Sheila's Wheels and Debt Collection Agencies

annamac_2

Hi,

Wondered if anyone else has had problems with Sheila's Wheels inappropriately sending them to debt collection agencies?

I cancelled my insurance in November as I no longer had my car. They wrote to me on 21st December, the day before I went on holiday for a 2 weeks over the Xmas period. The letter siad there were some monies outstanding (£38). They then had written to me again (letter dated 12th January) whilst I was away. I returned on 16th January and got the letter and they said if there was any reason that my cancellation should be backdated that I should send them proof.

I sold my car before I cancelled my policy, so I got written proof of this and sent it to them on 19th January (so my reply was within 7 days). On 29th January, I recived a letter dated from Direct Legal & Collections saying my Sheila's Wheels had referred my outstanding amount for collection. I was infuriated because I had an outstanding enquiry with them. The collection agency wanted payment immediately!

I called Sheila's Wheels and they said the correspondence crossed in the post and they would get back to me within 7 days. They shouldn't be taking this kind of action without giving people enough time to respond to their letters.

I sent a letter of complaint to which I have no reply as yet. I called them yesterday to make sure they received it and they told me they actually owe me £11 which was transferred into my account on 2nd February. They also said they had called the debt collection agency off. They told me they allow 10 days for a customer to reply before sending it to the debt collection agency. I told them I did respond within 7 days, but they said it took a few days for the letter to get to them internally. That is not my problem!

I called the agency straight after and they had not received Sheila's Wheels confirmation to call them off and are going to be chasing me again for the money on 8th February. I am going on holiday next week so need to get this sorted!

I am so angry and still have to sort this out but surely there are some sort of regulations around sending people to debt collection agencies?

If they want to lose customers this is a good way of going about it - I am never using Sheila's Wheels again and I have learnt their customer service is horrendous.

I would be happy to hear of any similar stories.

Anna