Credit Expert Experian and their Insurance PPI "con"

roonaldo

tommykelso wrote: »

Oh my God.... I didn't say it's PPI... I'm saying that it is being mis sold in the same way as some PPI. I'm relating it to thàt since you are all happy to claim back money there.

You continually refer to PPI which has nothing to do with this, then you keep on saying you are not comparing it to PPI then refer to PPI again!!. Its not mis-sold anything like PPI which was always optional (only some salespeople pretended it wasnt to hit targets). this is some useless insurance lumped into a pointless subscription and its explicitly clear, its like it or lump it. Just avoid it and get a free credit check elsewhere.

Tuono

I've just been having the same row with them. They do state the costs of the insurance when you sign up, now. However there is no option to opt out of paying this unnecessary fee. When I initially signed up to Credit Expert, the information about insurance was buried in the terms and conditions. They should really have a checkbox on there that lets you opt out. They may not have broken any laws, but ethically, I think it stinks.

I can see tommykelso's point about it being a similar thing to PPI mis-selling. Insurance is not a requirement, so you should have the opt out option. Ever been on Go Compare the Supermarket for car insurance? You'll notice the add on extras are removable.

I've asked for a refund of the insurance fees, as the info wasn't made clear when I first signed up. I'm not going to hold my breath though. Credit Expert should change their policy. All they're getting by being @rses about this, is bad press. These companies are supposed to help people check out their financial situations, yet they seem to be on the 'ripping people off' band wagon. The ads that Experian splash all over our TVs, make out to be providing a necessary public service, yet all they're doing is creaming profit for personal information that should be free.

On another topic, I'd love to know why you can only cancel the membership via phone. The nice lady I spoke to couldn't answer my question; What if I was deaf mute? erm, erm, erm.... :think:

[Deleted User]

Tuono wrote: »

I can see tommykelso's point about it being a similar thing to PPI mis-selling.

It's not in any way similar to PPI mis-selling I'm afraid.
You have the option of not signing up for Experian at all and signing up for another credit report.

Tuono wrote: »

I've asked for a refund of the insurance fees, as the info wasn't made clear when I first signed up. I'm not going to hold my breath though.

I wouldn't hold my breath either.

Tuono wrote: »

I'd love to know why you can only cancel the membership via phone.

They are deliberately making it more difficult to cancel and I'm sure it's another revenue stream for them.;)

Tuono

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

It's not in any way similar to PPI mis-selling I'm afraid.
You have the option of not signing up for Experian at all and signing up for another credit report.

I think the similarity is, that when you initially sign up to their service, they don't offer you an option to not have the insurance. Yes, they tell you about it, but they don't tell you you don't have to have it.

I've literally just had a call from a manager at Credit Expert and he confirmed that the only way you can opt out of the insurance, is after the free 30 days. I asked him why that it does not state during the sign up process, that the insurance is an option. He told me, that once you begin to pay the fees, it is up to you to delve into the terms and conditions and find the part that tells you that the insurance is not a requirement. Then you have to contact them to tell them you don't want it. Why this may not be legally mis-selling, it certainly is misleading.

Companies cannot force you to take insurance if you do not need, want or require it. Credit Expert do not make this clear when you sign up. I asked the manager to read me the part on the sign-up page where it states the insurance is an option. He obviously couldn't.:lipsrseal

https://www.creditexpert.co.uk/order1_1.aspx?SiteVersionID=620&SiteID=100002&sc=701627&bcd=&areaid=0&pkgid=UKSWM

roonaldo

I found this deep deep in their website. It seems they are indeed scamming you lot.

https://www.creditexpert.co.uk/identity-protection-insurance.aspx

Cancellation rights (cooling off period)

If the Insured cancels the insurance within 14 days of receipt of insurance documentation and has paid the

Premium, Experian CreditExpert will issue a full return of any Premium paid and the policy will be regarded

as not having been taken up by the Insured and will be cancelled from inception. In these circumstances the

Insured may cancel this insurance by telephoning Experian CreditExpert on 0800 561 0083 or sending an email

to membership@creditexpert.co.uk confirming that cancellation is required and providing his full name,

Experian CreditExpert membership reference number and own e-mail address that is currently registered

with the Experian CreditExpert membership

Tuono

I think as an overview, Credit Expert need to change their policy and state clearly that the insurance is an option and there needs to be a facility to opt out of the insurance from the outset. On the sign-up page, the insurance details are set out as a bit of an advertisement as to how brilliant this insurance is and how you could benefit, but as I pointed out to the manager I spoke to, in reality, there's not that much that anyone could claim for. There's also no indication of any excess you may be liable for.

Credit Expert need to be very careful before they get dumped on by the government to repay fees to people who feel they've been mislead and don't want/need the insurance. I for one would like my £76.80 back.

roonaldo

I would suggest you dont subscribe to them full stop and use Noddle which is free. Then save even more.

roonaldo

No ones going to give you "abuse". Get real.

Being sold a crap deal isnt mis-selling. Its advertised as a crap deal in black and white for christ's sake. People need to read and understand what they sign up for. Avoid Experian, not just because of this stupid insurance but other websites do it for free! Or order the £2 report. Is having access to Experian necessary? no.

It's beyond belief that they have yet to sort it and just make the insurance an add on, perhaps they want the press negative.

I assume they are unqualified and they are definetely biased on CAG, they are only interested in taking pot shots at a bank. Ever wondered why the site adminstrators answer most of the posts? Ever wondered why people on MSE have a different opinion? Because people are allowed an opinion on MSE, I disagreed with a site administrator on CAG (DX07) who was giving out a load of incorrect info and I got my profile revoked!

But you've got your refund so well done on your persistant.

And nice pic!

~Brock~

roonaldo wrote: »

No ones going to give you "abuse". Get real.

Being sold a crap deal isnt mis-selling. Its advertised as a crap deal in black and white for christ's sake. People need to read and understand what they sign up for. Avoid Experian, not just because of this stupid insurance but other websites do it for free! Or order the £2 report. Is having access to Experian necessary? no.

It's beyond belief that they have yet to sort it and just make the insurance an add on, perhaps they want the press negative.

I assume they are unqualified and they are definetely biased on CAG, they are only interested in taking pot shots at a bank. Ever wondered why the site adminstrators answer most of the posts? Ever wondered why people on MSE have a different opinion? Because people are allowed an opinion on MSE, I disagreed with a site administrator on CAG (DX07) who was giving out a load of incorrect info and I got my profile revoked!

But you've got your refund so well done on your persistant.

And nice pic!

:T Well said that man!

I would rather have a discussion with the wide variety of posters on here than take the narrow minded and often blatantly incorrect advice on CAG.

Why trust advice over money, insurance and debts from people who often display their own past financial disasters in their profile signature as if it's some form of badge of honour?

As for that DX guy.....much of the advice I have seem him give is awful.

[Deleted User]

Before you guys continue the "debate" about CAG any further, I suggest you read an earlier thread from the user that made those remarks;
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4238349