shafted!

katesmommy

I purchased fully comp insurance with Sheila's Wheels last August, so I still have a good 7 months left on my policy.

I called today to report a claim and change my address. I moved 2 weeks ago and wrote to them to change the address but received no response so thought I'd do it at the same time. I was told that for a new customer, they wouldn't insure the new address but as I was an existing customer, they would insure me - at an additional £583!!! I already paid almost the same amount for my annual premium!

They told me that because they were now aware I had moved, the address on the policy HAD to be changed and if I didn't pay the extra premium, the policy would be void (which means any claim against me for today's accident would mean I was uninsured which is illegal)

Now correct me if I am wrong - but as the incident occurred at 11am, and I notified them of change of address at 1pm, then I WAS insured at the time?! Or are they saying because I already moved that I wouldn't be insured?

The person involved in the claim (minor damaged) has already contacted his insurance and filed a claim against me, so I felt I had no choice but to pay. I can't get new insurance because of this claim, so I can't cancel the policy.

Surely this is wrong?!

In addition, If I cancel at any time before August, they will not refund ANYTHING as I have a claim against me!

MentalMinnie

have they said what the issue is with the address you've moved to? Is it a high crime area?

katesmommy

No all she would say is it is high risk, possibly they have had a lot of claims there?

I moved from a cul-de-sac in a quiet suburb in the west midlands to a normal road in another suburb of Birmingham, but it's not a main road, not high crime, in fact it's full of pensioners!

Sgt_Pepper_2

Well if they haven't written to you to inform you of any changes to the premium or cancellation, I can't see how they can void you policy for the time of the collision had you refused to pay.

maninthestreet

Try one of the car insurance comparison site to see if the new post code relly is considered far more risky than your old post code.

neilmcl

I think what they're saying is as you hadn't informed them of your change in address 2 weeks ago, any claim since then could be voided. I'm not sure they're right though so it may be worth checking.

neilmcl

maninthestreet wrote: »

Try one of the car insurance comparison site to see if the new post code relly is considered far more risky than your old post code.

I don;t see how that really helps the OP in this instance, other than to confirm they're probably ripping her off regarding the new premium.

colino

As Sheilas Wheels is a stripped down outfit that you contact by email or phone, why did you write to them to tell them about one change of circs. (and apparently didn't get an acknowledgment) and phone when it's something important, like a claim? I'm actually surprised they are offering cover at all.

forgotmyname

Full of pensioners that put insurance claims in for a drop of bird poo on the car.

Or catch the garage door or gatepost whilst driving in or out on a monthly basis. And always claim?

They could have said sorry we are cancelling your policy for non diclosure. You should have told them you moved at the time not 2 weeks later. They have no record of the call. Several posts recently about insurers not tracing calls.

Ideally you needed to phone and check the prices before you thought of moving. But you made a claim....

With a claim also, your rather stuffed. Its a case of payup or payup. They seem to hold all the cards. Cancel and payup or keep it for a year and payup.

I guess they will be off your xmas card list next year.

Insurance = win/win for the insurance company.

Sgt_Pepper_2

forgotmyname wrote: »

Full of pensioners that put insurance claims in for a drop of bird poo on the car.

Or catch the garage door or gatepost whilst driving in or out on a monthly basis. And always claim?

They could have said sorry we are cancelling your policy for non diclosure. You should have told them you moved at the time not 2 weeks later. They have no record of the call. Several posts recently about insurers not tracing calls.

Ideally you needed to phone and check the prices before you thought of moving. But you made a claim....

With a claim also, your rather stuffed. Its a case of payup or payup. They seem to hold all the cards. Cancel and payup or keep it for a year and payup.

I guess they will be off your xmas card list next year.

Insurance = win/win for the insurance company.

Are you that anal you do that?

forgotmyname

Yes. I am. Same as when i change my car. I check to see how much the insurance costs before i buy it.

Same as when i added some mods to my car i got prices BEFORE i did them. To make sure they would still cover me.

If thats anal then yes i am. Rather that than a bill for £583. Or a sorry but we can no longer cover that vehicle so pay us £200 to cancel the policy and goodbye.