Insurance company credit card query

TillyTea

Hello,

Last year I paid my partner's annual insurance with my credit card. The insurance company then told me that they would be using my card next year (which is now this year) when it came to the renewal. I told them I did not agree to that, but they said in that case my partner would have to call up and leave another card for them to hold. I queried what would happen if he didn't do that and the guy I spoke to just said that they would keep my card on in that case. I was so baffled that stupidly at the time I didn't argue further.

Now, surprise surprise, my partner and I are not on speaking terms and I can't get hold of him. I am worried that the insurance company will use my card, the renewal is coming up soon - can they legally do this if I don't approve? The insurance is not even in my name or address!! Will I have to cancel my credit card to avoid this? I am not sure they are allowed to store the last three digits etc without my approval? I would really appreciate some information from someone who knows for sure as I don't want to have to cancel my credit card unless I have to!
Please don't suggest I try to get hold of my partner - I am looking for information on my rights in this scenario.

Many thanks

visidigi

Have you rung the insurance company and informed them of the change in circumstance?

If they wont discuss it due to data protection your best bet is to cancel the card and get a reissue.

MamaMoo_2

Write to the company via recorded delivery, stating the facts and that you do not give them permission to debit your card for an account that has nothing to do with you.
If they do then debit your card, raise it with your card provider.

TillyTea

But MamaMoo, is there a possibility I don't get the money back? This is my main concern - what are my actual rights? I can't imagine they have the right, but I don't know for sure...

newhome2

Tell the insurance company that you have no "Insurable Interest" in the item being insured and that you do not live at the address. Send a recorded delivery letter and point out that you will issue immediately in the small claims court if your card is used. Also tell your credit card company that you have not given the company involved authority to use the card this year and that you will equally hold them responsible if they allow payment to be taken. All this on the basis that indeed you don't have an interest in the insurance.

MamaMoo_2

TillyTea wrote: »

But MamaMoo, is there a possibility I don't get the money back? This is my main concern - what are my actual rights? I can't imagine they have the right, but I don't know for sure...

If you revoke your consent for them to use the card, especially as their contract for insurance is not with you, then there should be no reason for any ruling to go in their favour. Just make sure you warn them in writing so you have proof that they've been told they cannot renew the policy using your card.

dalesrider

1st off cancelling your card is no guarantee that they will not take a payment.
Both Visa & MasterCard have updater systems that allow companies to request new details.

Best advice is to contact your card provider (Ask for the disputes team) and explain the situation.
While they cannot stop the payment. What it would do is allow them to return the payment to the insurance company...
Added bonus your EX would then have to declare a revoked ins policy when the ins co cancelled the policy. Which would cost them dear for a few years

Would also agree with the other advice to send a letter to the ins co explaining the situation.

rs65

newhome2 wrote: »

Tell the insurance company that you have no "Insurable Interest" in the item being insured and that you do not live at the address.

OP, please ignore this. Insurable interest has no relevance to who pays for a policy.

I'm sure Martin's advice is that you can stop payment authorities, such as these. Contact your card company.

TillyTea

Thanks... What a nightmare. Will contact my bank tomorrow as a first step and find out what to do, then call the insurance company. I already told them last year I don't agree to it being used again but it didn't sound like they cared - just can't see how that can be legal.

Thanks again for your helpful replies... I shall post an update on here.

Valli

TillyTea wrote: »

Thanks... What a nightmare. Will contact my bank tomorrow as a first step and find out what to do, then call the insurance company. I already told them last year I don't agree to it being used again but it didn't sound like they cared - just can't see how that can be legal.

Thanks again for your helpful replies... I shall post an update on here.

Follow Dalesrider's advice and WRITE a letter. And keep a copy. Even if you call them follow it up with a letter.

AFAIK it is legal - this is one of the dangers of doing someone a favour and using your credit card to pay off something of theirs. I believe it's called a continous payment authority (CPA).

TillyTea

Thanks... But surely it cannot be legal once I have sent them a letter stating that I do not authorise it? It seems crazy that you should be tied to something like that forever?