really .
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.csal.co.uk
Anyone have an ski insurance they are truly happy with (and have made a claim which went smoothly?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
I originally joined the SCGB for the insurance years ago, and fortunately never had to make a claim. I stopped using them for insurance when after trying to renew they insisted on knowing the results of a blood test, from then 37 years ago, for a conditon I no longer have. They seemed to be under the impression I was taking out life insurance, rather than travel insurance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
| Quote: |
Anyone have an ski insurance they are truly happy with (and have made a claim which went smoothly?)
|
Lots - do a search on the Forum. Snowcard gets a good press. The "free" insurance through Nationwide bank was good when I broke my pelvis, though that was a very inexpensive claim. They are charging me over £300 supplement this year for pre-existing medical conditions but that's fair enough - I am an enhanced risk and insurance companies only exist to make money.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
I have the Barclays Travel Pack Plus which gives me Worldwide Travel Insurance which includes Winter sports – cover for winter sports equipment and piste closures, RAC comprehensive breakdown cover in the UK and Europe, A 24/7 concierge service, Airport lounge access (6 visits per year) and Airport parking and hotel discounts.
I pay £18 per month for my wife and myself and have been very happy. I've claimed on the holiday insurance (underwritten by Aviva) only once for a cancelled holiday due to illness and they paid out very quickly and were excellent. I have used the RAC cover once but it does bring peace of mind when driving in Europe (We've driven to France 4 times in past 10 months) and other UK long journeys as I believe it costs a lot to be towed off the motorway. The Airport lounge is a lovely perk and not used the concierge or parking discount.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
That CSA company exists precisely to suppress claims.
If it was me I'd talk only to the people who sold me the insurance.
If they won't talk, issue proceedings and talk in court.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| Poshprop wrote: |
I have the Barclays Travel Pack Plus which gives me Worldwide Travel Insurance which includes Winter sports – cover for winter sports equipment and piste closures, RAC comprehensive breakdown cover in the UK and Europe, A 24/7 concierge service, Airport lounge access (6 visits per year) and Airport parking and hotel discounts.
I pay £18 per month for my wife and myself and have been very happy. I've claimed on the holiday insurance (underwritten by Aviva) only once for a cancelled holiday due to illness and they paid out very quickly and were excellent. I have used the RAC cover once but it does bring peace of mind when driving in Europe (We've driven to France 4 times in past 10 months) and other UK long journeys as I believe it costs a lot to be towed off the motorway. The Airport lounge is a lovely perk and not used the concierge or parking discount. |
Yeah I have the exactly the same. It's very good, and I have also claimed successfully on it a number of times without any hassle.
They did hike the price considerably a few years back - I used to pay £11.50 a month (with the premier account discount), then they increased the price to £18 for everyone. One good thing though at the same time they removed the 11yr old car limit for european driving, now all ages of car are covered.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@sheffskibod, Good claims experience with MPI (no longer available) and LV, not quite so good with Barclays Travel Pack but they only charge us £12.50 per month for 2 70+ year olds with medical conditions. We didn't take the more expensive pack with the exrtras.
The Barclays claim was to do with me not being allowed on plane at Bristol for the PSB2021 as Switzerland changed its covid entry rules overnight. To be fair my claim was debatable but they did settle eventually.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have used SCGB insurance for more years than I can remember - but only had to make a couple of small claims over 30 years ago, which were handled well.....but much has changed since then.
I have (naively?) assumed that if the SCGB was using it, it was carefully chosen for its cover and its efficient handling of claims. I also liked supporting the Club. It is not until a claim is made, that you know what you have actually bought.
I will seriously be considering alternatives for my next holiday.
It would be good to know the experience of other Snowheads who have had a similar negative experience. Every company will have its negative feedback, but if those negative experiences are the norm, rather than few and far between, then it should be avoided.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
Thanks for responses so far - I have also contacted the SCGB membership people directly to pass on my frustrations and concerns that they are badly tarnishing their own reputation here (and said I will be cancelling next time if they are still tied up with these jokers)
- if they respond with anything positive I shall update on here.
I did finally get to speak with a lady at CSA (took 30 minutes for them to eventually answer) and she said the documents they requested and I provided three weeks ago (which she could see on her screen in front of her) had not been uploaded at their end to the loss adjustor file (for a reason not specified) so the claim was not progressing .
She did say she would now upload and I should hear again in 10 days.
Maybe this is the norm these days , delay and make it hard to contact in the hope I will simply give up...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We currently have Nationwide Flexplus account purely for their travel insurance and breakdown cover. I just transfer the £13 a month into the account to cover the fee. Making it joint covers our whole family
I claimed on the insurance when covid hit and had no issues got money back.
Lloyds were advertising an equivalent for £10 a month which I am tempted by but havent finished studying the minute details. Key difference is only covers Europe, which haven't gone outside of in last 25yrs!
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
My friend had a horrendous climbing accident in Switzerland where he was hit by a falling rock, broken leg at 3500m, rescued and helicoptered off, a few days in hospital. Austrian Alpine Club insurance along with health card, all covered no issues at all. He was not guided at the time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
I've used and claimed on Snowcard a long time ago, and very recently AXA (via Barclaycard). Both were excellent and paid up in full without arguing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Quote: |
I have also contacted the SCGB membership people directly to pass on my frustrations and concerns that they are badly tarnishing their own reputation here
|
Which is currently completely untarnished...... 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
One thing to watch with most of the standard insurances is that you're not covered for off-piste without a guide. That doesn't have to mean hucking cliffs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
On the basis of my current post-COVID experience of the insurance industry I am terrified about making a claim - I have sought out the best knowledge re which sports insurance to use. I use family policy for SnowCard Extreme, since we need DH cover as well as climbing and skiing….
…but here’s the rub…
In Sept a neighbour lost control of his car and travelled 10m across the gravel area in front of our house, hit the boiler room door and did over 60,000 gbp of damage to the wall, the pump station behind the wall, and the biomass boiler. He disclosed, thank goodness, and gave me his insurance details.
The insurance company has been terrible. No contact other then when I call. When I call, each call takes over 2 hours of waiting and discussion. The phone staff cannot talk to the claims team other than by email. I had had NO reply to any emails, despite needing advice on how to organise repairs, heating to the house, and so on.
Two months were wasted (and we had no heating) until they appointed loss adjusters - who have been excellent…very supportive.
But the insurance company showed NO concern or compassion for our situation - including the essential need for supplementary heating to stop the house freezing (and causing huge additional damage) during the cold snap.
I did contact my own insurance company initially but the conversation was:
Them: ‘…oh its easy, just raise a claim with us….’
Me: ‘…will that raise my premium with you next year…it will be a 60,000 settlement at least…’
Them: ‘…ah…..yes…..’
Me: ‘…by how much….’
Them: ‘….er can’t say…but it could be substantial…’
Me: ‘…will it affect my ability to get insurance in the future….’
Them: ‘….yes…’
Great….so my house was just sitting there, this idiot drove into it, and now it will cost me a lot of money.
So far…estimate of 10 days spent on this…a lot of it on the phone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
@sheffskibod, if they are fucking you about invoke their formal complaints procedure - followed by escalation to the Ombudsman.
That concentrates their mind and let's them know you're serious
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
@valais2, I would have claimed from my house insurer as you have a contract with them and so have some leverage.
You'll need to notify your insurance anyway of course and as the other party had admitted liability your premium will go up by the same amount whoever you claim from.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
| Timc wrote: |
| @sheffskibod, Good claims experience with MPI (no longer available) and LV.... |
MPI stopped doing their own wintersports insurance a year or two back, so I switched to LV last year. I believe MPI are now back doing their wintersports cover, but I've stuck with LV for this season.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| sheffskibod wrote: |
| Turns out their insurance claims are handled by Claims Settlements Agencies Ltd (CSA) |
Many insurance sellers don't deal with the claims. It kind of makes sense as they are two very different specialisms. But yeah, many people are not aware and should be aware of who would handle it because as you have discovered some are not very good and in the business of obstructing and obfuscating as much as possible. I always make a point of checking. That said sometimes it's hard. Like Amazon reviews there are always some bad reviews and you have to figure out if they are genuine and something to worry about.
| sheffskibod wrote: |
| Anyone have an ski insurance they are truly happy with (and have made a claim which went smoothly?) |
I am currently with LV who are clear that claims are handled by CEGA who I believe handle claims for many different sellers. Their trustpilot reviews are awful. The only reason I went with them is because I read of good claim experiences on here (but that may be historical).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
I can't really think of any circumstances when someone in the claims suppression business would receive a positive review from anyone.
I've had to claim from other peoples' insurance now and then, and all attempted the "claims suppression" thing. I can't be bothered arguing with people trying to prove I'm engaged in fraud, so I just threatened the insurer with proceedings, which got me full payment by return.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
My wife has had good experience with Snowcard for a few ! claims. However they do change claims handlers every so often. They got very expensive for annual cover at the level we required. Personally we rely on Vieux campeur at 25 euros per year each and EHIC / GHIC for season in France / Switzerland.
@Poshprop, looked at Barclays offering and would appear great for most people doing a few weeks per year skiing. Personally I would have the following problems :
1 You need to book return travel before you leave UK. We normally book return tunnel whilst away
2 No off piste cover without a guide
3 Winter sports cover limited to 31 days per year
4 Individual trip limited to 31 days but can upgrade to 90 days but not specified to include winter sports cover and no price quoted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Quote: |
| SCGB Insurance = USELESS |
I'll second that.
When our annual policy renewal was due last December, I contacted SCGB to diligently advise of a referral to hospital for tests in relation to a minor health issue - with (given the state of the NHS) an indefinite waiting time.
The result? Cover refused. Despite my best representations, they just wouldn't entertain excluding the (non life-threatening) minor condition and would only provide cover once test results were known.
Thankfully, the hospital and health issue has now been resolved, but we'll not be insuring through SCGB again. We've ended up using MPI - unlimited amount of ski days on an annual policy and covered off piste without a guide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@red 27, … well your post fired up my indignation with the insurance industry so I immediately phoned my own provider and in fact they were very reassuring - if full liability admitted and claim handled 100 per cent by the other party’s insurers then there will be no impact on my premium next year….here’s hoping….
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
@NickyJ, we have Lloyd's travel insurance through a platinum account. They use Allianz insurance. We had to claim in the summer after getting covid in Canada and missing part of our holiday (not ill but had to arrange some isolation accommodation). They paid up (accommodation but not food)but we found Allianz rather long winded. Their call centre wasn't on the ball as much as we would have liked.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I made a claim with Admiral for a cancelled ski trip due to Covid in December but am still waiting to hear back. Pretty poor show although the sum is pretty low as it was the Pre season Bash.
Unfortunately I was unable to complete the claims process quickly as Admin did not communicate with me or provide an invoice for a few weeks, even with repeated requests. Am told he is very busy...... He tarnished his reputation with me.
Am now insured for future ski trips with Snowcard.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
@billb, thanks for feedback. Might just stay with Nationwide then. Our main account is with Lloyds so it would have simplified my account state
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
| red 27 wrote: |
| @valais2, You'll need to notify your insurance anyway of course and as the other party had admitted liability your premium will go up by the same amount whoever you claim from. |
eh? that doesn't sound right
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To be honest I don't know why people don't GHIC, self insure on cancellation risk and Austrian Alpine Club for the ski injuries and rescue/repatriation. Or add a general holiday policy for belt n braces on cancellation and other accidents (like being in a car crash).
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
I self insure for everything but death or injury abroad and public liability!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
| Layne wrote: |
I am currently with LV who are clear that claims are handled by CEGA who I believe handle claims for many different sellers. Their trustpilot reviews are awful. The only reason I went with them is because I read of good claim experiences on here (but that may be historical). |
Our claim in 2016 with LV was handled by CEGA who couldn't have been more helpful or quick. The claim was a big one in terms of money involving them arranging recovery to the UK for my wife by air ambulance. Everything was handled quickly and the phone support was amazing. The money side was settled within a week of me submitting the claim.
CEGA also handled my claim for Barclays Travelpack claim for curtailment regarding PSB2021. From submitting my claim at the end of December 2021 it took until the end of September for them to finally approve my claim. It was met with four refusals before finally agreeing that I was covered their response time was approximately 8 weeks from each of my emails.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
| valais2 wrote: |
| @red 27, … well your post fired up my indignation with the insurance industry so I immediately phoned my own provider and in fact they were very reassuring - if full liability admitted and claim handled 100 per cent by the other party’s insurers then there will be no impact on my premium next year….here’s hoping…. |
That's good news. You'll need to declare the incident to your insurers of course. Don't be tempted not to do that just because TP's insurer is handling the claim. (you may know this already)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| Dave of the Marmottes wrote: |
| To be honest I don't know why people don't GHIC, self insure on cancellation risk and Austrian Alpine Club for the ski injuries and rescue/repatriation. Or add a general holiday policy for belt n braces on cancellation and other accidents (like being in a car crash). |
Too exotic, edgy for some. One year I went with EHIC and CN only. Many people want to be over insured rather than leave anything to chance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
@valais2, I would be wary of letting the neighbours insurer call the shots. Their motivations are not in your best interest.
You're already having unacceptable delays and are now at risk of them getting Bodge & Fils to (eventually) do the cheapest job possible.
If you don't want to claim from your home insurance (and I get that) then get quotes for remedial work from your preferred contractor(s) and submit them to neighbours insurance with a strict time limit for their action.
/threadhijack
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
@Timc, sounds mixed then, with more recent experience not so good.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| Timc wrote: |
| @sheffskibod, Good claims experience with MPI (no longer available) |
MPI are available again and you can use the BASI affilliate link on basi.org.uk or go direct https://bolt.mpibrokers.com/#/start
I just insured myself for off piste without a guide for £55 for the BB. Since I have insurance via nationwide I didnt need the bits about lost luggage etc etc.
Also for those worried about the 3M euro public liability for Italy etc etc with MPI you are covered up to £5M
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
@GlasgowCyclops, assume that's for a week not an annual policy?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have been using the BMC Annual Multi Trip policy, it is expensive (over£200) but covers all the skiing I do, eleven weeks last year with unguided off piste cover.
I made a claim this year for a cancelled trip and received acceptance within a week and payment within ten days.
Also BMC membership got us a £40 reduction buying a new jacket at Ellis Brighams so can't really complain.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Dave of the Marmottes wrote: |
| @GlasgowCyclops, assume that's for a week not an annual policy? |
Annual policy is about £140 inc cancellation etc etc
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
@red 27, thanks indeed good advice - having managed the house build originally, I am happy with the loss adjusters who have been appointed and the site agents who they in turn have appointed and they seem so far to be highly responsive and high quality. I think they immediately recognised that we have technical knowledge of construction and are really respecting that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
About 7 years ago when I had to claim on SCGB insurance, on breaking my leg, they were brilliant. I still have their insurance and now have to make a claim for a missed holiday due to a virus and lung infection. Waiting for the local Doctor's letter, and with current health service that is already hard to get an answer on. I am now anxious how the claim will go.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
