Car insurance wrangle. (Bit long, sorry)

Probably to refuse to pay and let them try to take you to court.

The Insurance Ombudsman might help, but I'm not sure about that.

They've got a deposit on my debit card. :-(

DG

She should just send them a cheque for the (original quote * days covered / 365). This is fair and equitable and does not leave your daughter out of pocket.

I find that immensely difficult to believe!!

Why? In my experience they charge premiums even when you are not covererd.

I also bought a car and insured it in March with Natwest over the phone for me and my learner driver daughter to drive. They asked if I was the opwner of the car. I said yes I was. I received a certificate and a form to fill in. I told them in the form that although I was the owner I had put her name down on the V5 as the registered keeper. They sent me a letter dated 20th April asking me to phone them about my insurance policy (no indication of any problem). I phoned them 22nd April and then they told me the owner has to be the registered keeper and the policy had been cancelled. I asked them not to cancel it, that I would simply register the car in my name. They said they couldn't do that, I'd have to take out a new policy. So I left it cancelled whilst I sorted out new insurance.

Then 1st May they sent a letter asking for details of my no-claims certificate. I phoned to ask why, seeing as they had cancelled the policy. They said the policy had not been cancelled, and they were waiting for me to notify them of change of registered keeper. They had in the meantime been taking premiums by direct debit. I explained they had told me previouisly they had cancelled the policy. They then said they would cancel the policy if I wanted, but that would incur a cancellation fee, and they would not refund the premiums prior to the date they orignally told me the policy was cancelled. I asked why, seeing as they were the ones who had cancelled the policy, after I had disclosed all information they had asked for truthfully? "But we haven't cancelled the policy". "But you told me you had". "But we hadn't done so. Do you want to cancel it or not"? "No". (It was the cheapest by 200 so I cannot afford to cancel it). "Then tell us when you have notified the DVLA of new keeper and you will be covered". "So I'm not covered right now?" "No". "And I'm still paying premiums?" "Yes. The policy is still in force".

So to avoid a cancellation fee, I will change the registered keeper on the V5, but for over a month I have not been covered to drive the car even thought they have taken the premiums.

if they told you you could cancel FOC, you can surely rely on that.

noting that they have a deposit on your debit card, you should write (don't do it on the phone - too easily deniable) and ask for a refund, or a senior management decision to refuse, indicating that you will go to the Ombudsman if they turn you down.

If necessary, do go to the Omb - you cannot be worse off by doing so, and you may well win.

Andrew McGee

In the leter also mention that if necessary, you will require the "training and security" tapes that are always being bleated on about, as evidence.

i meant that they'd pay out. not that they were charging.