Hastings Direct and Advantage Insurance Company

the182guy

Has anyone used these? I've got a quote using a comparison site but have never heard of Advantage Insurance Company who underwrite the insurance which seems to be brokered by Hastings Direct.

As a customer which of the two do you deal with?

On another note, why might an insurance company not invite a renewal? The broker has offered a renewal with a different insurer at almost double the premium of last year. I have been with Zurich for 2 years (through a broker) and have had 2 NCB, no accidents or convictions etc. The first year I paid monthly, the second was annually. I have moved house and used their breakdown once, and used RAC on a seperate occasion. Is that it? Could it bar car age? which is now 9-10 years.

fivetide

Used Hastings in the past. Good service and they offer cashback so make sure you log in if you are getting a quote online. No idea about Advantage but a lot of companies have spin off branches, generally offering specialist sport, young driver etc support.

5t.

the182guy

fivetide wrote: »

make sure you log in if you are getting a quote online.
5t.

Thanks, I've tried to get a quote through their own website but unbelievably I can't because my address isn't listed in the postcode lookup and they don't provide an alternative.:mad:

Red_Creative

I insured with Hasting Direct in February this year.
At the end of April they wrote to me asking for a photocopy of my driving licence and counterpart licence, as they 'hadn't asked' previously.
The letter stated I had to supply within 7 days of the letter date.
As I only received the (2nd class) letter on the 7th day, I rang them and was told no problem, send today.
This I did to the address they supplied.
2 weeks later, I get another letter stating I haven't sent the documents in and I need to do within seven days.
I received this letter 8 days as of their letter date!
I wrote to them with copies again.
Today, over a week later, I get 2 letters from them, one advised my policy is cancelled as i didn't send the documents to them in time (they admit that they do have them now).

The 2nd letter is a cheque, refunding my policy minus the period insured AND a £55.00 'cancellation fee'!
Ringing them, they admit to me that it isn't may fault, but there is nothing they can do for except I take out a new policy with them. The new quote is £31.00 higher than what i had paid, and they will not reimburse my £55.00!
When I ask to refer the matter to a line manager, they simply state that I send a letter to the customer services department!
I am, unsurprisingly, VERY displeased by their appalling service, and, complete lack of customer care.
I am seeking re-dress, whether I will get any though...?

smjxm09

Worth reading this http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews2434.html They rate Hastings as a 1* company

dizzyblonde82

I have been with hastings since July last year and have found them very helpful, always get straight through on the phone. I have had to change my car twice since taking out the policy and new documents have arrived within 3 days.

vikingaero

There have been a number of complaints about Hastings on MSE and on other forums. Not only is their service poor but they seemed to have skanked on a lot of people by quoting, having the quote accepted and then attempting to increase premiums or cancel policies. Now Hastings were skanky enough when they were part of Admiral Group but they seemed to have gone downhill after the MBO. You have to remember that Hastings like Admiral Group are the Cheap Charlie end of the the market. Check for levels of cover if you intend to drive abroad regularly or whether Hastings still use the dreaded "Standard Parts Replacement Clause" that they did under Admiral.

the182guy

Thanks for the replies. I've decided to steer very clear of the Hastings group after reading the T&C's such as £55 to cancel policy, £35 for any change of circumstances.

The next best for me seems to be Elephant, anyone got an experience with these? Seems a good deal, more expensive than Hastings but includes Legal and £0 excess. The reviews online seem to be mostly bad for Elephant but there are a few good ones: http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews3669.html

raskazz

vikingaero wrote: »

Now Hastings were skanky enough when they were part of Admiral Group but they seemed to have gone downhill after the MBO.

They have never been part of Admiral Group. They were founded by David Gundlach who had previously worked for Admiral but were never part of the group.

vikingaero

raskazz wrote: »

They have never been part of Admiral Group. They were founded by David Gundlach who had previously worked for Admiral but were never part of the group.

Years ago I thought that Bell, Hastings, Admiral, Elephant and Diamond were all part of Admiral Group which was owned by Great Lakes Reinsurance which was then owned by Munich Reinsurance.

spiderman72

Be very wary of using Hastings Direct. I got my motorcycle insurance through them in march this year. In July I moved to a new house and advised them of the change of address. They acknowledged my email and asked for further info, which I provided. I heard nothing from them for a few days and then received an email saying they were cancelling my insurance in 7 days as I'd moved house. I queried this, as the new house had a monitored alarm system and asked for clarification. They didn't respond so I had to ring them after 5 days. They told me they were cancelling the insurance as I hadn't informed them of my house move. I explained I had their emails confirming my notification of change of address, but the girl on the other end of the phone basically called me a liar! When I asked how they could have known I'd moved if I hadn't told them. Needless to say this foxed her completely. They have not responded to my request for details of my refund due and have generally been incompetent and rude. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!!!