eCar Insurance - help

JDMYOFAN

Hi,

I've recently taken out a policy with eCar insurance, though it hasn't yet come into effect.

I jumped at the opportunity of cheap insurance and really think I've made a mistake here, they're clearly con merchants going by the reviews I have read.

Now, the dilema.

I have tried cancelling the insurance policy (online), though I can't cancel it until the policy has started.....? Which then means I will be charged a £50 admin fee and a £25 direct debit cancellation fee!?

Where do I stand here (legally)? I haven't used their service and they won't allow me to cancel the set-up until I have started the policy! I have sent a £60 deposit.

I live local to them, so should I visit the office? The policy starts in a few days time so time is of the essence! I need to call them tomorrow to attempt to cancel it, but is there any legal jargon (acts) I can use to ensure my policy is cancelled tomorrow, and not once the policy starts?

Thanks in advance

Quentin

They have a 14 day cooling off period (from the date you receive the docs) - are you within this?

Check the policy for details on how to cancel under this.

JDMYOFAN

Their cooling off period is '14 days from taking out the policy, or until the documents are recieved, whichever is soonest'.

So, effectivley, my cooling off period is over as soon as I recieve my doucments, which I'll have to say I never got.

The issue is, I cannot contact them, tried calling on the 0845 number but just stay on hold.

Quentin

nj106 wrote: »

Their cooling off period is '14 days from taking out the policy, or until the documents are recieved, whichever is soonest'.

Are you sure? That doesn't make sense as they are a net based operation, virtually all their customers take the policy before getting the docs. Check again!

The policy will cover cancellation - read up on what it says. Write to them (recorded delivery) and return the documents telling them you want to cancel at no charge under the 14 day cooling off period.

JDMYOFAN

Where cancellation rights exist
If you are an individual or sole trader (including a partnership in England and Wales) buying a policy which provides cover for you in both a private and business capacity, you have the right to cancel your policy during a period of 14 days either from the day of purchase of the contract, or the day on which you receive your policy documentation; whichever is the later. If you exercise this right and the cover has not yet commenced, you will be entitled to a full refund of the premium paid.
Standard Policy: If the insurance has commenced and provided that you have not made a claim, you will be entitled to a refund of the premium paid, subject to a deduction for the time you have been on cover and a deduction for our administration costs.
To cancel a policy log onto www.ecarinsurance.co.uk and select the Make A Change To Your Policy option and click on the Cancel Policy option. Your Legal Expenses policy maybe cancelled at any time but the premium is non-refundable.

Ok, so they claim that I can cancel the policy, for free if the policy is not yet active. To do this, I need to log in and cancel online. The problem is, It won't allow me to cancel the policy until the day the policy commences. So that would mean it is active, therefore I have to pay the admin fee's.

Policy and Administration Charges
We reserve the right to amend the level of the following charges at any time. You should also note that we will not be responsible for any fines or costs that you incur relating from late delivery of, or incorrect information on, any document relating to your insurance.
In addition to the premium, charges are made to cover the administration of your insurance. These are as follows:
Pay As You Go premiums are subject to a £6 a month administration charge.
Mid Term Changes to your policy will be subject to a £25 administration charge if the Additional Premium is over £20 or the Return Premium is over £35.
Standard policy: Refunds of less than £10 will not be allowed. For additional premiums under £20 the administration fee will be waived.
Pay as You Go and Short Term Cover policy premiums are non-refundable.
On cancellation of your Standard policy we may allow a refund of premium on a pro rata basis, subject to no claims having been made in the Policy Term. This will be paid less a cancellation charge of £50.
We will charge £25 administration fee for the creation and release of duplicate documents and non standard letters.
The eCar Insurance instalment plan will be arranged and administered by Panacea Finance Limited.
Information about Panacea Finance and the Direct Debit process.
Legal Expenses (if applicable)
There is a charge of £0.20 included in all comprehensive premiums for cars manufactured within the last 8 years and £30 on all non-comprehensive premiums and comprehensive premiums for cars manufactured more than 8 years ago (all rates are subject to Insurance Premium Tax if applicable) for Legal Expenses cover underwritten by I.G.I. Insurance Company Ltd.
Breakdown Assistance (if applicable)
There is a charge of £38 (subject to Insurance Premium Tax if applicable) included in all comprehensive premiums for breakdown assistance cover underwritten by DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited.

Quentin

As previously posted, if you cannot use the website and cannot contact them by phone, then your alternative is to write to them - recorded delivery. Don't lose out on the cooling off period by simply waiting!

JDMYOFAN

Thanks for the help with this, I've taken your advice and acted pro-actively, sending a formal request via special delivery, also enclosing the certificate of motor insurance.

It may seem O.T.T. but I also stated the time I checked their terms/conditions (quoted in the letter) and also took photo's of the letters (probably VERY OTT) but you never know.

Followed it up with an email to let them know, even though they won't respond, but I have covered myself this way, should it end up in court.

poppy10_2

How are they con merchants?