Sneaky Halifax

mgarl10024

I have recently phoned up Halifax for a couple of routine issues, which have been dealt with well.
However, the last few times I've noticed them being a bit sneaky.

Normally, after they've dealt with my query, they ask about home insurance. They aren't my provider and would like to be. They always ask who my current provider is which is something I feel I don't need to tell them.

The call before last, the chap said "well sir, we are your mortgage provider, so we do need to know that". I pointed out that he had a right to ask if I had insurance, and I could give him my reassurance that I did, but that I didn't need to tell him who it was with. He dropped the issue at that point, although my next move would have been to have asked him to put his query in writing with justification of why he needed it.

The sneakiest thing that I noticed was the last time I called. I explained my query and the lady said "no problem sir, we just need to get you through security"
"Sure. Fire away"
"Can I have your DOB?"
"yeah....xxxxx"
"Can I have your postcode?"
"sure. xxxxxxx"
"And finally, who is your home insurance with"
I paused. A bit stunned. I mean, how would they know?
"Not you" I said.
Knowing she'd been rumbled she pushed no further and said "that's right. Can I ask why?..."

I was amazed that they would sneak that question into a list of security questions. That's outrageous. I wonder how many times people fall foul of that. :shocked:

Incidentally, isn't there a system that they have access to to look this up?

Thanks,

kingstreet

They have the right to know your buildings insurance provider, sum insured, terms and policy number to ensure you are meeting your mortgage conditions and adequately covering their security.

Lenders can request the cover be issued in joint names with them, or for their interest to be noted in the policy as mortgagee.

http://www.halifax-intermediaries.co.uk/pdf/mortgage/all-about-our-mortgages.pdf

There is no system showing them your insurance with another provider.

ACG

They need to know insurance is in place, but i didnt think they needed to know who it was with.

That being said, why are you being so secretive about it? All you have to say is im not interest in your insurance but thanks - can you also note on my account i dont want to be notified about your products again, i will ask if i want anything. Job done.

ineed

I'm curious to know who your policy is with now .
lol but seriously why the secrecy? I know it's none of their business really but it's not a big deal to tell time surely?

vectistim

Do Halifax like their interest to be noted on the insurance documents? Certainly some lenders do.

cattie

Until you've paid for it, it's their house for the most part, so why shouldn't they know all the details of who you've insured it with?

I think you are being a bit paranoid in thinking them sneakily trying to get information out of you that you mistakenly believe that they have no right to know.

You didn't mind them looking into your finances when you wanted to borrow money, so now they have loaned it to you why the sudden clam up?

rs65

If you pay for your insurance from a Halifax account or card they could find out anyway.

opinions4u

The sales approach is sneaky. Ish.

But they do have a right to ask you to provide proof of adequate buildings insurance.