# Punch/Volume 147/Issue 3825/Mistaken Policy

MISTAKEN POLICY.
"Thorny Bank."
Dear Sir,—I am directed to give you notice that the Vesuvius-Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. has lately acquired the freehold of these premises and desires to have the insurance against loss or damage by fire transferred to itself. The premium, at the rate of one shilling and sixpence per cent. on their value, is fifteen shillings. Upon receipt of this sum I will give immediate instructions for a policy to be issued and forwarded to you.
I am, dear Sir, yours faithfully,
D. Smith, Secy.,
The Vesuvius Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.
H. Jones, Esq.
"Thorny Bank."
Dear Sir,—In reply to your letter of yesterday, I find that I have an unexpired policy for £1,000 with the Etna, an office which has enjoyed my confidence for many years and in which I have other insurances. Under this policy I am held covered till Lady Day not only against fire, but also against lightning, explosions of gas—most things, in fact, except riots, earthquakes, the King's enemies, aeroplanes and volcanoes. Regretting, therefore, that I am unable to give you the business, because of the more extensive benefits conferred by the Etna,
I am, yours faithfully,
The Secy., Hy. Jones.
The Vesuvius Insec. Co.
"Thorny Bank."
Dear Sir,—I am in receipt of your letter, but I would beg to refer you to your lease. You will find it there expressly stipulated that you shall insure in some office of repute in London or Westminster to be approved of in writing by the Lessors. In these circumstances you will no doubt be persuaded of the desirability of sending me the premium forthwith, in order to effect an insurance which has your Lessors' approval. It possible that the office you name would give you credit for so much of is the premium as is proportionate to the risk unexpired. Yours faithfully,
D. Smith, etc., etc.
H. Jones, Esq.
"Thorny Bank."
Dear Sir,—I feel very keenly the suggestion that the Etna is an office of questionable repute. The likelihood of fire is small, as unfortunately the premises are at present standing empty, though I have a tenant in prospect. But in any case it is unthinkable that the Etna could not assemble a thousand pounds, should the need arise. If you care to write to me again shortly before Lady Day with terms no less advantageous than those I now enjoy, I do not say that I should not be prepared to consider them. But in the meantime this unprofitable discussion must cease. Yours faithfully,
The Secy., Hy. Jones.
The Vesuvius Insce. Co.
"Thorny Bank."
Dear Sir,—I am directed to inform you that, unless the premium for effecting a fresh insurance in this office is forwarded within a week, proceedings will be taken to enforce the forfeiture of your lease without any further notice. Yours faithfully,
D. Smith, etc. etc.
H. Jones, Esq.
"Thorny Bank."
Dear Sir,—Being desirous of effecting an insurance of these premises against fire, I should be obliged if you would kindly give instructions for a policy to be issued at once. I enclose postal order for fifteen shillings. The policy when issued should be forwarded to me. Yours faithfully,
Hy. Jones.
The Vesuvius Insce. Co.
Policy No. 3,262,854.
Dear Sir,—I regret that owing to my absence in Scotland the safe receipt of this policy was not sooner acknowledged. But I still more regret to have to inform you that the insured premises were totally destroyed by fire at a late hour last night, the cause of ignition being ascribed to the caretaker's habit of smoking in bed. Whilst sympathising with you in your loss, I find, on reference to my lease, that I am under covenant to reinstate them as speedily as possible. As I particularly wish to avoid any unpleasantness with my Lessons, may I ask you to proceed with the work at once?
Yours faithfully,
The Secy., Hy. Jones.
The Vesuvius Insce. Co.
Policy No. 3,262,854.
Sir,—I am in receipt of your letter of yesterday, which has been handed to the Claims Department. I recollect that in a former letter you adverted to an existing poly with the Etna Office, and as that office will be liable to contribute a share of the moneys covered by the double insurance you are required to furnish particulars of the policy.
Yours truly, D. Smith, etc., etc.
H. Jones, Esq.
Policy No. 3,262,854.
Dear Sir,—I enclose, as requested, particulars of my policy with the Etna. For my own part, I do not quite see how it will help you, since, profiting by your advice, I succeeded in obtaining a part rebate of premium—thus, I apprehend, releasing the risk. But no doubt you know best. Yours very truly,
The Secy., Hy. Jones.
The Vesuvius Insce. Co.