HOMESERVE Policy I never asked for - reclaiming

AndyJH7

Hi - this is my first post on the site, please bear with me as im a novice.

My wife and I recently noticed a Direct Debit on our account which had been coming out since Sept 2010.
Both of us presumed it was an essential to do with our energy provider - on speaking to the bank manager (HSBC) he informed us it was to a company called Homeserve and was some kind of boiler protection. It was for £10 then more recently £11 per month.
I have never requested or asked for this cover or signed for anything to do with it. I didnt even know I had it until we were informed by our bank manager when we were looking through for something else.
I have found an unopened letter from them from last year which i presumed was junk mail - as the name on it is Mr Z Smith (not real surname) - my name is Mr A J Smith.
I'm really annoyed that this has been happening and they have been able to do this without me knowing.
We changed our energy provider in about March 2009 - and this direct debit has been coming out since Sept 2010.
We havnt moved house and have had the same home insurance for over 10 years.
Our bank manager has advised us to contact them - ask for proof it was ever asked for and to push for a refund of the money involved.
Has anyone else had or heard of a similar thing and can anyoen offer me advice of how to go about this.
Any advice much appreciated.

McKneff

Ring the company and ask for any paperwork giving them the authority to take this contract out and also the DD allowing them to take money from your account. Its likely that they will come up with a signed DD form, maby something that you have actually signed and forgotten abiout.,

In all honesty, its more than half your fault, you havent checked your Monthly bank statement properly for nearly 6 years and you blame others.....

However, if they cant come up with any proof, then escalate it to a formal complain.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Deleted User]

AndyJH7 wrote: »

My wife and I recently noticed a Direct Debit on our account which had been coming out since Sept 2010.

That's a long time not to notice a payment you apparently didn't agree to.

Isn't it more likely you've just forgotten signing up for this protection?

The name anomaly is unlikely to be fraudulent, just a mistake with the initial.


Apologies if this is a genuine case of insurance being taken without your knowledge and permission, but do realise that this is very very unlikely.

antrobus

AndyJH7 wrote: »

... on speaking to the bank manager (HSBC) he informed us it was to a company called Homeserve and was some kind of boiler protection......

That's right. Homeserve PLC is a well known provider of boiler care cover and suchlike. They have a website.

AndyJH7 wrote: »

.I have never requested or asked for this cover or signed for anything to do with it......

Are you sure? These things are often sold on the basis of Get The First Six Months/One Year FREE if you sign up for .....

AndyJH7

Yes unfortunately we never noticed the direct debit amongst all the other stuff going in and out from new jobs, nurseries, bills, cars, remortgages etc.
Does anyone else have any experience of dealing with Homeserve on a 'never asked for policy' before I ring them tomorrow.

cheers

[Deleted User]

AndyJH7 wrote: »

Does anyone else have any experience of dealing with Homeserve on a 'never asked for policy' before I ring them tomorrow.

How do you expect Homeserve to have somehow not only "imposed" a policy on you, but also got hold of your bank details in order to do so?

If what you suspect is true (it isn't) the company have committed a serious crime.

Isn't it surely far more likely that you've simply forgotten agreeing to this insurance? You certainly "forgot" to check your bank statements for five years!:eek:


Can I also ask why you are only going to contact Homeserve tomorrow? That's a full ten days after you originally posted here…

McKneff wrote: »

Its likely that they will come up with a signed DD form, maby something that you have actually signed and forgotten abiout.,

Just as likely to have been taken out over the telephone. Doubtless OP will want proof in the form of a recording (which likely won't exist after five years)

On investigation, it appears Homeserve often offer the first year's service free as an enticement to sign up. It's also available free with some Home Insurance.
Seems most likely that Antrobus was correct and that the free offer was accepted and then allowed to become a paid for policy.

[Deleted User]

AndyJH7 wrote: »

Our bank manager has advised us to contact them - ask for proof it was ever asked for and to push for a refund of the money involved.

Ironic advice coming from a Bank Manager and given the PPI debacle.

There is a Homeserve Company Representative posting here:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/member.php?u=2078577

You might wish to contact him.