Motor insurance
Devitt Insurance Services Limited and the Screentrade panel of insurers
Devitt are responsible for the policy wording used by Screentrade, which is made up of the following firms:
- Fortis Insurance Limited;
- Chaucer Insurance;
- Groupama Insurance;
- Zenith Insurance Plc;
- Provident Insurance Plc;
- National Insurance and Guarantee Corporation Limited;
- Norwich Union; and
- Axa.
What did we think was unfair?
The 'What is covered' and 'What is not covered' sections of the policy terms were unclear. We did not think customers could understand from the terms whether their personal possessions were covered as 'contents' of the car, as well as the integral parts and accessories of the car.
Why did we think it was unfair?
We did not think the second bullet of the 'What is not covered' term was clearly written.
What has the firm done?
The firm deleted the words 'and its contents' from the second bullet of 'Section 2 fire and theft' and added a new bullet in 'Section 5 extra cover' under 'clothing and personal belongings – what is not covered'.
The updates are effective for new customers from 1 May 2008.
For customers with contracts entered into before 1 May 2008, containing the same terms or terms with similar effect, Devitt and Screentrade undertake to apply their contract terms fairly to ensure that no policyholder will be disadvantaged as a result of the ambiguity in the old wording.
Old term
2nd bullet in 'Section 2 fire and theft', under 'What is not covered'.
- 'Loss or damage to the car and or its contents, where possession is gained by any form of deception or fraud.'
New terms
Revised – Section 2 Fire and theft, What is not covered, 2nd bullet:
- 'Loss or damage to the car, where possession is gained by any form of deception or fraud.'
New bullet – Section 5 extra cover, clothing and personal belongings – what is not covered:
- 'Loss of or damage to:' ...
- 'property as a result of someone gaining possession of the car by any form of deception or fraud;'
What next?
Read more agreements from firms – see Unfair contracts.
Read more about Insurance.
Read more about our work on Unfair contract terms.