New provider switch date

dogfonos

When I switch home insurance providers, I set the switch date (i.e. switch date = end of current contract date) yet with broadband + 'phone providers, I have been unable to be that precise. "Give us a call about two weeks before you want to switch", seems to be the usual response from the new provider with the proviso that they can't guarantee an exact switch date. Are there any providers that give a new customer an exact switch date? Surely with enough notice, say one month, all new providers should be able to give an exact switch date in most circumstances - if not, why not?

Neil_Jones

The way the system works means it's not always possible to specify a specific date.  You have a 14 day cooling off period, and then typically anywhere from 3-7 days to do the switch.

Home insurance is a different kettle of fish, it doesn't involve switching from one network to another for a start, it could be just as simple as an Access database (though of course one would hope it would more sophisticated!).

matelodave

You dont actually switch insurance providers - one contract ends and another one begins with the new insurer. There isn't actually a handover between the two suppliers
However when you switch Broadband, Phone, Leccy or gas you are switching a service which is using a common infrastructure, often provided by a third party. 
This requires the gaining supplier to arrange for the service to be transferred from the existing supplier to the new one which is frequently done by the third party supplier (Open Reach in the case of broadband or phones). Mobile phones are a bit different insofar as the major providers have their own networks but is still requires a handover if you want to retain your phone number