i HAVE MADE A CLAIM ON MY HOUSHOLD INSURANCE FOR WATER DAMAGE. IS IT CORRECT THAT THE COMPANY BE ALLOWED TO ASK ME IF I HAVE ANY CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS. THIS IS THE FIRST CLAIM IN 10YRS.
2007-03-16 05:47:18 · 9 answers · asked by tom 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Insurance
They can ask whatever they want. You can refuse to answer. However, criminal convictions are public record so if they really wanted to find out the answer, they could whether you tell them or not.
2007-03-16 05:51:18 · answer #1 · answered by Faye H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can. The reason they ask when you make a claim is to ensure that they have all correct details on file and there are no non-disclosures (details that you failed to tell them when you set up your policy).
The reason they ask this question is because it can involve a higher risk to them. For example if you had a conviction for fraud, they are reluctant accept your application for policy due to possibilities of fraudulant claims being made.
The action decided by the insurance company depends on the nature of the conviction and how much of a risk the insurance company feel it imposes. If a serious conviction they could void your insurance policy ab initio (from the beginning) in which case all your previous premiums would be refunded to you (after deducting any previous claims already made). If a minor conviction they may choose to ignore it or just make amendments to your policy. These amendments could be to increase policy excess, apply a premium loading, etc.
Insurance companies however do not have access to your criminal convictions as this would be a breach of Date Protection. However if they have any concerns they can request that you provide them with a certificate of criminal convictions to show your criminal record. If you refuse to provide this, then they may again choose to cancel your policy.
* It is always best to provide your insurance with all info they require as although it may mean they do not accept you for insurance or your premiums increase, this is better than making a large claim and then finding that due to a non-disclosure, your policy will be cancelled and claim will not go ahead leaving you with a large bill for the damages.
2007-03-16 13:22:09 · answer #2 · answered by me 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, they can ask. They asked when they bought the policy, and they can ask again. Besides, with the click of a mouse they can find out anyway.
If you have a criminal conviction, say for insurance fraud, and the insurance company finds out about it, it may be enough to rescind the policy (make it as though they never had written it in the first place). Other convictions may not be as important to the claim.
May as well tell them, voluntarily. They will look harder at you if you don't admit it and they find out on their own. How can they believe anything you say, if you lie about that?
2007-03-16 09:05:39 · answer #3 · answered by MTR 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, they can ask. And it's ALSO a question on the original application. Depending on the type of conviction, it could be grounds for cancellation of the policy, if you misrepresented it on the application. That would mean, the claim isn't covered.
2007-03-16 07:17:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Criminal Record Search Database : http://www.SearchVerifyInfo.com/Help
2015-10-02 00:03:59 · answer #5 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you fail to tell an insurance company anything that might affect their risk, even if they have not asked for it, your insurance is void.
2007-03-16 20:31:27 · answer #6 · answered by fred35 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they can ask! they can ask for lots of different information!
2007-03-16 05:56:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they can
2007-03-18 10:12:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, but usually they don't unless they suspect fraud.
2007-03-16 21:49:23 · answer #9 · answered by bundysmom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋