Please Read if You have Ever Done Business With Abbey Insurance Brokers

Ex-Spendaholic

Last night I logged onto online banking. I was looking at my DDs and a mandate had appeared for Abbey Insurance. I immediately thought that this was odd as its at least 6 years since I have had any business with them.

So this morning I phoned the bank. They told me that the mandate had come through electronically on 27 May. I cancelled it there and then as I knew something was amiss.

So I phoned Abbey. It appears that they got a new computer system. The new computer system has set up DDs with just about everyone and anyone who ever had a DD mandate for them. :mad: The girl told me "not to worry about it, the computer did it and loads of people had phoned". I stated that I wasn't very pleased as they should have at least publicised this mistake.

Again she told me not to worry as no money had been taken. I told her that wasn't the point and what if the "new computer system" decides it wants money.

I just thought I'd post this in case anyone else has had mandates put on their accounts. I just checked another account and there is one there too. :mad:

Old_Git

If Abbey or anyone else takes any money they are not supposed to via DD get your bank to refund it .The banks don't like doing it but remember the magic words" DD guarantee" and they have to refund .
Banks will tell you to go back to Abbey or whoever .just say DD guarantee and the money will be back in your account within 24 hours .

Golden_Anemone

Accepted Old Git but the point is:

1) they should be more careful than to make such a careless mistake and
2) They should be more gracious and less dismissive when the mistake is pointed out to them.

How many DDs have been accidently set up on accounts that people don't check regularly? Surely Abbey should be taking it upon themselves to check every DD set up by the new computer system and ensure it is for a current customer rather than leaving it to people to complain. Are they hoping that a few will slip through the net, they don't seem to care if that happens?

drew2k9

thats madness! am i correct in saying that most banks if they know you have a DD for a certain amount about to come out within about 2 or 3 days, they will show your available balance as having already had that amount deducted from your account even before it has actually been deducted? that could leave some people in a bit of bother and be bad for credit ratings etc.

spike7451

Thanks for that,I've just checked my bank & all ok at the mo.Dont want Abbey to set up a new DD with them anyway,I'm changing insurers in Aug for my car due to problems I've had with Abbey last year.
Anyone reccomend any good ones over here?

drew2k9

allianz are good for private car, also Hughes usually have very competitive prices.

thriftmonster

We use Hughes-they were very good at getting a price for dh when we finally got 2 cars and he had to get his own insurance at the tender age of 33. Some of the quotes we got were daft.

swannie_girl

Yea I have used Hughes for the past few years they were always the best quote.
Like you thriftymonster some of the quotes given could buy you another car.
But what really gets me is some insurers especially for buildings/contents give you a quote and you say "Oh thats a bit pricey I was able to get a much lower one" they will then ask how much you were quoted and out of nowwhere will match the quote. I have asked why they dont give that amount at the beginning instead of waiting until you do your homework and then they will match. This really bugs me. I dont give them the business anyway, I give to the insurer that was honest enough to quote their LOWEST price first time round.

Ex-Spendaholic

I find www.directline.com far cheaper for car and house insurance than any NI company.

spike7451

Ex-Spendaholic wrote: »

I find www.directline.com far cheaper for car and house insurance than any NI company.

Many thanks! I got a quote from them at £270 (£24 a month) which is half what I was paying with Abbey!:T

edtheduck_2

yes i have my car insurance with them and notice dd came out of account and then straight back in again. rang bank, said abbey have declined it cos they are in process of setting up new dd!!! rang abbey and asked what going on - asked her to put note on my account to ensure i wouldnt get landed with one of their admin charges.... the bl**dy cheek, surely they should have let people know