swinton home insurance

mitten123

I had a reminder recently that my home insurance was due for renewal. The renewal price was high and so I got comparisons which were lower. I was pestered by renewal calls from swinton and told the caller on two occassions that I was searching prices and would not renew with them. I eventually insured with another provider and 2 days after the new insurance start date I got a letter from Swinton saying that they had renewed my policy and would take a DD from my bank.I rang to say no you must not do this, to be told that I would face charges for 2 days cover and a £25 cancellation charge totaling £26.30. I can stop the DD at the bank but Swinton are now threatening to escalate the charges if I don't pay up. Any advice would be welcome

Quentin

If you instructed them to stop the renewal prior to your old policy ending then you should dispute this.

Your problem may be proving this, as it seems nothing was put in writing by either side regarding this.

Ask them to check your phone instructions, and if you get nowhere start a formal complaint, which you can escalate the FOS (at no cost to you) if you are unhappy with their reply.

ihateyes

this a common tactic employed by swinton.......

*Scarlett

I did insure with Swinton a couple of years ago (not sure I would again!)

In fairness when I rang to tell them to lapse the policy they did do it but as per the t&c they took the next months DD payment for the new policy even though I was not going ahead with it. This was refunded a few weeks later but it's one of the things that would make me avoid them in the future.

They should have recordings of the conversations that you had with their advisors where you told them that are are not renewing and to lapse the policy.

Also as you took out another policy you will have proof of dual insurance will will help your case.