JS Insurance blog

Getting a brand new iPhone 4S can be an exciting experience, but that euphoria can quickly turn to disappointment if you drop the phone. iPhone insurance is something everyone with an iPhone should invest in. These phones are not cheap to replace and Apple does not cover damage due to dropping the phone or submerging it in water. It also is nearly impossible to repair these phones yourself. It has to be done by a trained professional, and it will often cost more than the phone is worth.

The most common damage that occurs when an iPhone 4S is dropped is damage to the glass shell which covers the outside of the phone. It often cracks, which can make it very hard to read the screen and can even cause the screen to stop working all together. The back of the phone also has a glass cover on it which can crack if dropped or if the phone is placed in your back pocket and then sat on. This normally will not cause the phone to stop working, but is unsightly to look at, and the cracks can spread over time. Unfortunately, it is not possible to fix the screen yourself. The phone needs to be sent in to a service center, and this will cost a fair bit of money if you do not have insurance.

Another problem that can happen if the iPhone 4S is dropped is circuit board damage. This normally happens on falls from a higher distance and can often make the iPhone 4S totally useless. Much like the cracked glass screen, this is not a problem that can be fixed by the user of the device. The phone must once again be sent in for service if it does not have iPhone Insurance, and the extreme cost of fixing this problem makes it not worth the money in most cases.

Dropping your iPhone 4S in the pool or a puddle also is bad for the phone, especially if you do not have iPhone Insurance.  It is not water sealed at all, and water will seep in almost immediately. If the phone is on when this happens, it most likely will not survive being exposed to water and will need to be replaced. However, if the iPhone 4S is not powered on when it is submerged in water it often can be saved, though the warranty is voided by being exposed to water. If your iPhone 4 has been submerged, retrieve it as fast as possible and seal it in a bag full of rice. The rice helps wick the moisture away from the phone, which dries it out. Do not power the phone on while you are doing so, as this can cause a short-circuit, destroying the phone. Keep the phone in the rice for about a week. After that, take the iPhone 4 out and see if it powers on and works properly. You may just luck out and not have to replace it.

Of course, with an iPhone Insurance plan, none of these situations would be a huge deal. Simply call up the insurance company, tell them about your problem and you will have a new phone shipped out to you. There may be a deductible to pay depending on the plan, but this is usually far cheaper than having to replace the phone if it was not covered by your iPhone insurance.

JS Insurance has partnered with Alpha Underwriting to provide more specialist travel insurance products.

Through a combination of product expertise and insurance knowledge,  JS Insurance and Alpha Underwriting  are strategically placed to execute market leading products in a simple, yet professional manner.

JS Insurance and Alpha Underwriting  are committed to meeting the unique needs of our customers.

These specialist travel insurance policies include:

• One Way Trip Travel Insurance
• Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance with maximum trip duration options range from 31 days to 93 days per trip.  Maximum age: 74 years
• Manual Business Trips Cover
• Natural Catastrophe
• Pre existing Medical Conditions
• Travel Dispute
• Hazardous pursuits, many as standard

Information for travellers stranded abroad

Our Insurance providers are willing to extend cover free of charge, subject to customers returning on the earliest possible flight (subject to availability) . No claims will be accepted for additional accommodation or transport costs as a result of the volcanic eruption.

Customers with rearranged travel plans

If in the event that airspace is closed and carriers are offering alternative travel plans for their customers. We will accept the transfer of cover to the new dates of travel, providing that the alternative arrangements is made within three weeks from 23rd May 2011, with travel dates being within the next six months and the new trip duration being the same as the original.

You will need to contact us to make the amendments to cover.

Repatriation of patients mid-claim

We acknowledge that due to possible disruption, the repatriation of customers who have suffered a medical emergency may be delayed and subject to increased medical related  costs. These increased costs will be accepted under the policy cover, subject to repatriation at the earliest opportunity and also to the usual terms and conditions of the policy.

Current Foreign  Office Advice

Ash Cloud: Iceland airspace closed

25th May 2011

Icelandic airpsace is closed for all flights (international and domestic) basedon advice from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre.

The closure of Keflavik Airport comes after the Grimsvotn volcano in South East Iceland began erupting on Saturday 21st May 2011.

Passengers are advised to remain in regular contact with their travel agents or airlines for the latest news. Updates to our Iceland travel advice will be posted as more infiormation is available.

Air Traffic Control has imposed restrictions after reports that he ash could cause damage to engines and/or landing gear.

We anticipate claims enquiries will be received from customers and this Bulletin is intended to provide JS Insurance’s view on how travel insurance policies will respond.

Cancellation

No cover will apply under this section. The insured events are specific and this scenario is not covered under JS Insurance policies.

Travel Delay and Abandonment

This section of cover contains specific exclusions, one being any claims arising from the delay of travel arrangements by or on the order of any Government, Public or Local Authority but not limited to any civil or federal aviation authority.

Air passengers are once again being delayed and possible cancellation of flights due to the new volcanic ash cloud from Iceland’s Grimsvotn volcano.

If you have purchased Travel Insurance that covers travel delay or cancellation due to volcanic ash before the situation unfolded. The insurer will honor claims as long as the Travel Insurance was purchased before 8am on 22 May 2011.

Delay, abandonment and costs incurred while abroad are covered through our Towergate AUL policy. If your airline offers to pay for accommodation the travel insurer will not do so too.

JS Insurance has launched a new Mobile Phone Insurance policy.

Benefits of this Insurance:

• Loss
• Theft
• Accidental Damage
• Unauthorised calls
• Liquid Damage

This policy now covers the loss of your mobile phone, if you need to make a claim you will require a Lost Property Report.

The excess is now £50 for Accidental Damage and £75 for theft and loss.

There is an option to choose monthly payments of £6.99 for any phone (including iPhones) or £59.99 for an Annual policy.

The maximum value of any phone we will insure is £700 (including VAT) and the mobile phone must be new and have been purchased within the last six months.

When your Laptop or Tablet PC has so much  important information, such as photos and documents, it is a good idea to get it insured.

However not all Laptop / Tablet PC Insurance policies are the same, when you are getting a quote online for insurance. Our comprehensive laptop / Tablet PC Insurance takes into account the importance of the premium paid as well as quality of cover, in terms of the protection it provides.

JS Insurance Benefits of Cover:

Accidental Damage

If your laptop or Tablet PC is accidentally damaged, we will pay for the repair or replacement (if it is beyond repair). So if you spill coffee over your keyboard or drop it down the stairs, you don’t have to panic. Or if you forget it is in the carry case and throw it down.

Theft

Make sure you do not leave your equipment unattended when you are out and about. If the worst does happen and your laptop or Tablet PC is stolen, let the police know straight away and we will provide you with a new one.

Cover from just £30 a year

Our comprehensive Laptop / Tablet PC Insurance offers better value for money than most other providers.

JS Insurance is now providing a Specialist Travel Insurance Policy with a wide range of Extra Travel Cover and Sports / Activities (including skydiving, Scuba Diving to 40 metres, Horse Jumping, BMX Cycling and many more….

The Benefits of the JS Insurance Travel Insurance Policy include:

• 24 hour Medical Emergency Assistance
• Medical & Treatment Expenses (unlimited)
• Cancellation or Curtailment up to £7,500
• Personal Effects and Baggage up to £2,500
• Winter Sports Cover
• Golf Cover
• Cruise Cover
• Business Travel Cover
• Wedding/Civil Partnership Cover

This Travel Insurance is provided by JS Insurance and the insurance has been arrange through Ancile Insurance Group Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority - No 471641, with Mapfre Assistance.

JS Insurance in association with Citymian Administrators has launched a new comprehensive Laptop Insurance and Tablet PC Insurance policy.

This policy is designed specifically for those customers that are on the move and offers a very reasonable premium for a year’s policy, starting from £30 a year.

JS Insurance Benefits include:

• Accidental Damage and Theft
• Liquid Damage
• Quick and Easy Claims Process
• Worldwide Cover
• Extra Cover for Accessories

The worldwide cover is unique as it covers your Laptop or Tablet PC whilst abroad and there is no limit to how many days you are travelling during the year.

If the Laptop or Tablet PC is damaged beyond repair we will provide you with a product of the equivalent general specification.

Additionally you are covered for the replacement accessories such as battery chargers and carry cases up to the maximum limit of £150 (including VAT).

The Excess for each and every claim is 15% of the value of the product.

The Policy is underwritten by Amtrust International Limited.

JS Insurance has launched a new product that offers Single Trip,  Annual Mult Trip as well as Long Stay Travel Insurance for European Residents.

The policy offers Travel Insurance with pre existing medical conditions cover,  as well as a full range of Activities and Sports.

Travel Insurance Benefits (per person):

• 24 hour Medical Emergency Assistance
• Medical & Treatment Expenses up to £10,000,000
• Cancellation or Curtailment up to £6,000
• Personal Effects and Baggage up to £2,500
• Winter Sports Cover
• Business Travel Cover
• Golf Cover
• Wedding / Civil Partnership Cover
• Independent Traveller Cover

This European Residents Travel Insurance is provided by JS Insurance and the insurance has been arrange through Ancile Insurance Group Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority - No 471641, with AXA Insurance UK Plc

Three ludicrous insurance claims

The world’s axis is burdened under the pressure of scam artists’, loan sharks, newest quick profit schemes. Fraud is one of the most respected professions on the planet, and one that takes a lot of skill, an uncanny ability to lie, and continents full of unsuspecting suckers.

Some people will do anything to make a quick buck. Never mind the old elbow grease; just use a little grease on the forms, and you’re sure to make a few pounds quickly and efficiently. Now, for many that’s not a problem. If you aren’t caught, who cares, right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work.

Let’s look at a few cases where the claims didn’t go as expected.

Burning down the house

An insurance company received a claim of 72,000 pounds for a house that was severely damaged by fire. Hmm, that happens, right? Something catches fire by accident, and the next thing your house is a heap of smouldering ashes. The only problem with this claim, at closer inspection, was that there was no forced entry. The fire was clearly a case of arson, as evidenced by the container of highly flammable liquid found near the fireplace. Another indicator of a planned scam was that the owner of the house had sold new furniture not long before the fire, and replaced it with old furniture. This thing smells of old haddock, never mind sounds fishy. To top his artistic endeavour off, it was found that the man had removed his two cars from the driveway the very night of the “accident”.

“Certainly sir. We’ll pay out immediately. It’s completely understandable that everything falls in place for a rock solid arson case, but you look like such a lovely, trustworthy man. There’s no way we’ll deny you. Oh yes, of course, people leave petrol tanks by the fireplace all the time. I do it too! We understand.”

Pet Cemetery

A man was putting in claims of thousands of pounds against the deaths of several pedigree animals. Of course, the insurance company thought things smelled a little offish, and decided to investigate. Their senses did not let them down. It turns out the man was acquiring dead animals and storing them up in a freezer. He wasn’t picky. He bought some dead animals, while others were simply road kill; a real stylish operator.  While his pets were freezing their dead behinds off, he’s take out insurance policies against them, and then wait a while before trying to cash in.

The High Flyer

A bright, hard-working, honest woman submitted a receipt of 200 pounds for the printing of flyers for her Yorkshire terrier, which the flyer claimed was lost. At closer examination, it was revealed that the receipt had mysteriously received an extra zero somewhere along the way from the newsagent to her submitting it. As if that’s not enough, the lady submitted another claim six months later, much along the same lines as the first. This superstar even used the same receipt. However, let’s give her some credit; the dog’s name was altered slightly.

It’s clear to see that fraud is a difficult game. Only the best of the best can survive in such a cutthroat business. It’s no place for amateurs.