LENDER DENIES CASHING-IN ENDOWEMENT POLICIES!!!

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We are being chased for mortgage shortfall following voluntary reposession in july 1993. Home sold in january 1994. Prior to moving out of property (march 1993) the building society converted the mortgage to a "repayment mortgage" due to the fact that we stopped our monthly payments on our endowement policies.

Within a week of our departure, the building society cashed-in the policies. The solicitors dealing with the case (dibb lupton alsop) deny that their clients (a.national) did anything of the sort, but we have letters from all endowement companies concerned that our information is correct.

We know that this will help our case should they serve a writ, but what we are more interested in is this : Did a.national have any right at all to cash-in the policies seeing that the mortgage had been previously converted to "the repayment basis".

Any answers would be much appreciated, thanks.

-- (spooley@madasafish.com), May 18, 2000

Answers

You should check the wording on the mortgage agreement, it may be that in the event of having to convert the mortgage to a repayment from endowment because of arrears etc, they reserve the right to take the policy benefits. So you need to consult your paperwork.

With an endowment mortgage when a house is repossessed, the lender will usually cash in the policies to try and reduce the debt. But if the lender converted the mortgage to a repayment one prior to any repossession proceedings, it would appear on the face of it that they had no right to the policies.

If the lender did have the right to the endowment funds, then this should show on the statement of sale and shortfall which you should have been given. If they didn't have the right, then they have acted illegally and you would be able to take action against them.

Did you enclose a photocopy of the letter which you received from the insurance company? If not, write to DLA, enclosing a copy of the ins. co. letter and asking DLA what has happened to the money.

If they still come back and deny everything, see if you can get a copy of the cheque which was issued from the insurance company. Explain to them what has happened. When you get it, send a copy to DLA.

It you don't get anywhere with DLA, then say that you are not willing to co-operate further until the issue of the endowment funds are sorted out.

-- denise (pendle@amun-ra.demon.co.uk), May 18, 2000.


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