National Express Insurance - Scam?

[orpine]

What do others think of the National Express Insurance? I'm reading the policy now (https://help.nationalexpress.com/resources/nationalexpress/general/inspol2012) - and it's borderline a scam. They'll only pay for a single item up to a value of £100 (only £50 if you don't have proof of purchase/ownership)! Aren't most mobile phones more expensive that that? Let alone laptops.

£50 of travel money is covered, but the excess for it (that's the bit you have to pay before they'll pay) is £30!

The other stuff (personal liability, injuries etc) all also seem relatively low. And if something happened to cause an injury you could probably sue them to get more than that anyway.

(Disclaimer - I don't know much about insurance in general; maybe this is normal).

 

[Robertj21a]

What do others think of the National Express Insurance? I'm reading the policy now (https://help.nationalexpress.com/resources/nationalexpress/general/inspol2012) - and it's borderline a scam. They'll only pay for a single item up to a value of £100 (only £50 if you don't have proof of purchase/ownership)! Aren't most mobile phones more expensive that that? Let alone laptops.

£50 of travel money is covered, but the excess for it (that's the bit you have to pay before they'll pay) is £30!

The other stuff (personal liability, injuries etc) all also seem relatively low. And if something happened to cause an injury you could probably sue them to get more than that anyway.

(Disclaimer - I don't know much about insurance in general; maybe this is normal).

Most insurance is a scam really. People don't seem to realise that it's virtually another form of gambling. Unless it's a statutory requirement (driving a vehicle) or your major possession (house/contents) there's little real benefit as they will argue over every word of small print, deduct various excesses or simply refuse to pay out.

Many home contents insurance policies will also cover many of the risks you outline, but not everybody seems to realise that they're paying out twice for the same thing (and only one will pay out, if at all).

Robert
.

 

[northwichcat]

Most insurance is a scam really. People don't seem to realise that it's virtually another form of gambling.

Not having travel insurance on overseas visits could mean you have to pay for extra nights accommodation and rearranged transport if something goes wrong like you take ill and can't travel back at the scheduled time and outside the E.U. you could face a large medical bill if you take ill.

On a UK trip then insurance isn't really needed as under E.U. legislation the operator has to get you home or provide you with overnight accommodation if that's not possible. Also in an emergency any doctor's surgery can provide medical assistance if you aren't in your local area, not just the surgery you're registered with.

 

[orpine]

Oh yes, I get the point of insurance; basically you're covering yourself against losing something you can't afford to lose (i.e. house, car, high value items, medical bills in third world countries (i.e. USA , etc)).

But looking at this, there's just no way it's worth it and that's before considering that as Robert points out, it may be covered by homeowners insurance. Or your bank card (many give free travel insurance).
I really can't for the life of me think of what this particular insurance offers, even if you don't have cover already. I wonder how much NX rake in from it.

 

[Titfield]

I am not sure it can be called a scam as that would suggest that the purchaser is tricked into purchasing it by misrepresentation.

However as other posters have said it appears to be poor value for money and indeed cover may be held by the purchaser / traveller under a policy they already hold.

 

[Deerfold]

I am not sure it can be called a scam as that would suggest that the purchaser is tricked into purchasing it by misrepresentation.

The box to spend the extra pound is ticked by default.

The first time I booked with NX after they added it I bought it when I didn't want it.

Certainly bad practice even if not actually a scam.

 

[howittpie]

This was featured on Watchdog during the last series after a number of people complained they suggested it was a scam along with a number of other websites.

 

[Shrimper]

Ryanair used to do that with their 'recommended' insurance provider as did various other airlines - I didn't mind them advertising their partner; I did object to them automatically ticking the yes box!

 

[fowler9]

Yeah, travel insurance is good if you are going somewhere a bit of the beaten track cause the cost of repatriation can bankrupt you if things go really wrong. In the UK though it is just not worth it. I don't even rate the bank accounts you pay a fee for if you have good home insurance.

 

[bb21]

This brings out a very important point that everyone should be aware of - always check the amount you are authorising before supplying your payment details.

I must admit that I also got caught out the first time this process was automated.