Mistake on car insurance application - enormous charges

KatieDee

I completed an online quote with Diamond through an online broker, checked all my details before purchasing and even confirmed the details online with Diamond before purchasing it.

When I logged into my account, I noticed that my job title was incorrect and had appeared as the same as my partners. I immediately updated my details online and got a very quick email back stating there would be an increase of £208 which would be debited from my account within 21 days.

I am absolutely shocked at this...even my quote over the telephone came back as £708 with my correct details (which had been confirmed with a member of staff). I don't want to pay it and wish to cancel my insurance.

Until then, how can I stop my account from being charged? I have emailed them back stating I wish to cancel and will no doubt need to pay a cancellation fee, but I'm not overly concerned as I'd rather not go with a company that charges such a high premium. I should add, I do not have a particular high risk job (customer service advisor).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. My payment for the full premium only went out today...can I speak to my bank and put a hold on the funds or do I have to wait until tomorrow to speak to them?

In addition, when I called they stated they were closed, yet I received a written email through 2hrs after they were supposed to be closed! A bit strange I think...

dacouch

Technically the comparison site is liable for ensuring your data is transferred over correctly.

Have you spoken to a human or emailed a human about the difference or is it just you amending your record online?

KatieDee

dacouch wrote: »

Technically the comparison site is liable for ensuring your data is transferred over correctly.

Have you spoken to a human or emailed a human about the difference or is it just you amending your record online?

It was online through their account system. I would normally call up and inform them of the mistake but as they closed at 4pm (Easter Monday hours) I was unable to. I assumed it would probably be picked up tomorrow morning and if there were any issues, they'd give me a call and let me know about a potential premium increase.

Not so bad if they decided to increase it to £708 (which is what the original advisor I spoke to quoted me) but to increase it by £207 seemed a bit steep.

Now I'm unsure whether to put a complaint in or wait until tomorrow morning to try and discuss it with a human. I'm just a bit worried in the meantime about this money going out, as I hadn't planned for it.

dacouch

Why not try speaking to a human in the morning.

KatieDee

dacouch wrote: »

Why not try speaking to a human in the morning.

I will definitely do it...I'm just trying not to panic in the meantime.

I should have triple checked everything before putting it through, so I have nobody to blame except myself. I just cannot believe the premium they've put on top! Surely a CSA can't be that much riskier than a Systems Analyst?!

[Deleted User]

If they are being bolshy about it contact the ombudsman. It's doubtful they could justify such a massive price hike. It might take a while but chances are they will be slapped down. Diamond are somewhat notorious for this kind of thing.

[Deleted User]

If you don't mind me asking, what did they put your down as and in what industry? and what should it of been?

KatieDee

MrsBrownBear wrote: »

If you don't mind me asking, what did they put your down as and in what industry? and what should it of been?

Don't mind at all MrsBrownBear. I was down as a Systems Analyst which is what my partner does (he is a named driver). I requested to change my role to Customer Service Advisor in Housing Services (both working for a Local Government).

[DELETED USER], I've read some reviews about Diamond (retrospectively, unfortunately!) and they do seem to have a few tricks when it comes to premiums. Rather than risk experiencing these in the future (I'm expecting future changes, such as my partner passing his test, hopefully!) and I can only imagine these will make it shoot up even more.

Looks like I might have to shell out a bit more and go with a more reputable company. As they say, you get what you pay for! That said...Aviva did quote me over £3000! (Fiesta, 2yrs no claims, 26 year old female).

dacouch

Have you tried entering yourself as either admin staff for a local authority or a local government officer for a local government

KatieDee

dacouch wrote: »

Have you tried entering yourself as either admin staff for a local authority or a local government officer for a local government

It doesn't really matter now as I had already purchased my cover. I just need to pay another £207 due to my changes (although I'll be cancelling). I dread to think how much they'll add on if I change it again!

[Deleted User]

An Admin Role (Customer Service and similar) are all very similar roles for premium calculation (usually come under the same category) - would check to see if the additional premium includes an admin charge. A lot of online premiums are very competitive but can become very expensive when changing vehicle or personal circumstances. Other than that, if you are within 14 days of cooling off period they should cancel pro-rata and go elsewhere.