My mate's V+ HD box was stolen

formula_86 · 21-12-2010, 10:28

One of my friends has unfortunately just has their house broken into, and amongst the things stolen, the V+ HD box was also stolen. Now I understand that Virgin set top boxes are only rented and you are held liable for anything that happens and have pay a fine if say they get broken etc, but would you still have to pay a fine if it was stolen dispite you taking reasonable steps to keep it safe? I mean its bad enough you having to endure the stress and upset for things being stolen without having to pay anyone a fine for something thats not your fault.

BenMcr · 21-12-2010, 10:35

Yes you would, as this is in the terms:

You are responsible for making sure that our equipment is safe and used properly at all times. To do this, you agree to do the following:
a. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and any other instructions we have given you;
b. Keep the equipment under your control (for example, you may not sell it, lend it or hire it out to anyone else, put it up as security for a loan or mortgage, or allow it to be seized under any legal process against you). You must not move our equipment from your home without our permission;
c. Insure any of our equipment against any loss, theft or damage for the full replacement value;

formula_86 · 21-12-2010, 11:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

Yes you would, as this is in the terms:
c. Insure any of our equipment against any loss, theft or damage for the full replacement value;
[/I]

Yes, they have house insurance covering all the contents, but I didn't know as to whether or not Virgin Media would still demand payment for the box being stolen.

RobboEdin · 21-12-2010, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by formula_86

Yes, they have house insurance covering all the contents, but I didn't know as to whether or not Virgin Media would still demand payment for the box being stolen.

They would expect you or your insurance to pay the replacement cost.

pauldavies83 · 21-12-2010, 11:40

Surely the house insurance will cover it?

Are VM really going to go chasing the cash before the insurance pays out? I wouldn't have thought so

Joedm45 · 21-12-2010, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by pauldavies83

Surely the house insurance will cover it?

Are VM really going to go chasing the cash before the insurance pays out? I wouldn't have thought so

I doubt they will give you another one without paying first though

indie1982 · 21-12-2010, 14:21

Will a normal contents insurance policy cover stuff like that? Something that isn't yours?

Will the insurance company want to see confirmation of the box value from VM?

gondalio · 21-12-2010, 15:23

Im not sure what other people have to say about this but I have been to a few people's houses who have had their stb stolen/damaged (quite badly) and the equipment has been swapped for free. I think you might be ok if you explain the situation and once a fault call is booked the tech shouldnt have any issue sticking you another one in, but i guess it depends who you talk to.

amgard · 21-12-2010, 19:30

Quote:

c. Insure any of our equipment against any loss, theft or damage for the full replacement value;

...raises an interesting point. If you can only ever rent the box, i.e. NOT buy it, then what exactly is the full replacement cost?? I've not seen this mentioned explicitly anywhere in the T & Cs

Stuart · 21-12-2010, 19:34

The full replacement cost is whatever Virgin charges for replacement. They don't freely advertise this, but I suspect one of our staff members will be along to reveal the costs.

amgard · 21-12-2010, 19:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart

The full replacement cost is whatever Virgin charges for replacement. They don't freely advertise this, but I suspect one of our staff members will be along to reveal the costs.

Unfortunately that is of no use when getting a quote for contents insurance. You're expected to know the value of the items long before claiming.

To take a ridiculous example; say the box was worth Â£10,000 (yes - I did say it was ridiculous

) and you were robbed. The insurance Co is within it's right to say you were under-insured and either fail to pay out at all, or to pay only a proportion of the claim, a bit of a bummer if you lost a lot of your own stuff at the same time.

Peter_ · 21-12-2010, 19:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by formula_86

Yes, they have house insurance covering all the contents, but I didn't know as to whether or not Virgin Media would still demand payment for the box being stolen.

Your friend will require a Crime Number from the Police as otherwise he will be liable for the cost of the box as Virginmedia will need it in order to claim on the household insurance.

As long as they have that the should be no issue.

Flyboy · 21-12-2010, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by indie1982

Will a normal contents insurance policy cover stuff like that? Something that isn't yours?

Generally, yes

Will the insurance company want to see confirmation of the box value from VM?

Again, generally yes. But that should never be an issue, VM will write to the custiomer telling them how much they would have to pay. I wonder if the thieves have tried to sell it on to anyone; they'll a nasty surprise.

**Hugh** · 21-12-2010, 19:53

Your friend might want to enquire here about their missing box.....

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/12...ap-v-plus.html

Flyboy · 21-12-2010, 19:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by amgard

Unfortunately that is of no use when getting a quote for contents insurance. You're expected to know the value of the items long before claiming.

To take a ridiculous example; say the box was worth Â£10,000 (yes - I did say it was ridiculous

) and you were robbed. The insurance Co is within it's right to say you were under-insured and either fail to pay out at all, or to pay only a proportion of the claim, a bit of a bummer if you lost a lot of your own stuff at the same time.

I presume it would be the cost of the box when the a new contract starts, I beleive that is one hundred and forty-five pounds, wouldn't it?