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I Got The Tesco Insurance Cancellation Blues

Tesco insurance have made my blood boil, and here is why :-

Back in July, I found I could get good car insurance elsewhere for half the price....so I got the new policy, and set about cancelling my combined Tesco Insurance and Tesco Breakdown Recovery policy.

I called Tesco on July 22nd.....5 days before the next payment was due, and clearly informed them of my desire to have the policy cancelled as from July 27th.

I was informed they had noted that, but that due to their system I would have to actually call back on July 27th to cancel the policy. They then informed me of cancellation fee.....1 month premium + £10....and in addition 25% of the breakdown cover.....all of which comes to £59.

Well, I am extremely busy, and forgot to call back on July 27th....not least because I had already TOLD them I wanted the policy cancelled. Then on August 7th I got a letter saying my payment was 'overdue' ( I had cancelled the direct debit). Well....I called and told them it was not my fault or problem if their system could not cope with advance cancellations ! There is NO legal requirement that one can ONLY cancel on the actual cancellation date.

But Friday, regardless of that, they sent me a bill for £77....part of which is for money 'due' after the date I had already told them I wanted the policy cancelled. They can sue me for that extra...as I have no doubt that 'our system cannot cope' is NOT a legal defence.

But it's worse.....and here is something for anyone with such combined insurance to watch out for. The ' 1 month plus £10' would appear to INCLUDE the breakdown component......so, if they are also charging you 25% seperately for the breakdown cover ending....then they are penalising you TWICE for the same cover !

£77 to cancel an insurance policy is a rip off. Also.....I cannot find the 25% breakdown cancellation amount anywhere in the actual policy document.

Comments

  • iamana1ias
    iamana1ias Posts: 3,777 Forumite
    Why do I have d!jà vous?
    I was born too late, into a world that doesn't care
    Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
  • magpiecottage
    magpiecottage Posts: 9,241 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    If they have instructed them not to renew the policy before it was due, then they should have done so without charge, so a complaint will be an appropriate response.

    I doubt FOS will find an incompetent system an impressive defence but you must allow Tesco a chance to sort it out first.
  • dacouch
    dacouch Posts: 21,637 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    iamana1ias wrote: »
    Why do I have d!jà vous?

    That's weird I knew you were going to say that...
  • dacouch
    dacouch Posts: 21,637 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    If they have instructed them not to renew the policy before it was due, then they should have done so without charge, so a complaint will be an appropriate response.

    I doubt FOS will find an incompetent system an impressive defence but you must allow Tesco a chance to sort it out first.

    It's a mid term cancellation
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