Questions for lawyers Found 20

My laptop was stolen and the insurer says it will pay for an equivalent refurbished model instead of a new one. I bought the laptop new a year ago and I do not want a used replacement. Can they choose how to settle my claim?

A flood forced my shop to close for several weeks. My property is repaired, but the loss of income was significant. My insurer says that business interruption is not covered unless the damage was to my own premises. How does this work?

After an accident, my car was declared a total loss, and the insurer offered a payout that is thousands of dollars less than I think the car was worth. I did not agree to any value at the start. How is the value decided and can I dispute it?

I have been unhappy with the way my insurer has communicated with me and handled my claim, and its final response was unsatisfactory. I do not know whether there is an independent body I can go to or whether I have to sue.

A relative of mine died and the life insurer has refused to pay out because they say the policy holder did not disclose a health problem on the application form. The person did not think it was significant. Can the insurer really refuse to pay?

Water damage appeared in my ceiling and the insurer sent an assessor who said the leak came from a worn pipe fitting, so the claim was declined under a wear and tear exclusion. I have paid premiums for years without a claim. Can they really refuse?

My car was damaged in a crash and I was over the legal alcohol limit. The insurer says that it will not pay any of the repair costs or the other driver’s damage. Is that lawful, and is there anything I can claim?

I run a small building business with one employee. A client has claimed that our work caused water damage to their home, and I have public liability insurance but am unsure whether it will respond. How do these policies work?

After a landslip damaged part of our property, I was told that a government body covers natural disaster damage before my private insurer does. I do not understand what is covered and who I should claim from first.

After a collision that I think was partly the other driver’s fault, their insurer has called me asking for a statement and suggesting I sign a form. I have not spoken to my own insurer yet. What should I do?