Emboldened by my daily dose of data protection horror stories, I thought I
might at last post to the list and provide a "Friday" tale for you to chew
on. I would be grateful for any advice on how best to make a claim for
compensation for losses resulting from inaccurate recordkeeping:-
My elderly mother recently had the unfortunate experience of being burgled
whilst in a respite care home following a bad fall and stay in hospital.
Her insurance company refused to assist me, or to explain why not, quoting
our favourite piece of legislation. I eventually worked out that their
records must show that my flat, rather than my mother's house, was
covered by the buildings policy, despite the fact that the documents in my
hands showed the correct details: ironically, when I set up the policy for
my mum I had given them my address "for correspondence" to expedite
payment when they were slow sending out the paperwork, but this was
clearly marked as a temporary arrangement, expiring in December 2003, on
the policy schedule. The fact that the cover is for a 3 bed house whilst
my address is "flat x" might have given them a clue! I only managed to
rectify the situation after umpteen phone calls, taking time off work and
incurring unnecessary costs in securing the house, because I have a power
of attorney.
Any suggestions gratefully received. In particular, have I the right to
claim on my own behalf as attorney, or for my mother? Needless to say I
wouldn't dream of passing on the costs to her.
Well, that's my nomination for "scrooge of the year" : cancelling the
cover of a vulnerable old lady because her home was unoccupied whilst she
was in hospital must take some beating!
Merry Xmas to all
Janice Vale
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