Overcharged by Homeserve Insurance

happyshopper

I've had a 'plumbing and drainage' policy from Homeserve Insurance (yeah, I know, waste of money) since 2000. I discovered last week (they told me when I cancelled the policy by phone) that they've been charging me for a House policy instead of a Flat. A new house policy at the moment would be c£80 pa and a flat policy is c£50 so there's quite a big difference. As I would never have said that I lived in a house rather than a flat when I originally applied (by phone I think), I can only assume that they either didn't ask me, or there was a clerical error at their end.

I am planning to try and get the overpayments that I've made refunded. I have all the paperwork for every year's renewal. Any advice on wording before I go ahead? How long should I give them to reply? Should I ask or expect anything additional for my inconvenience, lost interest etc? If so, what would be reasonable? I was thinking of perhaps £30. Am new to this so any advice will be much appreciated.

HS

[EDIT: I've just found [URL="http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2007/jul/21/homeinsurance.insurance"]this news report[/URL] which gives me some more ammunition as it's definitely not just me that was overcharged. I didn't get the letter referred to.]

happyshopper

Well, despite the lack of interest or replies, thought I'd update in case any use to anybody else. I wrote a letter requesting refunds for the overpayments, plus £30 for my trouble (time, postage, photocopying etc.). I also enclosed copies of all the policies since 2000 and asked for details of their calculations of any compensation/refund that they decided on.

Well, this Wednesday I received a letter saying that they would be paying c£158 into my bank account on 25th November which should arrive within 5 working days. No other details. Hurrah thinks me. Success!! :T

And then yesterday (Thursday) another letter containing a cheque for £18 'refund' arrived. And surprise surprise, the £158 hasn't been paid into my bank account. I don't know what they're playing at, but if the money isn't there on Monday I presume the next step is the FOS. :mad:

HS