Warning - Automatic Car Insurance Renewal

[MB2]

Just a warning regarding the convenient "automatic" renewal of car insurance.

Was insured with Admiral last year and received one e-mail from them a month before renewal. Wording of the e-mail was very ambiguous the only suggestion the policy would be renewed without any further action myself was buried in the middle of the e-mail “To ensure your renewal is handled quickly and efficiently, payment will be taken from the card details we hold on file”.

Renewed elsewhere, slightly puzzled not having heard anymore from them until I saw a payment taken from my account for the renewal. Called up and adamant was all on me and had to cancel policy (despite being insured elsewhere) at a cost of 22.50, refund takes 5 days to process.

Complaint gone in, but I think this is their latest scam to get some revenue from "customers" who have left them - bit shortsighted as would never deal with them again now so I hope the 22.50 was worth it to them...

[Ranger Rico]

Sorry bud but this is pretty standard operating procedure for car insurance, im sure the email would have had "renewal" in the title.
Saying that i'm sure they have to send you the docs by post.
who did you change to if you don't mind me asking. I'm with Admiral myself and i haven't found anyone to beat them, yet.

[ArthurPE]

they told you they were renewing the policy using the credit card on file
what else did you expect?

“To ensure your renewal is handled quickly and efficiently, payment will be taken from the card details we hold on file”.

[Mr V10]

Standard practice, every insurance company does it. Nearly all charge admin fees too, the one you've just gone with will do the same.

[esp_mm-270]

Yeah, I got caught out by that a few years ago. When I rang them they said they have this policy to ensure you have cover. Now when I buy insurance, I cancel the card I paid it by right after paying it

[bam_bam]

Yeah, I got caught out by that a few years ago. When I rang them they said they have this policy to ensure you have cover. Now when I buy insurance, I cancel the card I paid it by right after paying it

You must cancel a lot of cards...

[MartayMcFly]

Yeah, I got caught out by that a few years ago. When I rang them they said they have this policy to ensure you have cover. Now when I buy insurance, I cancel the card I paid it by right after paying it

You could just cancel/discontinue the policy when the renewal letter comes through (if you're planning on changing). It's like your phone contract coming to an end and you just go out and buy a new phone without telling your old provider... they'll assume you're sticking with them and keep charging you.

[MB2]

Yes, lesson learnt on reading the whole e-mail in future. I believe Admiral were particularly underhand as only one piece of correspondence & “To ensure your renewal is handled quickly and efficiently, payment will be taken from the card details we hold on file” was absolutley hidden away in the middle of the blurb about how great they were etc.

Renewed with MoreThan (RSA) was 283 vs 490 so seemed worth making the move, judging by their behaviour I think these 22.50 "admin" charges will be the next mis-selling scandal. Complaint gone into Admiral after which I will try the FSA. Can understand if you pay each month would cancel but I pay anually.

[TonyRockyHorror]

Better this than you forget and you're uninsured. And they did tell you!!

[MB2]

It's like your phone contract coming to an end and you just go out and buy a new phone without telling your old provider... they'll assume you're sticking with them and keep charging you.

But if you paid each year upfront for all your calls & line rental you would probably not expect to be billed for everything the next year with only one e-mail - I mean it could have gone into spam and would never have seen it ?

[MB2]

Better this than you forget and you're uninsured. And they did tell you!!

Again, one e-mail so they hardly tried to make sure I was aware was running out of insurance...

I asked why they hadn't checked the MIB and was told was all on me, their attitude really sucks - have pasted the mail below - will have to imagine the pictures...


Hello MB2,

Thank you for insuring your car through Admiral over the last 12 months. It's that time of year again, and your renewal is due on 18/03/2013.







In this email you will find a link to log in to view your certificate and other documents securely online. Viewing your documents online is easy. All you need is your email address and password. Don't worry if you have forgotten your password as you can log in by following the 'I've forgotten my password' link below.

Email address: xxx


Policy number: xxx









Admiral comprehensive policies all come with the following as standard:

Courtesy car
whilst under repair at one of our approved garages

Named drivers earn an Admiral No Claims Bonus
all drivers can earn their own No Claims Bonus

Legal Cover
your policy includes £100,000 of Legal Expenses Cover, which is a standard part of your Admiral Policy

£5,000 personal injury cover
to help you if you have a serious accident

FREE 24-hour emergency help lines
because you never know when you'll need a helping hand

Up to £1,250 stereo cover
stereos and other permanent audio/visual equipment covered for up to £1,250 or 15% of your car's market value, whichever is less

Choice of excess
choose from a range of excesses and take control of your premium



Policy details for your AUDI A4 RS4 QUATTRO (xxxxxxx)
Your car insurance premium: £463.00
(includes your discount for paying by card)

Your optional extras subtotal: £0.00
Insurance Premium Tax: £27.78

Total: £490.78
(your car insurance plus any optional extras)




You will find the following documents held for you online:

Certificate of Motor Insurance

Motor Renewal Confirmation

Motor Policy Schedule

Please ensure that you read the following documents which describe the contracts that you have entered into:

'Amendments to Guide to your Admiral Cover', which describes your contract of Motor Insurance.


Any policy upgrade document detailed in your Policy Schedule, above.


'Single-Car Key Facts (New customer)' document, which describes the services provided through Admiral, charges applicable during the term of the policy and significant features of your Motor Policy.


'Additional Charges and Cancellation of your Policy' document which explains charges applicable during the policy term.


Please click here to view these documents


Please check the details in your documents carefully (including the Motor Renewal Confirmation) and if they're all okay, you don't have to do anything. We will automatically renew your policy based on the information you have supplied.
If you have any questions, need to change any of your details, or do not want to renew, just give us a ring on 0844 543 4424 and we'll be happy to help you.






To ensure your renewal is handled quickly and efficiently, payment will be taken from the card details we hold on file. These details will also be used for any future additional premium, refund or renewal and to collect any outstanding amount and fees, in the event the policy is cancelled.

For security reasons the card number has been partially shown. Please call on 0844 543 4424 if any of these details have changed.

Current payment details

Name: MB2
Card number: ****-****-****-****
Expiry date: */**
Issue number: *
Payment due: 18/03/2013






Contact us on 0844 543 4424.

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 10pm, Sat 9am - 5pm, Sun 10am - 4pm






In the event of a change to the policy we may charge an administration charge up to £17.50. If you wish to cancel your policy, you must complete the 'Cancel your policy' section on our 'Update your policy' form, which can be found on the Admiral website at https://secure.admiral.com/changePolicy ... Policy.php.



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[barryrs]

I had some issues when I cancelled my multi car policy as they claimed that my wife had to call separately to cancel as well, thankfully the card I used the year before had expired.

Several phone calls later it was sorted but when I got the home phone bill through I discovered that the 2 calls cost the best part of £7!

[PetrolDave]

when I got the home phone bill through I discovered that the 2 calls cost the best part of £7!

Always worth checking at http://www.saynoto0870.com/ to see if there is a non premium rate alternative number.

[ArthurPE]

bottom line
you entered into a contract/agreement
you gave them your CC number and told them to automatically bill you unless you opt out in writing, you did not
they billed you exactly as YOU asked them to

Please check the details in your documents carefully (including the Motor Renewal Confirmation) and if they're all okay, you don't have to do anything. We will automatically renew your policy based on the information you have supplied.
If you have any questions, need to change any of your details, or do not want to renew, just give us a ring on 0844 543 4424 and we'll be happy to help you.
To ensure your renewal is handled quickly and efficiently, payment will be taken from the card details we hold on file.

again, not sure what else they could do for you...you knowingly entered into the contract, they advised you of such and to exercise due diligence...you did not
their job is not to manage your personal finances, it is to sell insurance and to make clear the terms of said agreement...they did so

[TonyRockyHorror]

I know it's not what you want to hear, but this is very clear really. You won't get anywhere with the FOS, don't waste your time mate.


Please check the details in your documents carefully (including the Motor Renewal Confirmation) and if they're all okay, you don't have to do anything. We will automatically renew your policy based on the information you have supplied. If you have any questions, need to change any of your details, or do not want to renew, just give us a ring on 0844 543 4424 and we'll be happy to help you.

To ensure your renewal is handled quickly and efficiently, payment will be taken from the card details we hold on file. These details will also be used for any future additional premium, refund or renewal and to collect any outstanding amount and fees, in the event the policy is cancelled.