I had an example of it today, my renewal notice from Churchill for our house and contents insurance includes a 20% premium increase. We've been with them for five years. Each year, I've had to phone them to get the premium reduced, as they do try it on. I end up paying slightly more than last year but not as much as they originally quoted. So few people question it, they get away with it and do it every year. But not any more, I've gone with Hastings Direct as I did for my car insurance. I phoned Churchill (took 15 minutes to get through) and explained my dissatisfaction with the quote. The young lady on the other end of the line started to go through the, "let's check to see what we can do..." I interrupted and politely said, "No disrespect, thanks all the same, but I'm not playing those games any more, I've gone with another company, so please just cancel the automatic renewal." A bit of a stunned silence, but then she said she understood my motives and we parted on friendly terms.
We go through the same process every year too with our insurers. Ian changed to a cheaper one this year that had more benefits than our old one.
Thank god I don't have to go through that anymore Every year is the same now for the past 12 years. Before that I have to change almost every year.
I changed companies a couple years ago. Still don't know why I was so loyal to them for 30+ years. I was the perfect client, always paid in full and never had a claim, and they just kept raising prices and adding more stupid rules. The final straw was when they demanded we change our fuel tank and furnace in the garage, which were both just a few years old. I have a new company now, that is much better and much cheaper.
Ouf, don't get me started! We go through all our bank-, insurance-, house security-, and phone company cpntracts every three to five years, and so far we haven't had to change providers more than twice in 20+ years. I like my phone company because they give us a solid price reduction if we renew our deal every year.
I too changed my car insurance for this term.For years I had insured under the Civil Service Insurance. Several times the CS engaged a different company. Like many others, I imagined I/We ere getting a good deal.......................Joke. Before changing for this year I phone the company, and asked why the premium increase etc, also was I getting a reduction having been a police traffic officer. I wasn't getting a penny. Eventually they reduced the premium by £25. I searched the market, much to the delight of my daughter. I signed up with Hastings Direct, saving about £300.00
I too am with Hastings Direct for car and house and contents insurance. I guess because they are an on-line only company, (if you want any paperwork you print it off yourself from the PDF they send you), they cut costs so are very competitive.
Back to this again. I've had my renewal notice from Hastings Direct. They wanted another £50. I phoned them this morning and there were all sorts of numbers to press, before I got through to someone, who was quite helpful, although I think they could do with another number to press, "Press 1 for English language." Anyway, after a bit of bargaining, they settled for 34p. I'm happy with that, I don't want to go chasing other quotes.
