Can insurance company up premium because they made a mistake !

waynec1

Hello
Sorry I'm new to this forum so hope I'm posting in the correct place.

I received a written quotation from Hastings regarding the automatic renewal of my van insurance, however this morning I receive an email from them saying that due to a system error the renewal invitation was offered at an incorrect premium and they now want to increase it.

Are they able to do this ?

Thank you
Wayne

Quentin

Yes .

mattk_180

As far as I'm aware, if you've not misinformed them of anything, they can only withdraw a verbal quote. If it's in writing I'm of the opinion that they have to honour it.

teddysmum

You can always get quotes elsewhere, then if you find lower ones, tell your insurers that you intend to move. They'll probably do a deal.

maddogb

would of thought it depends on the stage you are at, if the renewal has already started then it's a done deal as far as consumer law goes, if not, you're gonna have to lump it or move.

McKneff

They made an error, dont we all.

And no, they dont have to honour it......

You have the choice, either say No Thank You or accept the new quote

waynec1

They quoted me on 6th June the letter stated that I didn't need to do anything as it would automatically renew if they didn't hear from me, then today, the day of my renewal they come back saying they made a mistake !

waynec1

They quoted me on 6th June and said it would automatically renew if they didn't hear from me, then today on the day of renewal they tell me it's increased

dacouch

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/insurance/2793921/Hastings-Direct-fined-by-FSA-after-car-insurance-pricing-error.html

Try getting in contact with one of the Hastings reps on social media eg Twitter or Facebook.

They have a poor reputation, but they try and manage the bad publicity on social media. They might be able to help

Hastings_Direct_company_representative

Hi Waynec1,

I'm sorry we've made a mistake and I can appreciate how frustrating it would be to be offered an incorrect price. If this happens for instance due to a letter typo or a software error we must re-rate to the correct premium and offer it again. This is because we must sell the product at the premium the insurer requires to cover the car. If it is no longer competitive then we could look at alternative insurers as we have several on our panel perhaps. Or maybe we can check into one of our other products, for instance Premier or Essential. Let us know free on 0800 0354790 and we can take a look for you.

Kind regards,

Joe

rs65

Hastings_Direct_company_representative wrote: »

I'm sorry we've made a mistake and I can appreciate how frustrating it would be to be offered an incorrect price. If this happens for instance due to a letter typo or a software error we must re-rate to the correct premium and offer it again. This is because we must sell the product at the premium the insurer requires to cover the car.

As you acknowledge you have made a mistake, be it typo or software, you could do the decent thing and pay for your mistake.