Direct Line - car insurance....Any good?

Ditzy_Mitzy

TCP100 said:

naedanger said:

TCP100 said:

In April my mother died, and my father has since become confused, stopped driving and moved into a care home. So I called Direct Line to cancel the car insurance policy. They say I need a ‘power of attorney’ proving authority just to cancel it. This could have easily been resolved in a few minutes if as I suggested they would call the care home for confirmation. Instead they say I have to have this legal document prepared and agreed, which takes 8-10 weeks and will cost £680 in legal and registration fees, whilst they continue to charge my infirm father for something he does not need and will not use. Other companies have not behaved like this and have enabled me to cancel insurance and other services. Everyone I talk to about this is appalled at Direct Line’s insensitive uncooperative behaviour.

It sounds like it may be too late for your father to get a power of attorney document prepared since I believe he would need a certain level of mental capacity.

Would it be cheaper just letting the policy lapse at renewal?

Or write to the DVLA, see if you can give them enough information to convince them to cancel his driving licence (e.g. a note from his doctor - which you may need to pay for), then once his licence is cancelled I cannot see how Direct Line can continue his cover.

Thank you for your sensible pro active suggestions to try to resolve this  If only Direct Line would take this approach.  Unfortunately they are taking over £100 a month by direct debit for the policy and they have set it to automatic renewal. They can keep taking the money and it will never lapse.  Even worse, given Ive told them my dad's situation I expect the cover is voided.

If father genuinely wishes to cancel his insurance, get him to write a letter to Direct Line instructing the policy to be cancelled or, if he's not capable, type the letter yourself, agree the contents and get him to sign it then pop it in the nearest post box.  Why do people make things so difficult for themselves?