ok, if you know that over 50% of the premium ends up with agents, you can understand why insurers are so loath to part with their (your) money in case of a claim.
Last year had a ferry cancelled, making it I had to go from the UK to Spain via France etc.
Total cost: some 320 euros (hotel, ferry, autoroutes de France, food etc).
My claim was denied because I had had 4 days notice of the cancellation of the Ferry.
Simply sued them in Alicante, simple model (normal claims court, can send people copy of the form to be used) and finally got a simple letter from them they were willing to pay - minus the excess. Told them to bugger off, and send a lawyer, full notarised power of attorney legalised in to Spanish etc. etc. to Alicante.
So they paid the FULL amount into the account of the court (without deducting the excess). Of course cashed the money, and pointed out in court I am also entitled to some 20 euros in interest for late payment. Just waiting whether they will send a lawyer for that to Alicante :-)
