BG Homecare discount?

desthemoaner

I received a call from British Gas earlier this week, telling me that because I subscribed to their Homecare boiler cover insurance I was entitled to a six per cent discount on my gas and electricity.

I don't usually buy products over the phone, but when they told me that they would also pay a total of £150.00 credit into my energy account in the first 12 months, I decided to go for it.

Since then I've had cold feet, because on further examination the figures didn't appear to add up. I rang them the other day and was given to understand by a lady who worked in a department unconnected with the above offer that a six per cent discount already applies to ALL customers who pay by direct debit.
I've emailed BG to clarify whether I am in fact entitled to an extra six per cent on top of the direct debit discount, but their last response was unclear. I've emailed again and if they either don't respond, or--as they did in their last email-- avoid the specific issue, I think I might pull the plug.

I just wondered whether anyone else had been made this particular offer and has been able to clarify whether theres an extra discount as a Homecare customer, or whether its smoke and mirrors?

desthemoaner

Well, to save my post from getting lonely I'll answer it myself.

I had a call from a very nice man at BG yesterday, his initial contact being intended to help me with my transfer. He checked the discount situation and confirmed that no, I wouldn't get an extra discount as a Homecare customer, only the regular six per cent which is given to ALL direct debit customers. I thanked him for his assistance and asked him to cancel the contract. I've emailed BG and suggested that it might be advisable for their sales team to describe their products accurately when attempting to procure sales.

All's well that ends well, if you can use such a phrase in connection with the diabolical ripoff which is energy pricing in the UK.

ollski

Did you think you were getting 12% off initially then?, the way I read the post is that when you were offered 6% and the cashback it was a deal you wanted.

CRISPIANNE3

The way to save is when the Homecare comes up for renewal is to phone BG and say you are thinking of leaving them. I have done this for the last 5 years and everytime they reduce the cost.

So in the past 5 years I am only paying about £12.00 more per annum since I joined them.

desthemoaner

I got quite a good deal on the BG Homecare, but time will tell whether I suffer the usual penalties for loyalty. I ditched my subscription to Homeserve's home emergency cover because the premium went through the roof, and they refused to give me a discount after five years and just one claim.

I was told by BG during the initial sales call that I was getting a six per cent discount because I'm a Homecare customer. This isn't true: I was offered the discount because ALL direct debit customers get a six per cent discount. Therefore to my mind, I was misinformed, perhaps even missold.