No claims discount blooper!

robertcamb5

Hi everyone,

I have a bit of a problem. I got insurance with Direct Line at the beginning of April. I only glanced at the letter when I got the policy since I was just heading off to Uni, and I didn't realise that I had to send proof of no claims to them (I'm new at this!) - however, on 16th May I got a letter saying that since I had not sent them this, they were going to debit my account for the remaining amount of the insurance cover (as though I don't have no-claims) which is a fair whack (about £250) -

however, since I am at Uni (they know I am a full time student) I only got told about the letter today, and Monday is the 26th. In the letter I just got they said that if I didn't allow them to debit my account within 10 days they will start cancellation procedure. How lenient will they be if I phone them and say that I've been at Uni?

Now I know that this is my fault, obviously, but what is the best way to go around this. If the worst comes to the worst, I'm out of pocket, but paying about the same as I would with any other insurance company (DL were much cheaper ) but obviously I wouldn't like this to happen. What is the cancellation fee for DL - on their website it says:

The refund will be on the following basis:

• Pro-rata + 1 month

Pro-rata + 1 month

So does that mean if I paid 500 2 months ago, I will get a refund of 9 months of my insurance: ie: 369 back? Is this the case only if I cancel? If they force cancel my cover, surely they still have to pay the remaining back (-1 month of course!)?

Sorry bout the rambling nature, I am not angry with them - its my fault for being a turnip!

Cheers

ikkle87

Hiya,

I used to work for Direct Line your probably best to give them a call in the morning (they are open on a sunday) just explaining that you didn't realise you had to send in proof of your no claims bonus but will send it in asap but as it is bank holiday weekend it may take a couple of days and can they note that on the system so that your policy isn't cancelled. This should be enough to stop any cancellation and should be enough to stop the accounts department applying for the money as well. If they do cancel the policy it will be pro rata plus a month so yes you will get 9 months back approx.

TighterThanTwoCoatsOfPain

i assume that if you take the car you are insuring to Uni with you, thats how its insured and not resident at your parents as thats where the letter seems to have gone...

robertcamb5

I telephoned DL, and they have put a comment on my file saying I should, essentially, stop being so lazy and get a move on, but are hopefully giving me a repreive until I can get it in. But I need to phone again tomorrow as the right people aren't there.