Logic says that you send them a certified copy of your power of attorney
having checked on the phone with them what precise evidence they need to see
to prove you have this power. Use a recordable method of transmission with
confirmation of receipt documentation mailed to you.
If they cancelled the cover in a legitimate manner then I suggest Watchdog
but doubt you will get anywhere. If they acted outside the terms of their
contract I think you have every reason to pursue them as strongly as you
feel able to do.
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Janice Vale
Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2004 11:24 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] Advice on claim for damages -breach of principle
4
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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