Direct Line 25% cancellation charge

lizzo

I have just found out that Direct Line have charged me a canellation charge
because I cancelled my breakdown cover with them.They charge a 25% cancellation fee of the yearly premium. Ok I should have read the "small print", but I would have thought the Direct Line operator might have mentioned it when I cancelled. I had 2 months to run on a breakdown policy I had with them, which I have paid on direct debit for the last 3 years. Feeling annoyed:mad:

nomoneytoday

Why didn't you let it naturally expire, since its only got 2 months left to run?

lisyloo

but I would have thought the Direct Line operator might have mentioned it when I cancelled

Just out of interest if they have already provided you with this information then why do you think it's their job to "spoon feed" you with you information.
Why do you expect them to read it for you?

If you're smart then you'll get over not liking hearing this and learn the lesson of understanding your side of the bargain and the consequences of your actions.

Harsh? Yes probably.
But you'll be much better equipped in future if you follow this advice rather than relying on companies that want to make money out of you.

RibAd

I agree with Lisyloo - definately right on what's been said in above post.
Seems a bit odd to cancel something that has 2 months left before it lapses anyway... all I can say *sigh* always always always read the t+cs and small print. actually, I take it back, read all your paperwork.
At least you've learnt something out of it!

lizzo

Interesting comments. My posting was more of a helpful reminder for others than a plee for sympathy. Lessons are learnt in life through experience and when others share their experiences. Which is what we do on this forum I thought. I dont want to be spoonfed, as you so bluntly put it, however I still live in hope of good customer service.

gazza975526570

But you cant be told everything on your initial call otherwise you would be there for ages im afraid.

mattymoo

Lizzo, I think I would have expected to have been told a cancellation charge applied as well - and I work in insurance.
Might be worth a phone call to see if they will waive it in this instance. If the cover cost say £60 then 25% = £15, 2 months cover = £10. Any decent call centre bod should have spotted you would lose out and advised you to let it run till the expiry date then cancel.
Sell it to them as an opportunity to improve their customer service and they may even thank you for raising it.

gazza975526570

i presume the poster means they where advised when they rung to cancel the insurance

lisyloo

however I still live in hope of good customer service.

There is nothing wrong with hope, but you can't rely on this.

My advice is - hope for the best, plan for the worst.