Car insurance auto-renewal boo-boo, but not yet paid

siwilks

So, I made a very silly error and forgot to cancel the auto-renewal on my car insurance when I switched. But when the date arrived I received an email from them saying they'd failed to take the money from my account (it turns out this was because it was on my old debit card). So I stupidly dismissed it thinking problem solved. Only I've now four days later received an email welcoming me to my new policy.

I know I've been incredibly stupid. I shall be phoning them very soon to apologise, grovel and cancel. However before that, I'd like to get the lie of the land. I know that the 14-day cooling off applies, but I expect they'll probably request a cancellation fee. I know that in one sense I very much deserve this, but at the same time are they within their rights to charge it seeing as it's cancelling a product I've not actually bought (ie. paid for)?

sithemadmonkey

It's a product you agreed to buy (the auto-renewal would have been in the Ts & Cs), and then indicated you wanted to buy when you didn't cancel the renewal quote, so you're technically on the hook for any cancellation fees and time on cover that they are allowed to charge.

Your chances of getting your money back depend largely on one thing - did you buy cover elsewhere on the renewal date? If so, then you can probably get a full refund by providing proof of the alternative cover (although this isn't guaranteed). If not, then you've had the benefit of the renewed insurance (especially if you've driven your car since), so you will most likely have to pay for it.

Quentin

They are entitled to charge whatever is set out in the policy conditions regarding cancellation. Irrespective of whether or not you have paid.

You look to have "accepted" the renewal.

If they still haven't been paid then resolve this quickly to avoid getting a cancelled policy on your record

dunstonh

I know that the 14-day cooling off applies, but I expect they'll probably request a cancellation fee. I know that in one sense I very much deserve this, but at the same time are they within their rights to charge it seeing as it's cancelling a product I've not actually bought (ie. paid for)?

You did buy it because you failed to tell them not to renew it.

siwilks

Thanks everyone. Yep, I recognise that I was completely in the wrong and they would've been completely within their rights. As it turned out, they simply asked when the other cover was and said that they wouldn't be charging for it. So I'm very grateful. :-)

Quentin

Good result.


The company deserves to be praised and named (so others here in a similar position know their staff have authority to waive admin fees)

McKneff

I have to say your honesty is like a breath of fresh air.


Normally people come on here and say they had no idea they had auto renew, never got a letter, never got an email.


Glad you got it sorted.

mrsammyp

Most insurers are not likely to charge for time on risk, if you are able to prove that you had cover elsewhere.

Glad you got it sorted.