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Word of warning - insurance

amun1000

amun1000

Offroader
i've just had to fork out for a policy that I cancelled midterm some 5 years with the RAC. Apparently the RAC are getting miffed with online insurers uundercutting them after having done all the groundwork. So they've started chasing people (up to 7 years ago) who cancelled their policy before a full 12 months had elapsed - even if they had cancelled their policy correctly (me). I explained to the telephone operator that isnt that just called 'competition' if companies undercut and why are they punishing the punter. The only way out is if the vehicle is sold or scrapped.

so be warned - especially if you're with the RAC - and check the small print

Andrew
 
So what exactly are they chasing you for????? You are allowed to cancell a policy are you not, I thought the only catch was weather or not and how much of your premium yo uget repaid?
 
They were chasing me for supposedly outstanding premiums even though at the time I cancelled they had acknolwedged and agreed my termination of the policy - but it now seems they can chase these outstanding premiums retrospectively

Andrew
 
Do you have the letter they sent you confirming the cancellation and therefore termination of your old insurance policy. If you do then send them a copy and politely tell them they can get stuffed.
 
I've heard of this as well, a local OAP cancelled his ordinary car policy and got a confromation letter, because of ill health and was advised by his GP to "give up driving". He died a few years later, then the insurance company starter chasing the widow for the remaining years premiums.

Keep all paper work for at least 6 years, 12 years council tax, 20 DHSS & Tax. (if not for life)

After 5 years the "AA" decided without telling me to restart cover using an old Direct Debit instruction, even though I cancelled 5 years previous, took ages to get my money back plus caused my personal working captail to be depeted for several months. In the end I had to produce the AA's cancellation letter to the bank to get a refund.
 
Thats exactly why I always keep all my old documents in a safe place, just incase. They do like to try it on. You can always consult a solicitor for some advice, if cost is an issue, you will find most towns have a solicitors that offer an afternoon a week where the public can get free advice.
 
amun1000 said:
They were chasing me for supposedly outstanding premiums even though at the time I cancelled they had acknolwedged and agreed my termination of the policy - but it now seems they can chase these outstanding premiums retrospectively

Andrew
Click to expand...

Refuse to pay and inform the RAC that courts have recognized that insurance companies cannot be permitted to profit from their negligence.
This precept has been widely accepted in the context of retrospective premium disputes. High courts have considered the question and have ruled that a policyholder need not pay a retrospective Premium where the Policyholder has given notice in writing. The only time this decision can be rescinded is if the policyholder has made a claim within the policy term. If you have not then tell them to take a running jump
 
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Lightweight said:
Thats exactly why I always keep all my old documents in a safe place, just incase. They do like to try it on. You can always consult a solicitor for some advice, if cost is an issue, you will find most towns have a solicitors that offer an afternoon a week where the public can get free advice.
Click to expand...

Where I live you'll be luckly even the CAB has a 3 week waiting list

Worked in a CAB office some years back although cannot comment on specfic cases we did'nt half get some very unusual ones

What made me annoyed is we would often get a sudden flood of cases all relating to a specfic trader or company yet powerless to stop further heatache. Trading standard would be painfully slow, whats needed is specfic forums/websites so people can be warned. In certain euro countries have freedom of infro acts and all complaints listed, result rogue traders cannot get away with it for long periods
 
Under the terms of the direct debit guarantee, the company has to write and tell you of any changes to your payment amount or date of payment. If this doesn't happen then the bank is honour bound to reapy any monies taken. The Banking Ombudsman takes a very dim view of this type of practice.
 
CIS(co op) arnt much better as the wifes brother has found out. He was driving his BMW on the motorway in Yorkshire and got pulled by plod as the patrol car numberplate recognition system flashed up that his car was not insured. It turned out that due to him changing banks a payment was either missed or late(still dont know) so without any letter giving notice of cancellation or to say it was now cancelled from CIS he had unknown to him no insurance and was still using the car. The car was impounded in Wakefield and he was left on the side of the road (with just the clothes he was wearing) by plod so to speak, he lives in Stoke! plod would not even let him take his laptop or a change of clothes out of the car. Father in law had to go and insure the car again and get up to Wakefield with a hire car and another driver to recover the BMW. Brother in law is now awaiting a court appearance, ban, fine etc. This is not the first time that CIS have cancelled without notice as they have done it to my wife and me with the landy.
Basically avoid CIS like the plague as they are a waste of space.
 
Best way is to pay up front,not always possible,I know,since the age of "saving up" seems to be gone.

Another "beware" is vehicle modifications,quite popular on this site.
Your insurance company should ALWAYS be informed.Easy not to,of course,but then easy for them not to pay out when it comes to the crunch :o ,if the vehicle is not as stated in your proposal form.

Regards,
Nick.
 
ncooper said:
Best way is to pay up front,not always possible,I know,since the age of "saving up" seems to be gone.
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Strongly agree. Direct debits are a dangerous way to pay for insurance.

ncooper said:
Another "beware" is vehicle modifications,quite popular on this site. Your insurance company should ALWAYS be informed.
Click to expand...
Agree.

One of the insurers was keen for my business until I told them: my Series has a Defender grill/bonnet, parabolics and Disco steel wheel rims. Nothing unusual but three modifications and you're out. Decent understanding insurances don't even care about such changes. I would hate to be told "you're not insured because ..." so I'm as careful as I can be.

Jonathan Paton
 
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