Admiral charge if you dont renew???

astrowitchee

I have been told by admiral insurance that if my son doesn't renew his insurance they will charge him a cancellation fee of £22.52.
How can that be legal, to charge you if you don't want to renew a policy?

kingstreet

Is he attempting to cancel before, or after, the renewal date? Is the insurer aware he simply wishes not to renew? Who used the word cancellation? Does the insurer think he wants to cancel, rather than "not renew?"

If not taking up the insurer's terms at renewal, there should be no charge.

Check insurer's understanding.

dunstonh

Sounds like a mix up between cancellation and not renewing. If you are cancelling then they can charge. If you are not renewing [at renewal] then they will not charge.

astrowitchee

his policy was due for renewal on the 4th, the call centre said its in the 14 day cooling off period and if he doesn't renew they will charge a cancellation fee.....very odd.

InsideInsurance

4th Feb (ie it has renewed) or 4th March (ie it hasnt)

If it is Feb then it has renewed, he is not "not renewing" but cancelling an active policy within its cooling off period which they are entitled to charge for time on cover and a reasonable admin fee

If it is Mar then I think there is a confusion over the term of cancel -v- not renew/ allow to lapse. There would be no charge if he advises he doesnt want it to renew/ he wants to allow it to lapse.

leoetal19

my son rang admiral yesterday to say he wont be renewing (date due was 28/2), no charge
has your son decided not to renew after the renewal date has passed? if so its an admin fee? if not i agree with above its a misunderstanding?

forgotmyname

You have to phone and cancel the renewal BEFORE the policy expires. Usually worth doing it a few weeks before on the phone then back it up with a letter.

Your not cancelling you are letting the policy lapse.

But if he left it too late then the 14 day cooling off doesnt mean you get 14 days free insurance. Just the right to cancel within 14 days.

You still need to pay for time on cover and the cancellation fees.

I assume it was the 4th feb so he called to cancel after the date so charges are correct. If he doesnt pay they may cancel the policy then he will struggle to get insurance having to declare that.
Failing to declare having a policy cancelled by an insurer could see another policy cancelled and his car impounded.