can car insurance take money from my account?

cheryllou2002

I had an accident in January. The woman involved put in a (dubious) claim. I got my renewal policy with Tesco in April, and the premium had not gone up as I expected. I presumed it was because the case has not closed yet. Then I got a letter saying I owed them £149 because of the accident (no further explanation), then a week later a letter saying thanks for the correspondence (I haven't spoken to them), and I owe them £39, which they have taken out of my account. Is this legal? As far as I'm concerned, I have a legally binding document with them until April next year, and surely they can't just take money out of my account without my say-so? Who can I complain to if discussion with Tesco proves fruitless?

InsideInsurance

The renewal notice normally gives a warning that the premium isnt binding if you are to make a claim or a policy change between the renewal quote being generated and the renewal occurring.

Evidently you need to speak to Tesco to find out why there have been two different charges applied

a5827

There is not enough information here to advise you properly. It sounds like Tesco's communication is lacking which is not your fault, but you need to ask Tesco to explain themselves.

mikey72

InsideInsurance wrote: »

The renewal notice normally gives a warning that the premium isnt binding if you are to make a claim or a policy change between the renewal quote being generated and the renewal occurring.

Evidently you need to speak to Tesco to find out why there have been two different charges applied

The accident was well before the renewal offer, so I doubt it's acceptable to change the premium. If Tesco don't agree, the FOS is the place to take it to.

rs65

mikey72 wrote: »

The accident was well before the renewal offer, so I doubt it's acceptable to change the premium. If Tesco don't agree, the FOS is the place to take it to.

The accident was well before the renewal notice but we don't know when it was reported.

OP, when did you report the accident?

cheryllou2002

I reported the accident as soon as it happened, well, a few days after. My husband spoke to Tesco and they said it was because they'd changed underwriters and they had made a mistake in not bearing the accident - I say accident, it was impact of a shopping trolley, but I digress... - in mind when they sent out the renewal documents. But we argue that's their mistake, and that in tacking on a late charge they didn't give us the option to look around for a cheaper quote so therefore should wait until next year, if at all, to add the money (I do expect to have to pay more at some stage, I know it was my fault). Interestingly, although they want £180 ish in total, they offered to take off £50 as a gesture of goodwill, but I'm arguing they should take off the whole £180. ANd btw, do you know if they can just take money out of our account without our say-so?

cheryllou2002

*Accident was Jan, insurance renewal April.

mikey72

cheryllou2002 wrote: »

I reported the accident as soon as it happened, well, a few days after. My husband spoke to Tesco and they said it was because they'd changed underwriters and they had made a mistake in not bearing the accident - I say accident, it was impact of a shopping trolley, but I digress... - in mind when they sent out the renewal documents. But we argue that's their mistake, and that in tacking on a late charge they didn't give us the option to look around for a cheaper quote so therefore should wait until next year, if at all, to add the money (I do expect to have to pay more at some stage, I know it was my fault). Interestingly, although they want £180 ish in total, they offered to take off £50 as a gesture of goodwill, but I'm arguing they should take off the whole £180. ANd btw, do you know if they can just take money out of our account without our say-so?

Write an offical complaint, if they don't refund, and honour the renewal price, refer the complaint to the FOS.

wealdroam

cheryllou2002 wrote: »

ANd btw, do you know if they can just take money out of our account without our say-so?

No.

A fuller answer is on your other thread.