Argos Coversafe
Protect your Argos Card and save yourself the worry
15870_Argos Coversafe Policy update AW.indd 1
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Argos Coversafe
Summary of Cover
This policy summary does not contain the full terms and
conditions of the contract. Full terms and conditions can be
found in the policy document GP02497.
the relevant benefits under this policy would be payable in the
event of the breadwinner’s accident, sickness, unemployment
or becoming a carer.
Who is the insurer and administrator?
You and the nominated breadwinner are both covered under
the life benefit part of this policy. However in the event of
death, the balance outstanding will only be paid once under
the terms of this policy. For full details, please refer to Section
“Important Information” on page 7 of your policy booklet.
Pinnacle Insurance plc is the underwriter and claims
administration provider of the policy. Cardif Pinnacle is a
trading style of Pinnacle Insurance plc. Pinnacle Insurance
plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority
and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the
Prudential Regulation Authority.
Home Retail Group Insurance Services Ltd (HIS) is the
administration provider for policy queries, amendments
and cancellations.
What is Argos Coversafe?
Argos Coversafe provides benefits for your Argos store
card in the event of your death, accident, sickness and
unemployment. It also offers purchase protection insurance
where you have chosen this cover as an option.
Eligibility
To become insured under this policy, you must:
•be the first named on your agreement;
•be at least 18 and less than 65 years of age;
•be working for at least 16 hours per week in the United
Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man;
•agree to pay the monthly premium and keep to the terms
and conditions of this policy; and
•have been in full-time employment or self-employed, for at
least 6 continuous consecutive months immediately prior to
the start date.
In addition to the eligibility requirements above, we have
used the information supplied by you in your application for
this policy in making our decision to offer you cover under
this policy.
During the term of your policy, you must continue to meet the
conditions above to remain eligible for the levels of cover that
apply to you. If your circumstances change or you no longer
meet the conditions above you should contact Argos straight
away to discuss your options.
Breadwinner:
If you are not eligible for this insurance, it is possible for
you to nominate a breadwinner as an insured person. The
nominated person must be your partner residing with you and
meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above. This means that
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If you are self-employed:
You should pay particular attention to the definitions of
“self-employment” and “cease trading” in the policy
document. This is to ensure that you meet the requirements
and understand the circumstances for making an
unemployment claim and the evidence you would need
to provide.
In order to make a successful unemployment claim,
you will need to provide us with:
•confirmation from your accountant that you had
involuntarily ceased to trade and your business has
insufficient assets to meet its debts and liabilities; and
•evidence that you have submitted your final closing
accounts for your business to HMRC; and
•evidence that your business has been put in the hands of an
insolvency practitioner; or
•evidence that your business is or being dissolved and final
closing accounts have been prepared or are being prepared
and submitted to HMRC.
To make an accident or sickness claim you must not be actively
involved in your business in any way during this time, or
be receiving any form of payment. See Section 4 (v) of your
policy document.
If you work under a fixed-term contract:
What are the main features, benefits, exclusions and limitations of Argos Coversafe?
The benefits applicable to you will depend on your age, the type of employment you are engaged in, and whether you are
permanently retired or not.
Applicable if you are in full-time employment
or self-employment, and you are aged between:
Applicable if you are permanently retired:
Life
Accident and
Sickness
Unemployment
Purchase
Protection
18-65
18-65
18-65
18-65
Yes
No
No
Yes
The following tables summarise the different levels of cover provided under this policy, for full details
please refer to the relevant sections of the policy document.
Table 1: Life Cover
Features and Benefits
If during the period of insurance you or the
breadwinner die, we will pay Argos for the
credit of the account, a sum equal to the balance
outstanding at the date of death.
Significant Exclusions or Limitations
The maximum benefit is £15,000, regardless of the number
of policies you may have with us.
Benefits will not be payable if your claim results from:
• a self-inflicted injury; or
• drug or alcohol abuse.
Policy
Reference
Sections
2 and 3
Table 2: Accident and Sickness Cover
This part of the policy applies only if you have chosen to include Accident and Sickness as part of your policy and will be stated
on your demands and needs letter.
Features and Benefits
If during the period of insurance an accident or
sickness prevents you from working for
14 continuous consecutive days or more then
subject to the policy terms and conditions,
you will be entitled to an amount equal to the
monthly benefit.
Thereafter, you will be entitled to a monthly
benefit for each continuous consecutive period
of 30 days you remain unfit for work.
Significant Exclusions or Limitations
The maximum monthly benefit is £1,000, regardless of the
number of policies you have with us.
The maximum number of monthly benefit payments for any
one claim is 7.
Benefits will not be payable if your claim results from:
• a self-inflicted injury;
• drug or alcohol abuse; or
• cosmetic surgery.
Policy
Reference
Sections
4 and 5
You should pay particular attention to the definition of “fixedterm contract” and Section 6 (ix) of the policy document. This
is to ensure you understand the situations in which you would
be entitled to make an unemployment claim and the criteria
you would need to meet if your contract was either terminated
early or not renewed.
You must continue to meet the conditions above to remain
eligible for the levels of cover that apply to you. If your
circumstances change or you no longer meet the conditions
above you should contact us straight away to discuss
your options.
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Table 3: Unemployment Cover
Features and Benefits
If during the period of insurance you become
unemployed for 14 continuous consecutive days
or more then subject to the policy terms and
conditions, you will be entitled to an amount
equal to the monthly benefit.
Thereafter, you will be entitled to a monthly
benefit for each continuous consecutive period
of 30 days you remain unemployed.
Carer’s Cover
You may also be able to claim for unemployment
if you become a carer and receive Carer’s
Allowance from the Department for Work and
Pensions Jobcentre Plus. If you live and work
in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, in
respect of Department for Work and Pensions
Jobcentre Plus, the local equivalent shall apply.
For all claims, proof will be required from your
employer, your doctor and/or the Job Centre.
Table 5: General Information – Applicable to all Cover
Significant Exclusions or Limitations
The maximum monthly benefit is £1,000, regardless of the
number of policies you have with us.
The maximum number of monthly benefit payments for any
one claim is 7.
Benefits will not be payable if your claim results from any:
• unemployment which follows any announcement or action
by your employer prior to the start date in relation to
the department or division of the business in which you
work, and which relates to any redundancies, employee
consultations, restructures, mergers or reorganisations
that have led or could lead to compulsory job losses,
mandatory reduced working hours or mandatory reduction
in salary;
• unemployment where your work is seasonal, casual or
temporary, or where your unemployment is due to your
misconduct or is voluntary in any way e.g. you resign.
• in the case of an unemployment claim you must satisfy
the definition of unemployment set out in the “Definitions”
Section 18 of the policy (and if you were self-employed,
you must have involuntarily ceased trading).
We will not pay benefits under this policy for a carer cover
claim if at the start date:
• your immediate family member was in receipt of any
disability benefit for his/her condition as described by the
Department of Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus; or
• you were in receipt of Carer’s Allowance as described by
the Department of Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus.
Policy
Reference
Policy
Reference
Contact Details
For general enquiries: Sections
6 and 7
Argos Card Services Limited, Thynne Street, Bolton BL11 1AS
Tel: 0845 640 0700
For policy complaint:
The Customer Care Team, Argos Card Services Limited
Thynne Street, Bolton BL11 1AS
Tel: 0845 640 0700
You may contact Argos using TypeTalk on telephone number
18001 0844 892 0195. Telephone calls may be monitored or recorded
to assist with staff training and for quality control.
For claims enquiries:
Claims Department, Cardif Pinnacle
Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 2XX
Tel: 0844 801 2174 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm)
You can also download a claim form and track your claim online
at: www.support.cardifpinnacle.com
For claims complaint:
Claims Department, Cardif Pinnacle
Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 2XX
Tel: 0844 801 2174 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm)
Page 1 of your
policy document
Your right to cancel
If you cancel within 30 days of the start of this policy or the date you receive your policy documents, the cooling
off period, we will make a full refund of any premium you have paid, providing you do not make a claim. If you
do make a claim no refund will be payable.
Section 11
If you cancel outside the initial 30 day “cooling off period”, no refund of premium will be payable.
To cancel, please contact Argos Card Services Limited using the contact details above.
Our right to cancel
Table 4: Purchase Protection Cover – only applicable if you have chosen to include as part of your policy and will be
stated on your demands and needs letter.
Features and Benefits
Significant Exclusions or Limitations
Subject to the terms and conditions, we will
cover you against loss, theft or damage for
insured articles purchased by you, using your
store card within 365 days from the date of
purchase during the period of insurance or the
date of delivery, whichever is the later.
The maximum amount in respect of a single article is
£1,500, £15,000 for each event and £50,000, in total
per annum.
The following are some of the exclusions:
• loss or damage due to intentional acts by you;
• fraud, abuse, neglect or failure to follow the
manufacturer’s instructions;
• theft from an unattended motor vehicle except where:
• the vehicle has been locked; and
•the vehicle security system (where present) has been
activated; and
•the item has been placed in either the boot or locked in
the glove compartment of the vehicle; and
• unexplained loss of an insured article.
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Policy
Reference
We may cancel your insurance cover immediately where there is evidence of dishonest or exaggerated behaviour
or where you have misrepresented or failed to disclose something at the time of application which would have
caused us to decline you for cover.
Section 12
We may cancel your insurance cover by giving not less than 90 days’ written notice. We will only do this in the
circumstances set out in Section 12 of your policy document.
Duration of Cover
Sections
8 and 9
This is a monthly contract that will be renewed providing you pay your premium when due. This policy will
continue until the date you no longer have an agreement or the end of month in which your store card is
cancelled, withdrawn, expired or is not renewed by Argos, the date you reach 65 years of age, you die, you or
we cancel the policy or you fail to pay the monthly premium when due, whichever happens first. You should
review your circumstances regularly and consider whether this policy still meets your lifestyle needs.
Section 15
Claims
To make sure you receive your benefits as quickly as possible you must notify us about your claim as soon as
you can. You should contact us using the contact details above to request a claim form.
Section 10
For accident, sickness and unemployment claims, you can also download a claim form and track your claim
online at: www.support.cardifpinnacle.com
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Argos Coversafe
Premiums
Your Policy Document
The premium rate applicable to your cover may change during the time you have this policy. This may be
because of changes to our expected future costs. We will only change your premium rate for this reason where
there is a change to the specific factors we have set out in this policy, and that change results in our expected
future costs being higher or lower than assumed when the premium rate was set. This may include changes to
our expected future claims costs due to changes in economic conditions such as unemployment rates.
We will review your premium rate at least annually and you will be given at least 60 days’ written notice of any
alteration to the premium rates under this policy unless the change is due to legislative, tax or
regulatory requirements.
Section 13
We may review your premium rate more frequently than annually if it becomes necessary due to significant
changes in any of the specific factors referred to in Section 13 Except where your premium rate is changed due to
legislative, tax or regulatory requirements, the minimum period between consecutive changes will be 180 days.
This policy provides protection insurance for your Argos store card
in the event of your death, accident, sickness, unemployment
and purchase protection insurance (where you have chosen this
cover as an option) providing you meet the eligibility criteria set out
in Section 1 and have paid the monthly premium when due. This
policy provides you with everything you need to know about your
cover and contains all terms and conditions of your cover including
the exclusions and limitations. Please make sure that you:
• are eligible for the insurance cover;
• know what this insurance does and does not cover;
• understand how changes in your employment may affect your
eligibility to claim; and
• understand the terms and conditions for making a claim.
This policy uses words and phrases that have specific meanings.
You will find these explained in Section 18 “Definitions”. Defined
words are shown in “bold” wherever they appear.
As a result of the premium rate review, your monthly premium may go up, stay the same or go down, and there
is no limit to the amount of any change.
If a review results in an increase to your premium rate and you do not wish to pay the increase you can cancel
your policy with immediate effect by either telephoning us or writing to Argos.
Terms and conditions
We may vary or waive the terms and conditions of this policy. This may be to:
• vary the cover provided under this policy because of changes to our expected future costs. We will only change
your terms and conditions for this reason where there is a change to the specific factors we have set out in
Section 13 of your policy, and that change results in our expected future costs being higher or lower than
assumed when the premium was set. This may include changes to our expected future claims costs due to
changes in economic conditions such as unemployment rates;
• improve your cover;
• comply with any applicable laws or regulations;
• reflect any changes to taxation; or
• correct any typographical or formatting errors that may occur.
You will be given at least 60 days’ written notice of any alteration (including detailed advice about what has
changed and how it may impact you) to the terms and conditions of cover under this policy unless the change is
due to legislative, tax or regulatory requirements.
Except where the terms and conditions of cover under this policy are changed due to legislative, tax or regulatory
changes, the minimum period between consecutive changes will be 180 days.
Such changes may have the effect of increasing or reducing the cover previously provided under this policy. If you
do not wish to continue your cover you can cancel your policy with immediate effect by either telephoning us or
writing to Argos.
Section 14
Applicable if you are permanently retired:
Section 16
Complaints
For complaints regarding general administration of your policy please contact Argos Card Services Limited using
the contact details on page 5.
For complaints regarding claims administration of your policy please contact Cardif Pinnacle using the contact
details on page 5.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of any internal enquiries, you can ask the Financial Ombudsman Service
(FOS) to consider your complaint.
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Contact details
For general enquiries:
Argos Card Services Limited, Thynne Street,
Bolton BL11 1AS
Tel: 0845 640 0700
Applicable if you are in full-time employment
or self-employment, and you are aged between:
Compensation
We are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). If we are unable to meet our liabilities
to you, you may be entitled to compensation from the FSCS. Further information is available from their
website: www.fscs.org.uk
Underwritten by: Pinnacle Insurance plc
Head and Registered Office:
Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way
Borehamwood, Hertfordshire
WD6 2XX, United Kingdom
Company Registered No. 1007798
Policy No. 02497
Date of Policy: 1st July 2012
Section 17
For a policy complaint:
The Customer Care Team,
Argos Card Services Limited
Thynne Street, Bolton BL11 1AS
Tel: 0845 640 0700
You may contact Argos using TypeTalk on telephone number
18001 0844 892 0195. Telephone calls may be monitored or
recorded to assist with staff training and for quality control.
For claims enquiries:
Claims Department, Cardif Pinnacle
Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood,
Hertfordshire WD6 2XX
Tel: 0844 801 2174 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm)
You can also download a claim form and track your claim online
at: www.support.cardifpinnacle.com
For a claims complaint:
Claims Department, Cardif Pinnacle
Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood,
Hertfordshire WD6 2XX
Tel: 0844 801 2174 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm)
Important Information
Eligibility for unemployment benefit varies according to the type
of employment contract you hold and how your unemployment
comes about. It is important that you read Sections 6 and 7 as well
as the definitions of full-time employment, self-employment
and unemployment.
The benefits applicable to you will depend on your age, the
type of employment you are engaged in, and whether you are
permanently retired or not. Please see the table below for details.
Life
Accident and
Sickness
18-65
18-65
18-65
18-65
Yes
No
No
Yes
Please Note: under this policy it is possible for you to nominate
a breadwinner as an insured person. This means that the
relevant benefits under this policy would be payable in the event
of the breadwinner’s accident, sickness, unemployment or
becoming a carer.
You and the nominated breadwinner are both covered under the
life benefit part of this policy. However in the event of death, the
balance outstanding will only be paid once under the terms of
this policy.
You must provide the details of the breadwinner to Argos to
ensure that the breadwinner is covered under this policy. You
may change your nominated breadwinner by notifying Argos.
If you no longer have a breadwinner, you must notify Argos.
In these circumstances you should consider whether this policy
continues to be appropriate for your needs.
In relation to the above, any such benefit will be payable for
the benefit of your agreement with Argos and is subject to
evidence (as listed in Section 10) that the person nominated is
the breadwinner. Evidence may include copies of payslips,
Unemployment
Purchase
Protection
bank statements or business accounts confirming that the person
nominated is the higher income earner.
1. Eligibility
To become insured under this policy, you must:
(i) be the first named on your agreement;
(ii) be at least 18 and less than 65 years of age;
(iii)be working for at least 16 hours per week, and live in the
United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. You
will also be eligible for continued cover if you worked and
lived in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle
of Man and you are subsequently posted to work outside the
United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for:
(a) the British Armed Forces or as a civil servant at British Embassy or Consulate; or
(b)your employer which is a United Kingdom registered
company and you are assigned to work within the
European Union;
(iv)agree to pay the monthly premium and keep to the terms
and conditions of this policy; and
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(v)have been in full-time employment or
self-employed, for at least 6 continuous consecutive
months immediately prior to the start date.
In addition to the eligibility requirements above, we have used the
information supplied by you in your application for this policy in
making our decision to offer you cover under this policy.
You must continue to meet the conditions in (i) to (iv) above to
remain eligible for the levels of cover that apply to you. If your
circumstances change or you no longer meet the conditions in (i)
to (iv) above you should contact Argos straight away to discuss
your options.
Self-employed and fixed-term contract workers
If you are self-employed or work on a fixed-term contract,
you should read this policy carefully to make sure it is suitable
for your needs. You should pay particular attention to the
definitions of “self-employed” and “ceased trading”, Section 6
“Unemployment Benefit” and Section 10 “Claims”.
If you are self-employed and wish to claim unemployment
benefit you will need to provide evidence as set out in Section 10
that you:
(a) have involuntarily ceased trading;
(b)are registered as unemployed with the Department for
Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus (or equivalent government
department in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man); and
(c) fulfil the definition of unemployed.
If any of these happen or are likely to happen to you or if you have
any questions you should contact us to discuss.
2. Life benefits
If during the period of insurance you or the breadwinner die, subject
to the other provisions of this policy, we will pay Argos for the credit
of the account, a sum equal to the balance outstanding at the date
of death.
The maximum amount payable is £15,000 regardless of the number of
policies you may have with us. The balance outstanding can only be
settled once under this policy.
3. Life exclusions
No life benefit will be payable if your death results from or as a
consequence of the following:
(i) a self-inflicted injury; or
(ii) being under the influence of, or being affected by, alcohol or
drugs unless prescribed by a doctor (other than prescribed for
the treatment of drug addiction or alcohol dependency).
4. Accident and sickness benefits
This part of the policy applies only if you have chosen to include
accident and sickness as part of your policy and will be stated on
your demands and needs letter.
(i) If during the period of insurance an accident or sickness
prevents you from working for 14 continuous consecutive days
or more, you will be entitled to an amount equal to the
monthly benefit. Thereafter, you will be entitled to an
amount equal to the monthly benefit for each continuous
consecutive period of 30 days you remain unfit for work.
The monthly benefit will be paid directly to Argos for the
credit of the account provided you meet the terms and
conditions of this policy.
(ii) To receive the monthly benefit you must:
(a)be in full-time employment, self-employment or
fixed-term contract work when your accident occurs or
sickness begins;
(b)be under regular medical care as directed by your doctor;
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(c) be prevented from working only as a result of the accident
or sickness;
(d)not be receiving the monthly benefit for unemployment
for the same period; and
(e)provide us with any evidence we ask for (as listed in Section 10
(ii)) in order to prove your claim is valid and continues to be so.
(iii) When paying your claim we will consider the first day of your
accident or sickness to be the day a doctor certifies that
you are unfit for work.
(iv) We will continue to pay the monthly benefit until:
(a)
we have paid an amount equal to the balance outstanding;
(b)
we have paid 7 monthly benefit payments;
(c)
you return to full-time employment, self employment
or fixed-term contract work;
(d)you fail to provide us with evidence (as listed in Section 10 (ii))
of your accident or sickness; or
(e)the end date;
whichever happens first.
(v) Can you work whilst you are claiming?
If you are in full-time employment or fixed-term contract
work - if you make a valid claim and your doctor confirms that
because of your condition you must return to work gradually over
a period of time, we will continue to pay your monthly benefit
at the same rate until you return to working at least 16 hours per
week, or your doctor confirms your accident or sickness no
longer prevents you from working at least 16 hours per week,
subject to the terms and conditions of this policy.
If you have made an accident or sickness claim and then find
alternative part-time work for less than 16 hours per week you will
still be able to claim for accident and sickness benefit provided
that you are in receipt of Employment and Support Allowance.
If you are self-employed - you must not do any work including
helping, managing or carrying on any part of the running of a
business whilst you are claiming and you must not be receiving
any form of payment whilst you are claiming.
(vi) Future Claims
(a)
You may make a further accident and sickness claim:
(i)
for an unrelated condition – if you have returned
to full-time employment, self-employment or
fixed-term contract work for at least 1 month following
the previous accident and sickness claim, unless
paragraph (b) below applies; or
(ii)for the same or a related condition – if you have
returned to full-time employment, self
employment or fixed-term contract work for at least 3
consecutive months following the previous accident and
sickness claim, unless paragraph (b) below applies.
However, if two periods of accident or sickness (each
resulting from the same or a related condition)
are separated by less than 3 consecutive months of
full-time employment, self-employment or fixed-term
contract work, we will treat them as one continuous claim
for the purposes of calculating the maximum monthly
benefits payable, but no benefit will be payable for the
time in between.
(b)If we have paid the maximum monthly benefits for a
single claim, you may only make a further accident and
sickness claim (whether resulting from a related or
unrelated condition) provided you have returned to full
time employment, self-employment or fixed-term
contract work for at least 6 consecutive months.
Statutory maternity or paternity leave can form part or all of
the 1, 3 or 6 month periods in (a) and (b) above.
(vii) Pregnancy and childbirth
We will pay benefit for any accident or sickness resulting from
any symptom(s) of, or complication(s) of pregnancy and childbirth
which a doctor certifies prevents you from working, and which
is not excluded under any other exclusions listed in this policy.
However no benefit will be payable for normal pregnancy and
childbirth related conditions.
(viii) The maximum monthly benefit payable under this policy is
£1,000, regardless of the number of policies you may have
with us.
5. Accident and sickness exclusions
(i)No accident and sickness benefit will be payable if your
accident or sickness results from or as a consequence of
the following:
(a)a self-inflicted injury;
(b)being under the influence of, or being affected by, alcohol
or drugs unless prescribed by a doctor (other than
prescribed for the treatment of drug addiction or alcohol
dependency); or
(c)any elective surgical procedure or cosmetic surgery
unless directly attributable to physical injury, disease
or sickness.
(ii)No accident or sickness benefit will be payable if we make any
benefit payment for unemployment under Section 6 below in
respect of the relevant day.
6. Unemployment benefit
(i) If during the period of insurance you become
unemployed for 14 continuous consecutive days or more,
you will be entitled to an amount equal to the monthly
benefit. Thereafter, you will be entitled to an amount equal
to the monthly benefit for each continuous consecutive
period of 30 days you remain unemployed.
The monthly benefit will be paid directly to Argos for the
credit of the account provided you meet the terms and
conditions of this policy.
(ii) To receive the monthly benefit you must:
(a)be in full-time employment or self-employment for
at least 6 continuous consecutive months immediately
prior to you becoming unemployed;
(b)satisfy the definition of unemployed set out in Section
18 (and if you were self-employed, you must have
involuntarily ceased trading);
(c) not be receiving the monthly benefit for accident or
sickness for the same period; and
(d)provide us with evidence (as listed in Section 10 (iii) (a)) to
prove your claim is valid and continues to be so.
(iii) When paying your claim, we will consider your first day
of unemployment to be the day you are first registered
as unemployed with the Department for Work and Pensions
Jobcentre Plus or equivalent government department in
Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a
European Union member state. You will not be considered to
be unemployed for days for which you receive payment in
lieu of notice.
(iv) We will continue to pay the monthly benefit until:
(a)
we have paid 7 monthly benefit payments;
(b)
you return to full-time employment or self-employment;
(c)
you fail to satisfy the definition of unemployed set out in
Section 18;
(d)you fail to provide us with evidence (as listed in Section 10 (iii)
(a)) of your unemployment; or
(e)the end date;
whichever happens first.
(v)The maximum monthly benefit payable under this policy
is £1000, regardless of the number of policies you may have
with us.
(vi) Future Claims
(a)
You may make a further unemployment claim if you
have returned to full-time employment or self
employment for at least 3 consecutive months following
the previous unemployment claim, unless paragraph (b)
below applies.
However, if two periods of unemployment are separated by
less than 3 consecutive months of full-time employment
or self-employment, we will treat them as one continuous
claim for the purposes of calculating the maximum monthly
benefits payable, but no benefit will be payable for the time
in between.
(b)If we have paid the maximum monthly benefits for
a single claim, you may only make a further
unemployment claim if you have returned to full-time
employment or self-employment for at least 6 months.
Statutory maternity or paternity leave can form part or all of
the 3 or 6 month period in (a) and (b) above.
(vii) Multiple Employment
If you are in full-time employment with more than one employer
and you are made unemployed from one or more of your jobs, you
will be able to claim for unemployment benefit if you are no longer
working 16 hours a week or more in total and you meet criteria (ii)
and (iii) of the definition of unemployed, subject to the terms and
conditions of this policy.
(viii) Carer Cover
(a)if you are unemployed as a result of you becoming a carer,
we will consider an unemployment claim if you can provide
evidence as listed in Section 10 (iii) that you are:
(i)required to care for a member of your immediate family;
and
(ii)in receipt of Carer’s Allowance from the Department for
Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus or such government
office which replaces it; and
(b)
we will not pay benefits under this policy for a carer cover
claim if at the start date:
(i)
your immediate family member was in receipt of any
disability benefit for his/her condition as described by the
Department of Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus; or
(ii)
you were in receipt of Carer’s Allowance as described by the
Department of Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus.
If you live and work in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, in respect
of any Sections relating to Department for Work and Pensions Jobcentre
Plus, the local equivalent shall apply.
(ix) Temporary Work During a Claim
(a)An unemployment claim may be suspended for a period of
temporary work provided:
(i)
you notify us before your temporary work starts; and
(ii)
your temporary work lasts for at least one week and no
longer than 12 months, whether as one contract or a series
of contracts.
Once your temporary work has ended, we will continue to pay
your claim as a continuation of your earlier claim up to a
maximum of 7 monthly benefit payments in total, subject to the
terms and conditions of this policy.
(b)If you are in temporary work with the same employer for 12
months or more and you are made unemployed, we will
pay unemployment benefit as set out in Section 6 (i), subject
to the terms and conditions of this policy.
(c)If you have an unemployment claim but you do not submit
your claim because you take temporary work, you may
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submit your claim once the temporary work has ended. We
will then assess your claim, subject to the terms and conditions
of this policy, as if you had submitted it following your
initial unemployment.
(x) Fixed-term Contract Workers
If you work on a fixed-term contract and your contract is not
renewed you will only be entitled to claim for unemployment
cover if you meet one of the following criteria:
(a)you have been on a contract with the same employer
for at least 12 months and had the contract renewed at
least once;
(b)
you have worked continuously under contract with the
same employer for at least 24 months;
(c)
you were originally employed on a permanent basis but
were transferred to a fixed-term contract by the same
employer without a break in employment; or
(d)
you have been with the same employer and are under
a contract which is not regularly renewable but is
individually negotiated, and which has:
(i) been in force for at least 6 months;
(ii) been renewed at least twice; and
(iii)
your contract was terminated before it was due to
naturally expire.
If this is the case, we will restrict payments to the
period up to the original contract expiry date, subject to
the terms of the policy.
7. Unemployment exclusions
We will not pay any benefits if your unemployment claim
results from:
(i) unemployment which follows any announcement or action
by your employer prior to the start date in relation to the
department or division of the business in which you work, and
which relates to any redundancies, employee consultations,
restructures, mergers or reorganisations that have led or could
lead to compulsory job losses, mandatory reduced working hours
or mandatory reduction in salary;
(ii)
unemployment where your work was seasonal, casual
or temporary other than as set out in Section 6 (ix) above or
unemployment is a regular feature of your work;
(iii)
you finishing the job you were specifically employed to do, or
you coming to the expected end of a fixed-term contract unless
you satisfy one of the conditions set out in Section 6 (x) above;
(iv) you resigning or you accepting voluntary unemployment;
(v)
you losing your job because of your misconduct, fraud,
dishonesty or as a result of your own acts or omissions;
(vi) you not actively seeking re-employment; or
(vii)the unemployment results from any condition excluded
under the accident and sickness exclusions set out in
Section 5.
8. Purchase protection benefit
(You must continue to pay your monthly premium to maintain
purchase protection benefit. If you fail to pay your monthly
premium, this cover will end (please see end date within the
definitions Section 18 of this policy.))
This part of the policy applies only if you have chosen to include
purchase protection as part of your policy and will be stated on your
demands and needs letter.
(i) We will cover you against loss, theft or damage for the
insured articles purchased by you, using your store card
within 365 days from the date of purchase during the period
of insurance or the date of delivery, whichever is the later.
(ii) If at the date of loss or damage to any insured article, there
is any other insurance covering the same loss or damage then
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15870_Argos Coversafe Policy update AW.indd 10-11
you will only be covered to the extent that the direct physical
loss or damage has not been paid by such other insurance.
This cover will not extend to any policy excess.
(iii) The maximum amount payable will be:
(a)the original purchase price of the insured article as
reflected on your account statement and the appropriate
till receipt;
(b)where the account has been used as a partial payment,
the actual proportion of the purchase price paid for using
the account;
(c) either the cost of repair of the insured article or if the
insured article is replaced with our prior approval, the
sum debited from your account on purchase of the
replacement insured article; or
(d)£1,500 in respect of a single article, £15,000 for each
event and £50,000, in total per annum.
(iv) In the event of total loss or damage, where an insured
article is replaced with our prior approval, evidence that
the insured article has been replaced with the same item
will be required. If the insured article is no longer available
for purchase, evidence that a similar item has been purchased
will be required.
(v)If you suffer any loss to one part or to a set of insured article(s)
and it is incapable of being used individually, and cannot be
replaced separately, then we will pay you the maximum benefit
outlined in this Section (iii) above, in respect of any direct physical
loss and/or damage to that personal property.
(vi) When a claim is paid for loss or replacement, the insured
article automatically becomes our property.
(vii) It is a condition of the insurance that any damage caused by
malicious persons or vandals, loss or theft must be notified
to the police within 24 hours of discovery of such damage,
loss or theft.
9. Purchase protection exclusions
No benefit will be payable under this policy for any loss and/or damage
arising from, or in respect of:
(i) faults or defects covered by any manufacturer’s guarantee;
(ii)the insured article being used for a business purpose;
(iii) theft from an unattended motor vehicle except where:
(a)the vehicle has been locked; and
(b)the vehicle security system (where present) has been
activated; and
(c)the item has been placed in either the boot or locked in the
glove compartment of the vehicle;
(iv) jewellery and watches stolen from baggage unless it is carried
by hand and under the personal supervision of you or a
member of your family;
(v)fraud, abuse, neglect or failure to follow the
manufacturer’s instructions;
(vi)loss or damage to any insured article as a result of your own
intentional acts or omissions;
(vii) damage caused by wear and tear to the insured article;
(viii)damage to sporting goods in the normal course of play and
consumable sporting items such as balls and racquet strings;
(ix) the unexplained loss of an insured article;
(x) loss of use of the insured article or any loss over and above
the cost of the insured article;
(xi) loss or damage caused by the failure of any electrical or
computer equipment, software, micro-controller, microchip,
accessories or associated equipment to correctly recognise and
process any calendar date or time;
(xii) theft or damage while the insured article is in the care,
custody or control of anyone other than you or a member of
your family;
(xiii) theft or damage to the insured article prior to the delivery
and acceptance in perfect condition by you or someone
authorised by you; and
(xiv) theft of any item from any property, land, premises or vehicle
unless entry or exit to the property, premises or vehicle was
gained by the use of force, resulting in physical damage to the
property, premises or vehicle.
10. Claims
(i) You should request a claim form by contacting us.
The fully completed claim form should be returned to us together
with any supporting evidence listed in this Section 10 as soon as
possible, but no later than 90 days after your claim first arises.
All the relevant sections should be completed to avoid a delay in
receiving benefits.
Continuing Claim Forms - to confirm your ongoing eligibility for
benefit, we will ask you to fill in a continuing claim form each
month. You must send this to us as soon as possible, but no later
than 90 days from the date we last paid your monthly benefit.
Completion and postage of the claim form and the continuing
claim form will be at your expense.
If any documents requested under this Section 10 are not received
promptly our claims assessment process will be delayed which
may prevent us paying your claim.
If the name of any document changes e.g. “P45” or “Fit Note”,
we will require you to send us the document which takes its
place.
We will only ask for information relevant to your claim. If you are
unable to supply any evidence listed in this Section, we may ask
you for alternative evidence to support your claim.
(ii) Accident & sickness cover claims
(a)To be able to process your claim quickly we will always
request that you send us a fully completed claim form
along with:
(i)Fit Notes supplied to you by your doctor or
consultant; and
(ii)evidence from your employer confirming your absence
from work due to accident or sickness. If this is not
available we may require a copy of your contract of
employment, P60 and/or wage slips;
(b)To enable us to assess how long you will be unable to work
for, we may also (at our cost) throughout the duration of the
claim contact:
(i)
your employer;
(ii) a qualified medical professional;
(iii)
you or your authorised representative.
When making an accident or sickness claim you may need to have a
medical examination at our expense. If you refuse or the appointment
is not kept, we will be unable to validate and pay your claim.
If you are self-employed:
We will require you to provide all the information described above
however, as we are unable to request evidence from an employer
to support your claim, we will require you to provide the following
alternative information at your expense:
(a) we will require copies of business and/or personal bank
statements showing business transactions for the 2 months prior
to the date last worked (and throughout the duration of the claim
if we request this) along with sales invoices for the same period;
(b)
we may also contact your accountant, HM Revenue & Customs,
qualified medical professional, you or your authorised
representative throughout the claim.
We will consider the first day of your claim to be the day a doctor
certifies that your accident or sickness prevents you from working.
However, where your sickness relates to:
(a)any condition of a mental or nervous origin, including stress,
anxiety and depression, then we will consider the first day of
your claim to be the date of your referral to a consultant or
appropriate medical specialist; or
(b)backache, then we will consider the first day of your claim to be
the earliest of:
(i)
your referral for a radiological investigation or referral to a
consultant or appropriate medical specialist; or
(ii) receipt of radiological evidence.
If you complete a self-certification form when your accident occurs or
sickness begins we may consider the first day of your claim to be up
to 7 days before the date of the doctor’s certificate.
(iii) Unemployment cover claims
(a)To be able to process your claim quickly we will always
request that you send us a fully completed claim form. We
may also request the following documents which will be
provided at your expense:
(i)letters from your employer, including the letter notifying
you of the termination of your employment;
(ii)copies of your contract of employment, payslips, P60 and
P45 provided by your employer;
(iii)Jobseekers award letters. If you are not in receipt of
Jobseeker’s Allowance, letters confirming you are in receipt
of another more appropriate benefit;
(iv)copies of any compromise agreements;
(v) details of job applications;
(vi)any letter(s) confirming periods of temporary employment;
(vii)any employment tribunal decisions.
We may also write to your former employer and/or the
benefits office.
After the first month of the claim we may request additional information from you from the list above;
To continue to qualify for benefit, you must be actively seeking
employment during the course of your claim. To evidence this, we
will ask you to complete a continuing claim form on a monthly basis
and to provide us with details of job applications you have made and
letters which confirm any periods of temporary employment you have
managed to secure.
(b)If you are a carer, we will require you to provide copies of:
(i)Carer’s Allowance award letter from the Department for
Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus or such government
office which replaces it;
(ii)medical evidence in respect of the person requiring your
care from their qualified medical professional;
(iii)fully completed continuing claim forms with copies of bank
statements showing ongoing receipt of Carer’s Allowance.
We may also contact: the qualified medical professional, your former employer, benefit office, you or your
authorised representative.
(c)If you are self-employed we will require you to provide us
(at your expense) with:
(i)copies of business bank statements showing business
transactions for the two years prior to the date last worked
along with sales invoices for the same period; and
(ii)copies of the last two years trading accounts or if these are not
available evidence of the last two years gross income; and
(iii)copies of cessation of trading accounts plus any HM
Revenue & Customs acknowledgement letters.
We may also write to your accountant and/or the benefits office.
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What if you are not eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance?
If you are ineligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance, you must provide
ongoing alternative evidence to us (as listed in Section 10 (iii)
(a)) that you are unemployed and actively seeking work. This
could include copies of job applications, invitations to interviews,
application responses and registration with employment agencies.
What if you want to seek work in the EU?
If you wish to seek work in the European Union you must
make arrangements with the Department for Work and Pensions
Jobcentre Plus to register as unemployed in the country you
are going to. You must obtain a form E303/3 from the Overseas
Benefits Office before leaving the United Kingdom. We will
continue to pay your unemployment claim for a period of up to
3 months from the date you leave.
If, during the 3 month period referred to above, you find work
and/or you relocate to a European Union member state outside the
United Kingdom, you should notify us as soon as possible as you
may no longer be eligible for benefits or cover under this policy.
What if you need to switch between claims?
(Only applicable to accident, sickness and unemployment cover.)
You can switch between an accident or sickness claim and an
unemployment claim (or vice versa) without interruption (i.e. no
additional wait period will be applied), subject to a maximum of 7
monthly benefits being paid for any one claim. All other terms
of this policy will still apply and both claims must be valid.
(iv) Life cover claims
We will need the following information to be able to pay your claim:
(a)your personal representative must supply us with an original
certified copy of your death certificate (in English); and
(b)an original certified copy of either a grant of probate or
letters of administration (if your personal representatives are
appointed in England, Wales, Northern Island, the Channel
Islands or the Isle of Man) or grant of confirmation (if your
personal representatives are appointed in Scotland).
We may also require a copy of your birth certificate and access to
medical records and a copy of your will.
(v) Purchase Protection Insurance cover claims
Any claim under the purchase protection insurance cover detailed
in Section 8 must be notified to us within 45 days of the actual
physical loss and/or damage. (Any claim for loss will need to be
validated by a copy of the police report, sales invoice and card
receipt. Any claim for damage will need to be validated by an
estimate for repair, sales invoice and card receipt.)
What other support can we offer you?
To help you return to work, subject to availability we will also
provide you with access to our Claims Support website
www.support.cardifpinnacle.com which is designed to help you
find work and provide general health updates and information.
We may also provide you with our Job Seekers Booklet or our
Claimant Health Guide as appropriate.
What if you’re receiving state benefits?
If you or your partner are receiving any state benefits you should
advise the appropriate authority if you make a claim under this
policy. In some circumstances, the amount of monthly benefit
you receive under this policy may affect your entitlement to state
benefits. Your local benefits agency will be able to provide you
with further information.
11. Your right to cancel
(i) Within the “cooling off period” - if you decide you do not want
the cover and wish to cancel your policy, you can do so within
30 days of the start date or the date you receive these policy
documents, whichever is the later (the “cooling off period”).
You will receive a full refund of any monthly premium you
have paid provided no claim has been made under the terms of
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15870_Argos Coversafe Policy update AW.indd 12-13
this policy. If you have made a claim, no refund of monthly
premium will be payable.
(ii)
Outside the “cooling off period” - if you cancel outside the initial
30 day cooling off period, no refund of monthly premium will
be payable.
(iii)If we change your premium rate and/or vary or waive the
terms and conditions of this policy and you do not wish to
continue your cover you should contact Argos to cancel your
policy without notice and without penalty.
(iv)All cancellation requests should be made to:
Argos Card Services Limited
Thynne Street
Bolton
BL11 1AS
Tel: 0845 640 0700
12. Our right to cancel
(i) We may cancel your insurance cover immediately:
(a)where there is evidence of dishonesty or exaggerated
behaviour by you (or by someone acting on your behalf) in
relation to the cover provided under this policy;
(b)where you deliberately tell us something which is untrue or
misleading in response to any question we ask you when
you take out cover under this policy, or apply to vary your
cover under this policy (or we can demonstrate from the
relevant circumstances that you did not take reasonable care
to ensure the statements you made to us were true). If we
cancel your cover as a result of this Section 12 (i) (b), we will
not return any monthly premiums you have paid;
(c)where you have unintentionally misrepresented a material fact
which, if correctly represented at the time of application, would
have caused us to decline you for cover. If we cancel your
cover as a result of this Section 12 (i) (c), we will return any
monthly premiums that you have paid under this policy;
(d)where, as part of your application, we asked you to
provide us with evidence of your previous insurance cover
on request, and you do not provide it to us within 6 weeks
after we requested you to do so;
(e)where necessary to comply with any applicable laws
or regulations;
(f)
you fail to pay your monthly premium when due; or
(g)when you reach age 65.
(ii) We may cancel your insurance cover by giving not less than
90 days’ notice:
(a)in the unlikely event that for any of the reasons listed in
Section 13 we expect to experience unsustainable losses
for the particular country or market sector that applies to
your policy; or
(b)if we decide for reasons of strategy or cost that it is
no longer viable for us to continue to provide cover within
the particular country or market sector that applies to
your policy.
(iii)Any decision to cancel cover will not be made at an individual
level and will not be based on whether you have made a
claim, except in cases of dishonesty or exaggerated behaviour,
misrepresentation or when asked, failure to disclose a material fact
by you (or by someone acting on your behalf).
(iv)Cancellation of your policy will not affect your entitlement to
claim for any event occurring before the date of cancellation,
except in cases of dishonesty or exaggerated behaviour,
misrepresentation or when asked, failure to disclose a material fact
by you (or by someone acting on your behalf).
(v) In the event that the relationship between Argos and us
terminates, your insurance cover may terminate on the
monthly renewal date of your policy which will be notified
to you by Argos on not less than 60 days’ notice.
13. Premiums
(i)Each monthly premium covers you for one month. Your
monthly premium will be calculated using the premium rate.
(ii)This policy has a reviewable premium rate, which means
that the premium rate applicable to your policy may
change subject to us giving you 60 days’ notice. We will only
consider changes to the premium rate, arising from one or more of the following:
(a)changes due to new information arising from our own
experience suggesting that future claims experience is likely
to be better or worse than previously assumed. This
information includes changes to the number of claims we
expect to pay, changes to the average expected duration of
our claims payments or changes to the average expected
amount paid per claim;
(b)changes due to new information arising from external
sources such as general industry, population or reinsurer
experience suggesting that our future claims experience is
likely to be better or worse than previously assumed.
This includes industry or general population unemployment experience;
(c) relevant changes to our previous assumptions in
relation to:
(i) expenses related to providing the insurance;
(ii) policy lapse rates which means the average time
policies are held;
(iii) interest rates;
(iv) tax rates; or
(v) the cost of any legal or regulatory requirements.
(iii) Any changes to your premium rate we make will not:
(a)be made as a result of any reason other than changes
in the assumptions mentioned above;
(b)be based on whether you have made a claim; or
(c) be made to recover any previous losses.
(iv) We will review your premium rate at least annually and
you will be given at least 60 days’ written notice, at your
last known address, of any alteration to the premium rate
under this policy unless the change is due to legislative, tax
or regulatory requirements. If your premium is changed due
to legislative, tax or regulatory requirements, then HIS may
not be able to give you 60 days’ notice.
(v) We may review your premium rate more frequently than
annually if it becomes necessary due to significant changes
in any of the assumptions referred to above. Except where
your premium rate is changed due to legislative, tax or
regulatory requirements, the minimum period between
consecutive premium rate changes will be 180 days.
(vi) As a result of the premium rate review, the corresponding
monthly premium may go up, stay the same or go down,
and there is no limit to the amount of any change.
(vii)If we change your premium rate and you do not wish to
continue your cover you should contact Argos to cancel
your policy.
(viii) If, during a claim, you cancel your policy or fail to pay
the monthly premium when due, we will continue to pay
the monthly benefit provided that the claim was made prior to
the date on which you cancelled or first failed to pay the
monthly premium when due. You will not, however, be
covered for any new claim made on or after that date.
(ix)The policy premium will be automatically added to your
Argos store card. This will be treated as a purchase
transaction. This means that where interest is due on the
transaction it will be charged at the standard rate of interest
charged under your credit agreement.
(x) When collecting and refunding premiums, HIS does so on
our behalf.
14. Terms and conditions
(i) We may vary or waive the terms and conditions of this policy
to reflect changes in the assumptions set out in Section 13 (ii) (c)
above which is used to design and price your cover. Such
changes may have the effect of increasing or reducing the
cover previously provided under this policy.
(ii) When changing your terms and conditions we will only
consider any future impact of changes in one or more
assumptions due to the reasons set out in Section 13
(ii) (c) above.
(iii) In addition, we may also vary or waive your terms and
conditions to:
(a)improve your cover;
(b)comply with any applicable laws or regulations;
(c) reflect any changes to taxation;
(d)correct any typographical or formatting errors that
may occur.
(iv) You will be given at least 60 days’ written notice to your
last known address of any alteration to the terms and
conditions of cover under this policy unless the change is
due to legislative, tax or regulatory requirements. If your
cover is changed due to legislative, tax or regulatory changes,
then HIS may not be able to give you 60 days’ notice.
(v) Except where the terms and conditions of cover under this
policy are changed due to legislative, tax or regulatory
changes, the minimum period between consecutive changes
will be 180 days.
(vi) Any changes to your terms and conditions we make will not:
(a)be made as a result of any reason other than changes in
the assumptions mentioned in Section 13 (ii) (c) or for the
reasons set out in Section 14 (iii) above;
(b)be based on whether you have made a claim; or
(c) be made to recover any previous losses.
(vii)If we vary or waive your terms and conditions and you do
not wish to continue your cover you should contact Argos to
cancel your policy.
15. End date
All cover under this policy and all benefits will automatically end on the
earliest to occur of the following:
(i) the date your agreement ends;
(ii)the earlier of the date you reach 65 years of age. However, if
you are claiming a benefit from this policy and you reach 65,
the claim will continue until the end of your claim period but
monthly premiums will cease at age 65. Following the end of
the claim, the policy will end;
(iii)the date you permanently retire (not applicable to life or purchase
protection cover);
(iv) the date you die;
(v) the date you fail to pay the monthly premium when due;
(vi)the end of month (for which the monthly premium has been
paid and accepted by us) in which your store card is cancelled,
withdrawn, expired or is not renewed by Argos; or
(vii)the date you cancel your insurance as set out under the terms of
this policy;
(viii)the date we cancel your policy in accordance with Section 12
“Our right to cancel”;
(ix)the date you cancel your policy. However if you are already
receiving benefits for a valid claim, we will continue to pay the
monthly benefit provided that:
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(a)the event leading to your claim occurred prior to the date you
cancelled your policy or the date the monthly premium
was not paid when due; and
(b)cancellation was not due to dishonesty or exaggerated
behaviour, misrepresentation or when asked, failure to disclose
a material fact by you (or by someone acting on your behalf).
You will not be covered for any new claim arising after the policy ends.
16. General conditions
(i) You must respond honestly to any request for information we
make when you take out cover under this policy, or apply to vary
your cover under this policy. In the event that any statement of
fact you make is untrue or misleading, this may affect the validity
of your policy, and whether you can make a claim.
(ii)If we make any payments as a result of dishonesty or exaggerated
behaviour by you (or by someone acting on your behalf) you will
no longer be entitled to any benefits under this policy and we
may demand that any payments made by us are paid back.
We may take legal action against you for the return of such
monies and we may demand that you reimburse us for any
costs incurred.
(iii) We have a regulatory obligation to prevent fraud. In the event
of a claim, any information you have supplied relevant to this
insurance and on the claim form, together with other information
relating to the claim may be shared with other insurers in order to
prevent fraudulent claims.
(iv) The monthly benefit cannot be paid to anyone else or in
any way other than as described in this policy.
(v)When your cover under this policy ends it will not have a
surrender or cash value.
(vi) Other than for the provisions provided for a breadwinner,
the rights given under this policy cannot be transferred to
anyone else.
(vii) A person who is not a party to the contract of insurance set
out in this policy shall have no rights under the Contracts
(Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 (the “Act”) to enforce any
term of this policy provided that this shall not affect any right
or remedy of any person which exists or is available otherwise
than pursuant to the Act.
(viii) We are covered by the Financial Services Compensation
Scheme (FSCS). If we are unable to meet our liabilities to
you, you may be entitled to compensation from the FSCS.
Further information is available from their website:
www.fscs.org.uk
(ix)This policy is governed by English law. Any legal proceedings
will be held in the courts of England and Wales unless you live in
Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man,
in which case you will be entitled to commence legal
proceedings in your local courts.
(x) We will use the English language in all documents and
communications relating to this policy.
(xi) To improve the quality of our service, we will be monitoring
and recording some telephone calls.
(xii)Failure to comply with any condition of this policy may result in
the suspension or the stopping of monthly benefit.
17. Enquiries and complaints
Step 1
(a) Administration Complaints – Argos handles complaints
regarding general administration on our behalf.
If you are unhappy with the general administration of the
policy or have cause for complaint you should contact Argos
by telephone or in writing by letter or email to:
Customer Care Team
Argos Card Services Limited
Thynne Street, Bolton BL11 1AS
Tel: 0845 640 0700
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15870_Argos Coversafe Policy update AW.indd 14-15
The Argos Customer Services Team will tell you what Argos
will do to resolve your concerns and how long it will take.
If Argos is unable to resolve your complaint to your
satisfaction you may refer it to the Financial Ombudsman
Service (FOS) to consider using the address below.
(b) Claims Complaints – If you have a complaint about a claim
you have made please contact:
Customer Relations Manager,
Cardif Pinnacle*
Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way
Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 2XX
Telephone 0844 801 2174
Step 2
Should you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of any internal
enquiries, you have the right to refer your complaint to:
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall,
London E14 9SR
This procedure will not prejudice your right to take legal proceedings.
However, please note that there are some instances when the FOS
cannot consider complaints.
A leaflet detailing our full complaints/appeals process is available from
us on request.
*Cardif Pinnacle is a trading style of Pinnacle Insurance plc. Pinnacle
Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority
and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential
Regulation Authority.
18. Definitions
The following words and phrases will have the following meanings
where they appear in bold type.
“accident” means a bodily injury which prevents you from doing
your normal occupation (or any job which you are able to do, given
your experience, education or training) and for which you are receiving
treatment from a doctor. If you are self-employed, you must not be
receiving any form of payment from or be helping, managing or carrying
on any part of the running of the business whilst you are claiming;
“account” means the account maintained by Argos under
the agreement;
“agreement” means a credit agreement including all payment plans
such as Buy Now Pay Later between you and Argos in relation to
which we have agreed to provide insurance cover under this policy;
“Argos” means Argos Card Services Limited which is an appointed
representative of Home Retail Group Insurance Services Ltd (HIS);
“balance outstanding” means the amount outstanding on the
account at the statement date or your authorised credit limit
(whichever is lower) immediately preceding the date your accident
occurs, the commencement of your sickness, unemployment, or
death, subject to a maximum of £15,000;
“breadwinner” means a United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle
of Man resident who is nominated by the principal cardholder under
Section “Important Information” on page 7 of your policy booklet and
who is;
(i)in full-time employment or self-employed for at least
3 continuous consecutive months immediately prior to the
start date;
(ii) aged 18 or over and under 65;
(iii) earning a higher income than you; and
(iv) your partner.
“ceased trading” means where you have involuntarily ceased trading
as a result of your business having insufficient assets to meet its debts
and liabilities and:
(i) final closing accounts for your business have been prepared
and submitted to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC); or
(ii) your business has been placed in the hands of an insolvency
practitioner; or
(iii) your business is a partnership which has been or is being
dissolved and final closing accounts have been prepared or
are being prepared and submitted to HMRC.
If you live and work in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man then in
respect to any clauses relating to HMRC, the local equivalent shall apply.
“condition” means any sickness, disease or injury (or symptoms of
any of these) whether or not it results in a diagnosis;
“consultant” means a medical specialist who has expertise in the
condition or symptoms you are claiming for and is registered under the
Medical Act 1983, as amended. A consultant must be a member of a
recognised Royal College (for example, the Royal College of Surgeons)
and is recognised by that Royal College to be a consultant. It does not
include you, your partner, a relative or someone who lives with you;
“demands and needs letter” means a document which includes the
level of cover selected by you;
“doctor” means a fully qualified medical practitioner registered with
the General Medical Council and working in the United Kingdom, the
Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. A doctor confirming your accident
or sickness when you are making a claim, cannot be you, your
partner, a relative, close friend or someone who lives with you;
“elective surgical procedure” means a procedure undertaken solely
at your request which is not medically necessary to sustain or maintain
your quality of life;
“end date” means the date when your insurance ends as set out in
Section 15;
“fixed-term contract” means working for at least 16 hours a week
under a contract of employment, for a fixed duration or for a specific
task, directly with an employer. You must be receiving a salary or wages
and paying National Insurance contributions.
“full-time employment” means working for at least 16 hours a week
under a contract of employment that does not have a fixed or implied
end date. You must be receiving a salary or wages and paying Class 1
National Insurance contributions. If you live and work in the Channel
Islands or the Isle of Man, in respect of any Sections which refer to Class
1 National Insurance contributions, the local equivalent shall apply;
“HIS” means Home Retail Group Insurance Services Ltd (HIS), Avebury,
489-499 Avebury Boulevard, Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes
MK9 2NW who is our administration provider for queries, amendments
and cancellations;
“immediate family” means your partner, parent or child or step
child whom you currently live with and have lived with for at least 1
year, or from birth if they are aged below one;
“insured article” means any article purchased by you during the
period of insurance using your credit agreement. Gift vouchers or
telephone vouchers or other Argos vouchers are excluded.
“monthly benefit” means 15% of the balance outstanding, subject
to maximum of £1,000;
“monthly premium” means the monthly sum payable by you each
month for insurance cover under this policy;
“normal pregnancy” means symptoms which normally accompany
pregnancy which are of a minor and/or temporary nature (such as
morning sickness and dizzy spells) and which do not represent a
significant medical hazard to mother or baby;
“partner” means a spouse, civil partner, partner of the same or
opposite sex with whom you currently live with and have lived with for
a continuous period of at least 1 year;
“permanently retire” means retirement where you have told us, or
we have evidence that you have no intention of returning to full-time
employment, self-employment or fixed-term contract work, or of
obtaining any further work;
“period of insurance” means the period after the start date and
before the end date for which you have paid the monthly premium;
“policy” means the terms and conditions set out in this document;
“premium rate” means a cost per £100 of the outstanding balance
at the statement date on your Argos store card agreement in the
applicable month;
“regular care and attendance” means that you are under the
regular care and attendance of your doctor for your accident
or sickness;
“self-employed/self-employment” means working for an income
for at least 16 hours a week, paying Class II National Insurance
contributions (where appropriate) or contributions in accordance with
corresponding provisions under the legislation of the Channel Islands or
the Isle of Man and are:
(i)helping with, managing or carrying on a business and liable to
pay tax charged under section 5 of the Income Tax (Trading and
Other Income) Act 2005 in the United Kingdom or corresponding
provisions relating to the taxation of income from selfemployment under the legislation of the Channel Islands or the
Isle of Man; or
(ii) a partner in a partnership; or
(iii) a person who exercises direct or indirect control over
a company.
“sickness” means an illness or sickness which prevents you from
doing your normal occupation (or any job which you are able to
do, given your experience, education or training) and for which you
are receiving treatment from a doctor. If you are self-employed,
you must not be receiving any form of payment from or be helping,
managing or carrying on any part of the running of the business whilst
you are claiming;
“start date” means the date you are accepted for this
insurance cover;
“statement date” means the day each month that Argos calculates a
balance on the account for the purpose of calculating interest and the
monthly payment due under the agreement;
“unemployed/unemployment” means:
(i) being entirely without paid employment (which includes the
assisting, managing and/or the carrying on of any part of the
day to day running of a business); and
(ii)for the duration of the claim, being available for, and actively
seeking work, being able to provide the documentation listed in
Section 10 and registered with the:
(a)Department for Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus; or
(b)Department for Social Development in Northern
Ireland; or
(c) States Insurance Authorities in the Channel Islands or a
European Union member state; or
(d)Department of Social Care in the Isle of Man; and
(iii) you must have signed a Jobseeker’s agreement within the
United Kingdom, or equivalent agreement in Northern Ireland,
the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a European Union
member state;
(iv)if you are self-employed, you must have ceased trading and
must provide the documentation listed in Section 10.
“we, our, us” means Pinnacle Insurance plc who is the underwriter
and claims administration provider of this policy. Cardif Pinnacle is a
trading style of Pinnacle Insurance plc;
“you, your” means the principal cardholder in the agreement
who has been accepted for insurance cover under this policy, or the
breadwinner if you have chosen to nominate one.
The singular will include the plural and vice versa. Within this policy,
headings are only included to help you and do not form part of the
insurance contract.
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Important information from
Home Retail Group
About our Insurance Services
Home Retail Group Card Services Ltd,
Royal Avenue, Widnes WA88 1AL
Which service will we provide you?
We will always aim to ensure that you have sufficient information
to make an informed decision. For internet applications you will not
receive advice on whether this product is suitable for your needs.
If you apply over the telephone we will assess your demands and
needs and make a recommendation based on them.
What will you have to pay us for our services?
There will be no fee for our services.
Who regulates us?
Home Retail Group Card Services Ltd is an appointed representative
of Home Retail Group Insurance Services Ltd (HIS), Avebury,
489-499 Avebury Boulevard, Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes
MK9 2NW, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial
Conduct Authority. The Financial Services Register number for Home
Retail Group Insurance Services is 314050.
Home Retail Group Card Services and HIS are part of the same
group of companies Home Retail Group Insurance Services
permitted business is arranging and administering general
insurance contracts. You can check this on the Financial Services
Register by visiting www.fca.gov.uk/register or by contacting the
Financial Conduct Authority on 0800 111 6768 (freephone).
Are we covered by the Financial Services Compensation
Scheme (FSCS)?
We are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
(FSCS). You may be entitled to compensation from the FSCS if we
cannot meet our obligations to you. The amount of compensation
depends on the type of insurance business. Most types of insurance
business are covered for 90% of the claim, without any upper limit.
Further information about compensation arrangements is available
from the FSCS, telephone number 020 7741 4100.
Premiums and Payments
HIS holds all premiums, refunds and benefits payable under and in
connection with purchase and payment protection insurance as an
agent on behalf of Pinnacle Insurance plc.
Change of Insurer
In the event that our relationship with Pinnacle Insurance plc
terminates, we may change the insurance company underwriting
your cover. We shall provide you with 60 days’ notice of any
such change and inform you of any material effect on your
policy cover. You consent to any replacement insurer sending
you an offer of insurance directly for such new cover. You can
opt out of/reject this offer by contacting Home Retail Group,
otherwise you consent to your cover automatically transferring
to the replacement insurer.
ACO232/Coversafe/15870/0214
What to do if you have a complaint?
We do hope that you will be happy with the service that we
provide in relation to this insurance. However, if for any reason
you are unhappy we would like to hear from you, please
contact our Customer Service Department on 0845 640 0700 or
at the address at the top of the page. If you cannot settle your
complaint with us, you may be entitled to refer it to the Financial
Ombudsman Service.
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