Ripped off by Homeserve

Miser_maz

I took out a landlord boiler cover policy last year with Homeserve, at around £200. Unfortunately I forgot it was due for renewal in September and I received no reminder. I've now noticed on my bank statement that Homeserve have taken payments of around £50 a month.
On calling them they said the renewel was £550 for the year, which is well over double from the first year.

Needless to say I've cancelled it immediately and asked for a refund which they said will be difficult as a reminder was sent out to me. I doubt there's any chance of getting my money back from these crooks.
Considering this company was fined £30 million earlier this year for malpractice, they still haven't learned anything.

McKneff

You would have signed up for auto renewal when you took the original cover out.
It really is up to the customer to remember when contracts are due for renewal just in case the letters do indeed get lost.
The letter would probably have said 'if we don't hear from you, we will assume you want to continue' they didn't hear from you so......


Im surprised you have been able to cancel it, the contract is for a year, so you would normally have to pay for a year. Or a hefty cancellation fee. I would check.

nilequeen

Miser_maz wrote: »

I took out a landlord boiler cover policy last year with Homeserve, at around £200. Unfortunately I forgot it was due for renewal in September and I received no reminder. I've now noticed on my bank statement that Homeserve have taken payments of around £50 a month.
On calling them they said the renewel was £550 for the year, which is well over double from the first year.

Needless to say I've cancelled it immediately and asked for a refund which they said will be difficult as a reminder was sent out to me. I doubt there's any chance of getting my money back from these crooks.
Considering this company was fined £30 million earlier this year for malpractice, they still haven't learned anything.

Hi
I use Homeserve for plumbing and drains cover, I only have the year and usually give them the required notice to cancel cover as they usually increase it for a second year.
I usually use them over others and have found them ok untill a plumber comes out and tries to make two jobs of a single job, if you know what I mean, then it is a nightmare to get customer relations involved etc.
Maybe you could get them involved to get a positive resolution.
I always have. Don`t give up.

matelodave

Why is it Homeserve's fault that YOU forgot your renewal.


Perhaps they did send a reminder but you might have missed it. However if you signed up for an ongoing insurance with a direct debit rather than a single year contract they would just continue the DD until you cancel. Virtually all insurance companies try it on with vastly increased premiums after they've enticed you in with an introductory offer, it's up to you to keep an eye on what's going on not blame them because you didn't.

HomeServe_company_representative

Hi Miser_maz

We spotted your post and wanted to speak to you about this. I’m sorry that you were unaware of your renewal. To confirm we do send out documents in advance so that our Customers can make an informed decision before their policy is due to renew again.

If you’d like to get in touch to discuss this in more detail please visit our profile page. This is where you can find our contact details.

Mo
Here To Help Team
HomeServe

Miser_maz

Thanks for the replies.

Of course its my responsibility to review the policy before renewal, but I can say for a fact that no reminder was received at home.

Anyway what really irritated me was the level of increase, I wouldn't mind if it had been a few pounds even a hundred pounds, but when no claim was made in the previous year, yet it increases to well over double and with that no reminder is received, then things do smell a bit fishy.

Anyway I received a call back from customer relations dept last night who remained unrepentant, so I asked to speak to someone more senior. Finally got a call from Homeserve this morning they agreed to refund the amount they'd taken.
So I'm glad my moaning had some impact, Oh and thanks Mo for offering to help.

nilequeen

Miser_maz wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.

Of course its my responsibility to review the policy before renewal, but I can say for a fact that no reminder was received at home.

Anyway what really irritated me was the level of increase, I wouldn't mind if it had been a few pounds even a hundred pounds, but when no claim was made in the previous year, yet it increases to well over double and with that no reminder is received, then things do smell a bit fishy.

Anyway I received a call back from customer relations dept last night who remained unrepentant, so I asked to speak to someone more senior. Finally got a call from Homeserve this morning they agreed to refund the amount they'd taken.
So I'm glad my moaning had some impact, Oh and thanks Mo for offering to help.

Hi
Glad you got a good resolution, know what you mean about the price increases, the opening offer usually seems too good to be true but there is always a sinister downside!

Pincher

I try to use credit cards that will probably get cancelled before the auto-renewal.


Homeserve is everywhere! Glow worm actually wanted me to book my annual service through Homeserve! Gave them a friendly advice to leave Homeserve, as it taints Glow worm by association. I love my Glow worm Flexicom 30SX, and I don't want some Homeserve joker touching my boiler.

HomeServe_company_representative

Hi Miser_Maz,

It's great to hear that we have been able to resolve your concerns to your satisfaction.

If you should have any further concerns in the future, please do hestitate to contact us again. Our details can be located on our profile page.

Once again, please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Kind regards

Jackie
Here To Help Team
HomeServe

HomeServe_company_representative

Hi Pincher,

I have just seen your post and I'm sorry to hear that you are unhappy with HomeServe.

If there is anything you would like to discuss in further detail regarding any concerns you have regarding HomeServe, please contact us and we would be happy to help.

Our contact details can be located on our profile page.

Kind regards

Jackie
Here To Help Team
HomeServe

MABLE

We use British Gas Homecare and have been with them for about 5 years now. Every year they send details of the renewal through and i challenge the increases with them. Last year they wanted to increase it by £100 but got them down to £12 for the year. After all its just taking out insurance incase something goes wrong.