Car insurance cancelled - didn't get notice of payment problem as on holliday!!

gemold

Please can anyone help? I feel sick with worry!!

I've just come off the phone to RAC car insurance - my Policy was cancelled on the 6th of Aug 12 after a missed payment. The payment turns out to have been a recurring payment and the HSBC debit card had been cancelled after I lost my purse I thought my car insurance was a direct debit.

RAC had sent out a letter on 26th July warning me to resolve the payment issue or they'd cancel the policy on the 6th Aug. I've been on holiday (still in the UK) from 25th July and for another couple of days. I only know of the situation because my mum joined us on holiday and brought some of our post with her.

I opened the letter today and immediately rang RAC to be told my policy had been cancelled. I owe them from last payment to cancellation date plus a cancellation charge.

The worst bit however is finding quotes have doubled because I have to declare I have had insurance cancelled with no room for explanation or understanding of circumstances. I've been labelled as a non-payer and told there's nothing I can do about it.

I tried Go-compare but only 3 insurers would quote me. I rang RAC back - they could insure me again but my premium has gone from £355 up to £720.

I am gutted by the whole thing and feel sick with the worry of affording the premium and whether I'm stuck with this next year too? Am I blacklisted?! Does it affect other credit stuff?

I asked if they couldn't have emailed like other communication when I set up the policy - apparently the letter should have been enough. The boy on the phone 'Matthew' said if i wanted to drive my car I needed insurance so I should just 'get over it' (the higher premium) as there was nothing that could be done. He also said I should 'suck it up' and 'move on'.

Is there anything I can do to sort this mess out. RAC wouldn't budge and said it was out of their hands.

Without sounding pathetic I'm so stressed by it and honestly feel sick with worry.

Quentin

Having a policy cancelled does blacklist you for ever as far as most mainstream insurers are concerned.

See if a local broker (not swinton) can help.

gemold

Oh my goodness!!! Really?

Is there absolutely nothing I can do sort it all out?!!

Quentin

You can appeal their decision and see if they will reinstate your policy. Though from what you say they don't sound too sympathetic.

gemold

Sorry to ask and be in a flap - RAC have reinsured me for double the cost and I've done it as I need to drive for work. I thought if I could solve the issue I could cancel within the 14days allowed.

Do you mean a formal sort of appeal? ...the geniune begging, explaning the lost purse, cancelled card, mistakenly thinking it was a DD and being on holiday so not being able to respond in time, and tears, on the telephone got me nowhere.

The original policy was RAC but it's with AVIVA. Do you know if I could go directly to them and explain?

Is there really no difference between deliberate non-payment and accidental non-payment?

Blacklisted for life - feels horrific. I have been shaking and tearful since I came off the phone to RAC - I'm in a state over it!

Maybe worth seeing CAB?

vaio

if they don't reinstate then I'd be complaining that, having set up the policy via email, to then cancel cover on the basis of one letter & no emails particularly in the holiday season when lots of people are away is unfair.

I'd also be getting a copy of the recording of the call with Matthew

Quentin

gemold wrote: »

Sorry to ask and be in a flap - RAC have reinsured me for double the cost and I've done it as I need to drive for work. I thought if I could solve the issue I could cancel within the 14days allowed.

Do you mean a formal sort of appeal? ...the geniune begging, explaning the lost purse, cancelled card, mistakenly thinking it was a DD and being on holiday so not being able to respond in time, and tears, on the telephone got me nowhere.

The original policy was RAC but it's with AVIVA. Do you know if I could go directly to them and explain?

Is there really no difference between deliberate non-payment and accidental non-payment?

Blacklisted for life - feels horrific. I have been shaking and tearful since I came off the phone to RAC - I'm in a state over it!

Maybe worth seeing CAB?

Aviva own RAC.

Insurers do generally take a hard line over this - but you won't know unless you make an "appeal" (in writing).

It may be better to try grovelling (rather than complaining).

There is a silver lining - you found out you had no insurance before being stopped by the police! (Or having a crash!!)

gemold

If I appeal but nothing can be done do you think i will be in this position every time I need to renew my car insurance - having to say yes to cancelled insurance etc?

Thanks for your time

Quentin

Usually the question asked is along the lines of "has anyone to be covered by the policy ever had a policy cancelled etc"

And a local broker may be able to help.

Shenanigan

With the HOME policies I deal with at work, we don't care if you've had a policy cancelled due to non payment. Get online quotes to start with then call companies direct to find out their stance.

Shenanigan

Quentin wrote: »

Having a policy cancelled does blacklist you for ever as far as most mainstream insurers are concerned.

Depends on the reason for cancellation. I can't help but feel you've been a little alarmist here.