Is there a cooling of period for telephone renewals?

Sooetie

Is there a cooling off period for insurance renewal by telephone?

I have recently started to sort out my mothers finances as she let things go since her husband passed away. She is a very independant 73yo but lets finances go by her so long as it's going out as a Direct Debit. I now have a situation where she was phoned by her car insurance broker to renew - I had told her i would sort it out but they have taken it anyway.

We haven't even had a renewal notice from the Insurer
She told me that she told them that she had to speak to me first but it still went through on her bank account within days. The amount they quoted was ridiculous - nearly £700 when I have quotes for £276.
She quickly rang to say she didn't want to renew but the broker - Swintons- took £50 plus the insurer took nearly £40 as cancellation fees.

As this all happened in the space of a week do we have any recourse?

It sickens me that a broker that advertises how they can get the best price can not even bother to.

My mother wants to let it go but how many other people are being 'renewed' in this way?

I would at least like to bring this to everyone's attention

Swintons you should be ashamed of yourselves!

I'd like to thank everyone who is involved with this website as you have been a tremendous help to me over the last few years.

Yours Thankfully
Sue

dunstonh

As this all happened in the space of a week do we have any recourse?

Cant see ay wrong doing in what you have described. So, can't see why you would have any recourse.

Like it or not, your mother is an adult and is entitled to be treated as such. Whilst you may disagree with what she did, she has the responsibility that goes with that decision. Only if you can show that she is not mentally incapable of making decisions would you likely have a case to put to them.

devildog

It is my belief that there is a 14 day grace period where you can change your mind without consequences(unless you have had to make a claim) Check the terms and conditions on the policy and it should tell you there.

dunstonh

devildog wrote: »

It is my belief that there is a 14 day grace period where you can change your mind without consequences(unless you have had to make a claim) Check the terms and conditions on the policy and it should tell you there.

You can change your mind but they can charge a cancellation fee and a premium to cover the period up to cancellation which is what Swinton have done.

Sooetie

I cancelled the policy and the insurers repaid half the 1st months fee. The brokers still took nearly double.
I still saved over £300 from what it would have cost if it went through.