Insurance fraud? Upper Austrian fights for repair costs!

Insurance fraud? Upper Austrian fights for repair costs!

Linz, Österreich - An Upper Austrian from the Urfahr-Umgebung district recently experienced a frustrating incident with his electrical appliance insurance. In June 2023 he acquired a digital camera and chose insurance that was supposed to secure him against damage. Christmas 2024, when he wanted to use the camera, he found that it could no longer be activated even though it was fully charged. A Media Markt sales expert then discovered moisture damage.

The insurance company refused to cover the costs for the repair. The Upper Austrian could not prove how the damage had arisen, even though he had used the camera regularly - when hiking, in the garden or at family celebrations. In order to defend himself, the consumer turned to the Chamber of Labor in Upper Austria, which confirmed that according to the insurance conditions, moisture damage is typically covered.

Problems with electrical device insurance

Despite the support of the Chamber of Labor, a letter did not lead to the desired assumption of costs by the insurance. Only after a lawyer commissioned by the AK submitted a lawsuit to the Linz district court did the insurance company pay the repair costs of 329 euros. This situation is not unique. More and more consumers in Austria report similar problems with device insurance, since many applications are rejected for the transfer of damage.

This type of insurance, which is often offered when buying electronic devices, should be thoughtfully correct. According to [consumerzentrale.de] (https://www. consumer center.de/wissen/geld-versicherungen/geraeteversicherung-fuer-sartphet-SHORTHOBLTE-TUBET-EBET-EBERFLUESSIG-11562), device insurance is not expensive and often do not apply because there are often no services for certain damage. The insurance only bears the costs for the existing device and not for a new model.

cost-benefit assessment

A comprehensive consideration of the insurance costs is strongly advised. An example from practice shows that a consumer had taken out a complete protection insurance for 8 euros a month for a 199 euro washing machine. After two years, the premiums added up to the new price of the machine. After five years it turned out that the machine was no longer in possession of the consumer, but the insurance was still to be paid because he had missed the notice period.

In addition, it is recommended to study the numerous exclusions in the policies. In the event of damage, such as B. with a defective smartphone, those affected often have to accept high deductures before the insurance company reaches. Damage due to operating errors or virus infestation is often not covered. In view of these facts, experts warn that the costs of device insurance often exceed the benefits. It should therefore be carefully considered whether such insurance is really necessary.

consumers who already have experience with existing device insurance and are therefore dissatisfied can contact the Upper Austria Chamber of Labor in order to receive support. The department urgently warns of the potential stumbling blocks at the conclusion of such insurance and advises a comprehensive examination of individual needs.