Hastings Direct revoked my insurance for no reason

JohnN_3

Just wondered what my rights were on this one.

Last Monday evening I was rung up by Hastings to give me 7 days notice of them cancelling my motor insurance. Understandably bewildered I asked for the reason why. Apparently the underwriters had made an "IT Error" which undervalued the risk that insuring me and my car would be worth. Initially I wasn't offered an apology and Hastings were not prepared to underwrite the policy themselves as the cost would be approximately double of the original cost. So that was it they washed their hands of me. I asked what the refund would be and the woman at the end of the phone assured me that I would not be charged the normal cancellation fee and that I would receive the proportion of the policy refunded pro-rata.

I'm obviously angry that :
a) They've not hounoured the policy anyway.
b) I have to look for a new policy.
c) I've lost one month's no claims bonus.
d) I'm not getting a full refund for the full 12 months. (which I had paid in full).

I've been on the phone to them for hours and argued untill I am blue in the face but they won't give me the refund I want.

Apparently the error has affected 4000 other policies. So I'm not the only one to suffer.

What is my best line of action to get a satisfactory outcome on this?

C_Ronaldo

I read a post on here the other day about this, apparently they can do it, why wont they give you a reason why you cant have a refund

this is the other thread

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=527224

dunstonh

There has been a lot of this recently with them.

I'm obviously angry that :
a) They've not hounoured the policy anyway.
b) I have to look for a new policy.
c) I've lost one month's no claims bonus.
d) I'm not getting a full refund for the full 12 months. (which I had paid in full).

a - they are allowed to do this.
b - no big deal
c - no big deal
d - you will get a pro-rata refund with no penalty charge. So you haven't lost out financially and are not entitled to any more.

Its not great it has happened but seeing as car insurance is loss making already, getting the prices wrong and increasing that loss was a foolish error and one they cannot afford. So, they have to run the risk of irritating around 4000 people.

vikingaero

Make a formal complaint in writing to Hastings and ask for a deadlock letter and compensation because you will not be able to accrue a full years no-claims. Ask for compensation for this.

Then make a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Hopefully if everyone who has a cancelled Policy complains then Hastings will be hit with swinging fines and case fees.

noname_3

same thing 19 yr old s e london

JohnN_3

vikingaero wrote: »

Make a formal complaint in writing to Hastings and ask for a deadlock letter and compensation because you will not be able to accrue a full years no-claims. Ask for compensation for this.

What's a deadlock letter?

vikingaero

JohnN wrote: »

What's a deadlock letter?

One where they dismiss your complaint and will not progress it any further under their internal complaints procedure. Some companies issue them immediately and other drag it out.

JohnN_3

if anyone's interested I've set up a facebook group for people who have been affected to discuss what's happening with there action.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4574698157