Elephant.co.uk - crooks!

lloydjones

Hi. I have recently moved bank accounts and asked elephant to send me a new direct debit mandate form for my car insurance. I completed the form and returned it to them. I received a letter to say that they had received my instructions by direct debit but were unable to accept further payments by direct debit. They wanted me to pay the full premium of £190.02 by 27/06/09. Today they have asked written cancelling my policy and demanding £111.04. This is outrageous, I completed the mandate as requested and now they cancel my policy and demand £111.04. What should I do?

p.s. I sold my car on 24th June so no longer need the policy!

lisyloo

So you haven't lost any money, they just can't process a direct debit, is that right?
Sorry I'm not sure what the fuss is about.

If you owe them the money because you DD was not paid, then simply pay them.

gordikin

Looks like you missed one or more Direct Debit payments and Elephant asked for full payment, as they are entitled to do. You did not pay and they have now cancelled your policy and charged you, again as they are entitled to do. You may have a problem in the future getting insurance as you have had a policy cancelled.

lloydjones

lisyloo wrote: »

So you haven't lost any money, they just can't process a direct debit, is that right?
Sorry I'm not sure what the fuss is about.

If you owe them the money because you DD was not paid, then simply pay them.

The fuss is this!!!

I sent them the mandate as requested, I followed their instructions. They cancelled my policy - when I'd done nothing wrong! They have added a £47.50 admin charge for cancelling the policy.

lisyloo

I sent them the mandate as requested, I followed their instructions.

So have you asked them WHY they could not accept it?

They cancelled my policy - when I'd done nothing wrong!

Not quite.
They clearly asked you for payment and you didn't pay it NOR is there any indication that you resolved it.
So did you ask them why they couldn't accept your direct debit?
What did you do when they asked for full payment?
They haven't cancelled because you did nothing wrong.
They have cancelled because you did nothing.
It might have been their error initially, but you can't just ignore their letter and not pay money when you know it is owed.

lloydjones

lisyloo wrote: »

So have you asked them WHY they could not accept it?

Not quite.
They clearly asked you for payment and you didn't pay it NOR is there any indication that you resolved it.
So did you ask them why they couldn't accept your direct debit?
What did you do when they asked for full payment?
They haven't cancelled because you did nothing wrong.
They have cancelled because you did nothing.
It might have been their error initially, but you can't just ignore their letter and not pay money when you know it is owed.

Their letter said to ignore it if I'd sent new payment details, so I did. I'll pay them what I owe. I'm not paying £47.50 cancellation fee, no way!

lisyloo

You need to get it resolved.
You can't just decide not to pay.

If you unilaterally decide not to pay then they will sell the debt on.
The debt collector will chase you.
The debt will mount up.
Possibly get a CCJ (county court judgment).
This will stay on your credit record and you will be unlikely to get loans, mortgage etc.

If you really feel it's wrong, then complain in writing using the formal complaints procedure. There is an independent ombudsman you can get involved at no cost to you.
But if you don't sort it then there will be consequences to face for many years.