Car Insurance problem - declaring points

kylestyle06

Hi all

Someone crashed into me a month ago, and I got given a courtesy car.. they did a conference call with the DVLA, and there was 3 points that my insurers wasn't aware of (obviously my fault for failing to declare/forgetting etc.).

The points were from 1 a year ago.

They have taken £670 out my bank account, which was backdated from a year ago, and left me with £14 to live with till the end of Janurary.

First of all can they just take the money out? My renewal isn't until the end of Jan.?

Also, is their anything I can do at all, or just take the hit and chance insurance companies?

I feel hard done by, yet is was my fault not to declare points, and it really has left me in trouble this month.

Thanks in advance.

dacouch

How much is your normal premium and also your normal monthly instalment

kylestyle06

My normal insurance is around £900 per year, but pay monthly so pay £80 per month.

I rang and complained and they said that it is a hard month, and if you renew we will try and give you the money back, but you will need to renew with us and pay £185 a month to pay the extra costs!!!!

I just feel like taking the hit this month, and changing insurance groups.

I just feel so hard done by (albeit my fault i'd guess), that they can just take the money out my account just like that when it's not even renweal till the end of the month.. could I get the money back, then just not renew with them? They are calling me at 11am to tell me whether they can give it me back , and I pay it in a monthly cost.. but I can't justify paying £185 per month for a year..

someone help

dacouch

Which Insurer / broker is it

mikey72

So £900 a year, rising to about £1500 when you declare the three points?
£2200 renewal.
Can you get an on-line quote as a new customer, declaring everything, just for a guide price?
Maybe with bogus details, similar post code, and no car reg put in?

kylestyle06

Ill try being a new customer.

I already had 3 points for speeding in a 30 limit, but forgot to declare a defective tyre.

Should I take the hit and live with nothing for a month.. Or try get the money back and pay near on £200 a month for a year? I'd rather take the hit now.. but If I got the money back and cancelled insurance, can they chase me up for it? For the £670?

It's with Admiral.

dacouch

Has your car been repaired yet ?

Was your car repaired by Admiral or directly by the other Insurer, was the "Courtesy" car a like for like one provided by Albany assistance

dacouch

What is the date you received the conviction for the incident Admiral are charging you the extra for ?

kylestyle06

Ok the conviction was over a year ago, and because I have not told them they have just taken the lump sum out. They found out when they did a conference call to arrange a courtesy car for me with the DVLA. When they found out the guy said that it will affect my renewal and I will have to pay extra per month for the 3 points, but they just took the whole lot out!

My insurance rang me about the courtesy car, and it was albany that arranged all that.


Do I have a leg to stand on, or am I totally screwed?

no-oneknowsme

So , is that actually 6 points you have on your licence ?

You have 3 which i assume you had already declared for speeding and then you have the 3 which you forgot to declare which were for a defective tyre ?

Is this right ? 6 points ?

dacouch

Ok I would follow Mikey's advice and get a quote based on your details as of last years renewal eg same age at the time, length of driving licence with the convictions declared from Admiral.

You will need to use a different name and a very similar address (Tick the box for do not contact me).

This will give you an idea of what they would have charged, bear in mind their premiums could have changed since then.

Having two convictions does tend to make a big difference to car insurance premiums especially if your young or have a high group car.

Admiral normally make an additional admin charge of I think £50 if they discover underclared convictions which would be included in the amount they have asked you for.

If you are really stuck for money you could always contact your bank and tell them you want the money refunded into your account immediately under the direct debit guarantee (You can google it to read up on it). The bank will normally try and put you off doing it as they don't like the hassle.

If you go down this route you will need to make sure you ring Admiral up asap to pay your normal instalment and then cancel the direct debit at the bank. I would also right them a letter and send it by recorded delivery advising them you have carried out a reclaim under the DD guarantee and that you dispute the charge, would like a full explanation / breakdown. That you are prepared to pay them once you are satisfied and include a cheque for say £200 as a goodwill gesture while this is being looked into.

Bear in mind if you do the above the might register on your credit file that you have missed a payment, so if this could be an issue for you don't do it.

Did Admiral send you a letter before they took the amount out advising you of the change to your instalment?