Royal London insurance

Bossyboots

I wasn't sure whether to put this here or in warnings but I am so cross this seemed suitable.

Two weeks ago my Royal London agent called to collect my premium. He told me that it would be his last visit and that they wanted customers to go over to direct debit. I was very reluctant as over the past two years this company have made a number of mistakes which have left me chasing them for money.

Anyway I went along with it as the only other option was to wait for an agent to call and that would risk the policies lapsing for want of payment. We agreed that I would pay up to the middle of January and start the direct debit from the 18th of that month.

Today I have received a confirmation letter of the direct debits with a starting date of ........18th DECEMBER!

When I rang them they said the agent did not realise that they could be set up that soon so thought it should start in January. That was a lie because we had discussed the starting date and chose January because it meant I could clear a policy due to mature then and not have to worry about the DD on that one. It seemed sensible therefore to keep it all to the same date.

He then said that they knew I had said January so they were going to take the direct debit in December and send me a cheque for the money!

Needless to say I have not accepted that and I have now made a formal complaint. He then said that he could cancel the direct debit and reinstate it for January but he would also have to cancel the refund.

I think the logic of the situation was totally lost on him. He really could not see the point. Fortunately I can cancel direct debits online so if it is not removed by the end of next week, I shall do it myself.