Replacement FOB - Who should pay?

bingsta on 19/01/2015 - 16:06

Hi there

My apartment block is getting the whole intercom system for the building changed under insurance due to recent storm damage (it is only a small block of 24 units). I had previously bought a spare fob for the front door and garage acccess at a cost of $100 and hence I have 3 access fobs. I asked my strata manager and they will only provide me 2 fobs for the new intercom system and I'll have to pay for a spare again!?

My question is, who is liable for replacing my spare fob. I would have thought that if I have 3 fobs, then 3 should be replaced. So who should pay for the spare - me, strata or the insurance company?!

Poll Options

  • 22
    I should pay
  • 6
    Strata should pay
  • 10
    Insurance should pay
Home & Garden

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2015 - 16:14
    +1

    You should pay. Would you expect them to replace 10x fobs if you got yourself that quantity?

  • Davo1111 on 19/01/2015 - 16:21

    I think if they've already sold you 3, then they should provide an upgrade for all 3.

    However, i'm not sure if the law would agree with me on that one

  • Axelstrife on 19/01/2015 - 16:24
    +1

    You should pay.

  • donbot on 19/01/2015 - 16:55
    +1

    If the FOB system is being replaced because of the storm damage, then the insurance company should.

    What if you were a family of 4 living in the apartment, and you'd forked out $200 (2x$100) for your kids to have their own FOBs… would 2 be an acceptable replacement post the insurance claim? Hell no.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2015 - 18:37
    +1

    I think that the insurance company should provided you can show that you bought additional FOBs

  • noyesmaybeok on 19/01/2015 - 19:36
    +1

    There is no other answer than insurance.
    BUT
    That's who "should" pay - not who will.

    Per Tizey above, insurance covers things as they were before. If you had a TV with a universal remote, they can't just replace the TV and say "well you got an upgraded remote, too bad you only get the default". It's part in parcel.

    But are you going to spend hours of stress and arguing over $100?

    • GnarlyKnuckles on 20/01/2015 - 00:20
      +1

      "… insurance covers things as they were before."

      Not necessarily true at all. Insurance covers whatever you and the insurance company agree that it will, at the time the insurance contract is agreed on/the policy is paid for. Deviations from "covers things as they were before" include new-for-old replacement, and agreed value, and there are others.
      The OP would need to have a look at the actual insurance contract, to get an idea of whether they are responsible to replace a third 'fob'.

      WTF is a 'fob', by the way?

      • noyesmaybeok on 20/01/2015 - 06:57

        Fob = remote key.

        Could be a button pressing one (like a remote garage door), or could be an RFID style one where you tap it against a panel to open a door.

    • Settero on 20/01/2015 - 00:44
      +1

      yea… i dont know where you get the idea that insurance covers any upgrades/modifications…

      • noyesmaybeok on 20/01/2015 - 06:56
        -1

        It covers things as-is. For example if I have a remote control fan they don't just replace it with one without it.

  • sydneyunlocking on 19/01/2015 - 20:51

    This is a difficult question as it is a very rare occurrence. Often when you buy an extra fob, half the money is for the cost of the fob and the other half is for a deposit which you can receive back if you return the fob. Do you still have your receipt? Was any part of your $100 a deposit? If part of the money was a deposit, you should at least be able to receive that back.

    I presume your building is upgrading the fob technology and that is why they can't let you use your old fob? If they are replacing the intercom system fob's with the same kind, then they have no justification to charge you again as they could easily program in your existing fob.

    Disclosure (Self Promotion) : Depending on which system your building uses, you may be able to get a fob copy for half the price here: http://www.sydneyunlocking.com.au/product_info.php?products_…

  • Flying Ace on 19/01/2015 - 22:10
    +2

    fob looks like a funny word after seeing it repeated so often in this thread.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/01/2015 - 01:00
    +3

    If they're fresh off the boat the government should pay

  • snappy1234 on 20/01/2015 - 07:04
    +1

    Don't be fobbed off bingsta

    ;)

  • SlickMick on 21/01/2015 - 15:12

    You shouldn't have extras?? How would you feel if a shonky neighbour got fobs for his whole gang?

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