Hastings Direct insurance - cant complete online

Mada70

Today I used gocompare to get a price for insurance, Hastings Direct came in at approx £210 which I was happy with. I then went through to Hasting Directs website, where I found adding a £50 excess dropped it to 195. I proceeded to pay annually, confirmed all details and proceeded.

Hastings direct were unable to complete online, no reason given, and wanted me to call in, on an 0844 number.

So, I call and give the reference number, where I confirmed personal details, I'm then informed (after repeating everything) that there will be a £12.50 admin fee for completing on the phone. I then ask why, and it's because "there are details missing".

At this point I declined as I thought this was very unfair on principle, and this brought them in-line with the second cheapest insurer, but more importantly I don't feel safe completing on the phone as online I can screenshot and print everything for backup proof in the case of a dispute.

I'm in my mind 30s, no claims, no convictions, low risk postcode, squeaky clean, so I can't help but feel that perhaps they get you to complete online for 2 reasons, £12.50 extra and they don't have to pay gocompare their referral/affiliate fee.

Shocking service from Hastings Direct.

Mada70

Well, after checking out insurer #2, Peoples Choice - I find they are in fact Hastings Direct!

edit: #3 is "insure pink" ... guess who? Hastings Direct

Arrrrghhh is this real life?

Quentin

All may have a silver lining - have a look at their reviews here and on the net and you will see why they are so cheap - you look to have had a lucky escape.

OnanTheBarbarian

For once I agree with Quentin, you've probably dodged a bullet :-)

Mada70

I think you're right!

However, just got off the phone to swinton, with my blood boiling. What an incompetent bunch of people. Tomorrows job, file complaint.

Quentin

Hastings to (not) swinton.

Frying pan to fire

Mada70

unless I were willing to pay 50% more, the shortlist of "cheap" insurers is scary. It's shocking how naughty these brokers can be!

I spent 10 mins on hold and 10 mins speaking to someone at swinton correcting details the previous person i spoke to had entered. They even wanted to charge me an admin fee for amendments (to their mistakes)! They said it would be waived (after I asked) but I shall be double checking.

Tomorrow I'll be writing a complaint abut the first person I spoke to and how they didn't enter details correctly and also how a Quote isn't a quote at all if they wont honour the price an hour later after quoting it (increased by £14 from internet to phone).

MABLE

When we applied for insurance we completed online with Hasings Direct and everything went through with no problems. Sorry OP cant feeling you caused the problems in the first place by not filling in the online form correctly.

Mada70

MABLE wrote: »

Sorry OP cant feeling you caused the problems in the first place by not filling in the online form correctly.

Please explain

MABLE

Mada70 wrote: »

Please explain

As they say details were missing.

johnk

MABLE wrote: »

As they say details were missing.

My experience is that if you tried from different price checkers and there was a slightly difference in details, eg, one place you say 10000 miles, other place you say 12000, Hastings will pick this up, and, although allowing you to continue to quote, won't let you buy.

I've moved away from them.