I am a volunteer driver for various NGOs in disaster and war-torn environments. In March 2023, my transit van was stolen along with many of my possessionsEI worked in a refugee camp.
This was very stressful and made things worse as my insurance company rejected my claim as it was using it as a camper over the weekend. In a letter cancelling my policy, I said I was unable to talk about the “fixes” I made.
I complained to the Financial Ombudsman but it didn't succeed. As far as my concerns go, throwing mattress and camping gear on my back was not naive and unfavourable.
Then in October 2024 my motorcycle insurance was automatically renewed, but was cancelled after 2 weeks due to a van issue. Since then, I've only been contacting multiple bike insurance companies and told them there's no way I can cover it again.
I've been driving for 38 years. I have never had an accident and have not been found guilty.
What should men who sometimes sleep on weekends using a van, put some things on their backs to make them more comfortable and leave them in a position where they can no longer have insurance?
df, llangollen
The letter received when the van insurance was cancelled must advise the current or future insurance company what happened and “the future insurance could be declared void.” has been revealed. You are often out of the country, and this is what happened when you let your bike covers update without flagging them.
Raising a van for the weekend seems harmless, but as I discovered, if you don't tell the insurance company, it could override your policy. The argument is that adding mod cons can change the value of the vehicle and make it more attractive to burglars (your changes included kitchens, heaters and solar panels). If the insurance company knew, it could have raised the premium or pulled your cover.
I used up many options, including hiring a lawyer to challenge the van insurance company's decision before you came to me. I contacted the UK Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) and identified a broker who could help you through its “Find Insurance” service. I handed you the details and you secured new bike insurance for a similar price.
“Everyone who cancels a policy may find it difficult to find insurance through standard online routes, but specialized brokers often have access to a niche market they can help.”
