Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 The only appropriate word to describe this is 'scam' . Got my Direct Line motor insurance renewal notice. My premium has gone up by about 26%, despite nothing having changed in a year and having made no claims . I phoned up expecting a fight but without blinking a eye, they knocked £170.54 off. Are they just expecting people to not notice or be too busy to phone and challenge this ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 Basically, yes. A lot of people forget/don't have time/can't be bothered to shop around. I always use comparison sites to get a cheaper quote and then ring my current insurer to see if they'll reduce the price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 in a word yes after all someone has to pay for the new customer discounts plus at the end of the day the way an insurance company is judged is by how many new customers they get each year not so much on how many the keep or loose. the long you stay the worst they treat you on a good note you did well to get a such good discount Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 These companies rely on our laziness and inertia! Don't let them get away with it! I, too, always use the comparison sites and also find that companies do great introductory deals for new customers that are not available if you have already been with them for the previous year So I just go back to the comparison sites and change - play them at their own game Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 The exact same thing happened to me recently. My renewal with Priviledge came through and it was really high. I checked on the comparison sites and the cheapest quote I got was as a brand new customer... with Priviledge So I phoned them up and they matched it without questioning me at all. It was nearly £100 less Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 I have actually just had my renewal documents for my car insurance and the premium is slightly cheaper than last year. This has happened for the last few years and I have therefore stayed with that insurer. Wondering if I should get quotes from other companies now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 I think it's always worth comparing. It costs nothing to do, and could well save some money. I never renew any insurance, or utilities, without comparing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 The internet makes comparing and switching so much easier! I remember ringing for quote when I started driving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Home insurance too! Mine went up by a THIRD a few years ago, not because I had made a claim, but just because I had phoned to see if I was covered for something, should I need to make a claim. Even more annoyingly it goes up EVERY year now automatically, because they can't alter the info on the computer, so each year they think I have made a claim, when I have not. I need to take the time to shop around, but have never been able to find comparable cover for the house, outbuildings & very valuable contents (building trade tools) , so am stuck with them (M&S insurance) for the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickendoodle Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 I have worked in insurance for nigh on 30 years and now work for a broker. We don't do very much home and motor insurance as it is such a pain - as brokers we are obliged to check each year that we are offering the best deal we can and that normally means that we have to offer a different policy (sometimes with the same insurance company!) every year. The reason is that the Insurance Companies constantly offer new policies and don't transfer existing ones onto the best deal - they have no obligation to do that, but brokers do. If you haven't got time to do the research yourselves find a good personal lines broker who will do all the work for you - I would suggest an independent local firm rather than one of the "chains". They work on commission from the insurance companies - some make charges as well so check first. Internet search engines can't offer all the best deals (brokers can't either for that matter) but at least with a broker you have some comeback if they have sold you something and not given you all the facts. I actually don't do my home insurance through work - found a cheaper deal via M&S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted October 1, 2013 Author Share Posted October 1, 2013 Just thought I'd try getting a quote from M&S (15% discount for cardholders is a nice incentive ). Their underwriters won't even offer a quote . Glad I didn't spend much time getting accurate dates of licences etc . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Just got car insurance £45 cheaper with a lower excess too! Didn't think I would as my car is parked on the road and we do have spates of petty car crime in the area, oh, and my quote to beat was well under £300 anyway! Woohoo! Thanks for the nudge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Another one who doesn't have the time to shop around I need a PA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
