Recommendation against Hasting's Direct

adidas

I knew they were an intermediary and insurance is with another company. You have 2 separate contracts: one with Hastings to administer and the other with the insurance company.

Just taken out car insurance with them and seems to have gone through okay, though spent around an hour-2 hours going back/forth ensuring additional documents sent to them - for no claims, V5/purchase evidence. They were the cheapest - so I guess get what you pay for. There are many fees that aren't transparent on the website when taking out insurance. They give you a very small window to send evidence in (7 days) or the fees will rack up. Even if you have no charge for cancellation, you will lose the arrangement fee (20 pound) for Hastings taking out the insurance. The policy wording has more exclusions on the insurance than I'd typically expect. Have posted the fees below so you have an idea:

Our fees These fees are for our services only. Each fee must be paid at the time the transaction's made and is non-refundable.
Arranging and renewing cover for each car on your policy £20.00
Additional call centre arrangement fee (new policy only) £12.50
Changes required because your disclosed policy information was incorrect, or we've not received information requested £30.00
Amending your policy £20.00
Cancellation of new policy; before or within 14 days of the start date No cancellation fee
Cancellation of new policy or renewal; after 14 days from the start date £45.00
Cancellation of renewal; within 14 days of the start date No charge
Cancellation of your new policy or renewal because your policy information was incorrect, or we've not received information requested £45.00
Default fee (failed instalment payment) £12.00

AdrianC

When you say "fees that aren't transparent on the website", do you mean these fees?
https://www.hastingsdirect.com/about-us/our-fees.shtml

adidas

Let me rephrase for clarity: "fees that aren't transparent on the website ie. not displayed at the time of the transaction"
As you've pointed out - the link you have posted is similar to what I've already copied and pasted.

The purpose of my post is I know others have had experiences of many fees that can lead to costly cancellation if they do not comply with the tight T&C. Several other members have reported their policies being cancelled with many fees applied that are not refundable.