No building cover for 5 years now - worried

Rock_fan35

I bought my flat 5 years ago, and took out mortgage and separate buildings and contents insurance - all with Halifax.

Halifax have been taking a single combined payment each months to cover these.

After reading advice on here (great site Martin) I got a great insurance quote from Direct Line. I went back to Halifax stating Direct Line were £100's cheaper! Halifax suddenly decided to tell me about a new policy which was about the same price as Direct Line, which I took. Funny they didn't mention it a week earlier with my renewal notice!

Anyway, I've just realised that for some reason my monthly payment has only gone down £6 after taking on the new policy. I queried this with Halifax. After being passed back abd forth it now transpires that they never collected the Buildings insurance. Each year I got a renewal for it stating I had to do nothing, and the money would be taken from my account each month as normal.

I'd always though my mortgage payment included the buildings cover - apparently not.

I'm worried now that they will come after 5 years worth of premiums? Can they do this, or should I just be grateful I never had to claim!

Have I been given duff info on the phone? Surely they'd notice if I'd not paid them?

Any advice?

Thanks.

trafalgar_2

Did you get an insurance certificate year after year

I wouldn't worry they won't come to you for back money ...........just be grateful you didn't need it and make sure you get a certificate or proof that your covered now:D

wolftastic_2

It would almost be worth them coming after you for the money so you could tell them to eff off. Dont worry.

daveonline

If they do pursue you for the back pay i would tell them i`m seeking advice and complaining to the Financial Ombudsman Service
http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/
This may put them of as it was Halifax`s fault, the site has good info if they dont back down and need you need to complain.

Sooler

Rock_fan35 wrote:

I'm worried now that they will come after 5 years worth of premiums? Can they do this, or should I just be grateful I never had to claim!

No they can't, it's their error. You followed their instructions.

Complain directly to the chairman of the Halifax about their poor service, don't bother with customer services, what if you had needed to claim? guess they would have paid out anyway. How can customers have any confidence in an outfit like this?

Rock_fan35

Thanks for the advice. I'll just let things go. My old policies are closed, and they'll be taking payment for the new one from next month (hopefully).

I don't expect to hear any more from them now, but I'm ready for them if they try anything.

Thanks.