18-month wait for travel claim is over at last

Nov 6 2011 Sunday Sun

GEORGE Morgan had been trying to resolve a problem with his travel insurance for 18 months before turning to me for help.

He was in Spain on holiday when he was told his mother had died.

George, of South Shields, South Tyneside, returned home immediately and later put in a claim to Halifax for the cost of accommodation and his flight home.

He said: “Halifax keep asking for more information which I have tried to provide.

“They want official documentation to prove I was in the accommodation but it was a private transaction, not a package tour, and I have not got the kind of document they want.

“I do, however, have a receipt from the security guard at the apartments in Benidorm where I was staying.”

The claim over flights was also held up while bosses at Halifax investigated.

George said: “It’s not much, just £200, but it’s become a matter of principle.

“Just because it wasn’t a package holiday is no reason to stop paying. Is there anything Mr Justice can do?”

I put in a call to Lloyds Bank, parent company of the Halifax, and the 18-month wait was over.

Spokeswoman Alison Robb told me: “Mr Morgan has now provided us with a copy of the return flight booking and explained how the accommodation was paid for.

“We’ve been in touch with Mr Morgan and have advised him we are happy to settle his claim and that payment has been arranged.”

The final word goes to George who said: “They said they were sorry I had to come to Mr Justice. But they had 18 months to sort it out and needed a push in the right direction.

“They take your money quickly enough but are not so keen to pay out.”

Still, a good result, and although Halifax might have needed a helping hand they earn a thumbs up.