Something 'could' happen - Don't risk it (Curry's Whatever Happens Insurance)

Member Name: freetimeaction

Product:	Curry's Whatever Happens Insurance
Date:	10/11/08 (1826 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Engineer Visits | Collections | Quick repairs | Credit notes

Disadvantages: Could be a little costly

Who are 'What Ever Happens'?
What Ever Happens is simply the trading name for DSG Retail Limited - You may have heard this brand before, also known as the DSG group (Currys / The Link / PC World / Dixons).

What does the 'What Ever Happens' cover?
The cover plan is an insurance policy for your goods purchased from in store. It covers you on accidental damage, mechanical breakdowns, repairs and replacement.

How much does it cost?
This is dependant on the item you are purchasing, but as a ball park figure £7.99 per month will cover you for a 50" Plasma worth £1,200.

How long does this cover last for?
It will continue to run until you cancel your direct debit with them; it works on a pay as you go basis.

Why use this cover, when I'm covered on home insurance?
To be honest this was one of my main questions, which were cleared up quickly by the sales guy. With this cover, you can claim as many times as needed to repair or replace your goods and your premium / monthly cost will not increase. There is NO excess charge either meaning once you've paid your direct debit you've not to worry about any huge bills coming from the repair centre.

What's covered?
Any electrical item from in store including TVs, Freezers, HiFi systems, Laptops and much more.

How do I claim?
Should your item be faulty, you simply call the number provided to you in your welcome pack. Depending on the product you are claiming for you will either have to return it to the store you purchased from for a replacement, or an engineer will need to visit your home to repair it. If an engineer can not repair your item at home, they will arrange a collection of the item and have it taken away to a repair centre.

How long does it take to repair / replace my item?
If your product is small enough to take back to the store (e.g. iPod / Laptop / 15" LCD Screen) it will be replaced instantly. If however your item needs to be taken away for repair (e.g. 42" Plasma / Freezer) they will repair or replace the item within 21days. These 21 days (Calendar days, not working days) run from the first call you made to them to arrange an engineer visit / collection.

Will I have to pay anything for the repair?
No, nothing at all. You won't have to pay for the engineer visit, the parts, the repair, the courier collection or the delivery.

How much will I receive if my item isn't repairable?
If they can't repair your item within the 21 days, they WILL honor a credit note in the form of vouchers to use in store to the value of the item currently on sale, or if it's no longer available, to an item with the same or better specification.
You can use these vouchers at either: Currys / PC World / Dixons or The Link.
You may receive less that you paid, but they will ensure you receive enough to purchase the same item / specification product or better.

If my item is repaired, but I'm not happy with it, what happens next?
Claim again! If your item is returned and not fixed, or you're still not happy, put another claim in within 5 days. If you leave it longer than 5 days the 21 day rule will start all over again. Ensure you re-open the last claim, this making it more likely you will receive a credit note if it's not fixed second time round.

How many times can I claim for the same item?
As many times as you need! There are no limits. If the item keeps breaking down, they will more than likely just replace it or provide you with a credit note.

How quickly will I receive my vouchers once a claim is successful?
Within 7 working days you will receive your vouchers.

Do I have to spend all in store?
Yes, but not in one go. E.g. If you receive £500, you may spend £400 of the voucher on one item, and plan to spend the rest later. The remaining £100 will be put on a gift card for you. These vouchers can not be exchanged for cash.

Can I give the voucher away?
No! The voucher can only be used by you, as your name is printed on it. You will need to provide 1 form of ID and 1 proof of address when purchasing (E.g. Passport + Phone Bill)

How long do I have to use them?
You are given a 3 month period to use them, after this time they will be void.

Do I have to buy the same item again?
No! The vouchers can be used on anything in store, and you can put more towards the item if it exceeds the voucher amount.

Do I have to buy it from day 1?
No! You can purchase it anywhere up to 12 months later. My advice is, purchase this cover 9-10 months into the products life (as the 1st 12 months are covered by the manufacture anyway for faulty goods)

*My opinion / experience*
I purchased a 50" Plasma in April 2007, it developed a fault only a few months outside of its 12 month warranty, but luckily I had taken the 'What Ever Happens' cover plan.
After one quick phone call, an engineer was out within 2 days, after viewing the fault he arranged a collection of the TV. It was away for a little over 10 days for repair.
After being returned I noticed the fault was still present, and called them again for another engineer visit.
2 days later a courier arrived to take the TV away again.
Once the 21 days were up, and they still had the TV the claim process was started and within 4 working days I received my vouchers.
Overall a fantastic company, just a shame they couldn't fix my last TV, but I've now got a better model for the £7.99pm over 18months.

Summary: It's worth the peace of mind, don't get caught out with a faulty product