burglar alarm

clareby

We built our own home 12 years ago, and had a burglar alarm fitted by a local independent company (unmonitored system). We hated it as it kept going off - even when it wasn't set! The last time we called the company out we had lost patience and told them we were disconnecting. We kept the box outside as a deterrent. (We didn't actually choose this company, we allowed our builder to take care of it)

While going through bank statements for a PPI claim, we discovered we've been paying the company (a one man operation) £82 a year. I called him last week to ask him why and he said he didn't know and would look into it and get back to me. No great surprise, he did not ring back when he said he would. I'm going to ring him back but would appreciate some advice?

I'm guessing this is some kind of maintenance payment - but we have had nothing from this company for around ten years. Do I put this down to poor housekeeping on our part, or do I have a case for asking him for at least a partial refund?

Thanks!

macman

How long ago did you have it disconnected?
You must have known that a maintenance contract was in place by the fact that you would have authorised an SO or DD for the payments.

clareby

Thanks for your reply. I think it was disconnected around 2007. I guess we signed it amongst all the other items we signed at that time...don't remember unfortunately. But no annual checks or maintenance have taken place, and I did tell him we were no longer using it. Because he was here in person at the time I did not put it in writing, and because we didn't realise we were paying the charge, we didn't cancel it. I'm guessing we won't be able to do much about this, unless he would give a partial refund out of the goodness of his heart!

SuzieSue

If you were paying by direct debit then you should be covered by the direct debit guarantee. Ring your bank and tell them that you want to make a claim to get your money back.

Risteard

SuzieSue wrote: »

Ring your bank and tell them that you want to make a claim to get your money back.

On what grounds?

SuzieSue

Risteard wrote: »

On what grounds?

Because she has been paying by dd and not receiving a service. The company should not have kept taking the dd.

alumende27

If it's a one man operation it's highly unlikely to be a direct debit that's in place, more likely a standing order.

You must have signed some paperwork that indicated what the £82 a year was for. I certainly had to sign something when I got my alarm system taken over by a local company. Usually with an unmonitored system that would involve an annual site visit and check of the system.

So first off, cancel the standing order. Then find the paperwork and read through it. With any luck you will discover he hasn't kept to his side of the contract (doing maintenance in return for the service fee), and you can ask for a refund.

Sounds like a right dodgy outfit though. It takes some kind of special to make an alarm system repeatedly go off when it's not set.

SuzieSue

dsdhall wrote: »

If it's a one man operation it's highly unlikely to be a direct debit that's in place, more likely a standing order.

Yes, good point.

giraffe69

I pay an amount a bit less than this and it is for a. an annual visit b. call outs during the year if necessary (has been once in 5 years).
If your trader has collected money for several years and not fulfilled his side of the bargain then I would write to him and request a refund. If he does not reply or says no then that may be the time to check the dd guarantee with your bank (although I don't think it is clear you will get a refund).

clareby

Good advice all round, thank you. Payment is cancelled, going to have a hunt for some paperwork then ask for a refund.