Norwich Union Mortgage promise

handful

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I have a policy that is eligible for this promise from NU (Aviva) The problem is, I just changed my bank account to a 1st direct account and for some reason Aviva could not accept the auto DD transfer and failed to take a payment, my first missed payment in 20 odd years. They wrote to me to advise I need to make a payment asap and set up another DD. I tried to pay over the phone but they can't do over the phone or online payments so I rummaged around for my cheque book and sent them a cheque. I asked the OH to post it but forgot for a week before sending it.

Another week later we received a letter telling us that as the payment hadn't been made (obviously crossed in the post) and that the policy was stopped. They enclosed new health declaration forms etc to reapply if we wanted to. What does this mean a) for the premiums bearing in mind for life cover we are 20 odd years older than when we took the policy out and b) for the promise? Does this break in payments in some way allow them a loophole to get out of paying the promise?

I would really appreciate it is one of the experts on here could advise me before I start ranting to them on the phone tomorrow.I'm really hoping it's just a case of them saying they have now received the cheque and everything is now as was......but somehow I doubt it.:(

Whya did they have to be the only one out of approx 15 DDs that couldn't just autoswitch to my new bank account.:mad:

dunstonh

Does this break in payments in some way allow them a loophole to get out of paying the promise?

Only if you dont reinstate.

Whya did they have to be the only one out of approx 15 DDs that couldn't just autoswitch to my new bank account.

Probably because the product in question is so old and held on legacy systems which do not have the functionality of more modern systems. I seem recall Aviva have something like 9 different computer systems to cover legacy products.

before I start ranting to them on the phone tomorrow.

Before you start ranting, do be aware that they have done nothing wrong and it is your error. So, don't go over the top as you want the person on the phone to be supportive to get your case through.

handful

Thanks for reeling me in dunstonh:)

I do feel a bit frustrated though at the speed they acted though. On their letter stating the payment hadn't gone through there was no deadline date for payment or consequences explained. I feel that after an unblemished record for 20 odd years worth of payments thay would give me more than 2 weeks to make a cheque payment when this is the only method of payment available, particularly at this toime of year and with the recent weather disruption to the post.

I'm still worried they will use this as a way of getting out of their 'promise' obligations though.

dunstonh

I do feel a bit frustrated though at the speed they acted though.

Par for the course with Aviva and legacy products.

I feel that after an unblemished record for 20 odd years worth of payments thay would give me more than 2 weeks to make a cheque payment when this is the only method of payment available, particularly at this toime of year and with the recent weather disruption to the post.

A lot of that is down to insurance legislation. There are many rules regarding premiums and when they should be paid and when you are given cover which are set down in law. Some of which are woefully out-of-date whilst others appear to have vanished quietly with no real legislation removal. I think a lot of it is down to the fact that its not worth spending billions of pounds changing systems, laws and rules in areas that are naturally coming to the end of their life (endowments being a good example, industrial branch plans being another (policies sold by the old fashioned insurance agent)).

I'm still worried they will use this as a way of getting out of their 'promise' obligations though.

Get them to confirm it in writing if you have concerns. However, as the plan is not being made paid up or surrendered, it really shouldnt make any difference.