Car Insurance

I bought car insurance yesterday. I've used the same company for the last two renewals as they've been the cheapest. I had a claim against me last year, no biggie just a knock but that's my no claims gone, fair enough.
 
I made the error of not checking around at prices and went ahead and just renewed. I had to drive somewhere in an hurry and I just wanted to be insured. They quoted me a horrendous price, they said my area has been downgraded because of crime and everyone's insurance has shot up this year. Like an idiot I accepted it and paid a deposit and set up the direct debit...the deposit was almost £300 and has left me concerned that some of my direct debit bill payments nthis month might not go through (including gym subs!).
 
I've had time to do a proper comparison now, and I've found companies that will insure me for almost £400 a year less! I rang the company and told them what i thought, and demanded my deposit back, I said I don't mind paying for the 24 hours of insurance I've had from them. He fobbed me off and said it has to go through customer service tomorrow, he couldn't help or answer my questions.
 
Does anyone know if I am entitled to my deposit back, minust the couple of days cover I've had from them?

There's a legal 14 day 'cooling off' period when you buy or renew insurance. They're obliged to refund and cancel, but are allowed to charge you pro rata for the time you've been insured, plus an admin charge (usually £25-40).
 
Some companies seem to bend over backwards not to inform you of this however....

Nice one Tac, I was hoping you'd come along and help on this!

crooks


Nice one Tac, I was hoping you'd come along and help on this!

Yeah - Ive just had similar with some motorbike insurance.
 
If you have a look on google there's a few online forums where people discuss various problems they've had with this, but the upshot seems to be that legally you've definitely got 14 days from the renewal date OR when you receive the documents, whichever's later.
 
Some companies seem to drag their feet with it though, or take the p*ss with cancellation charges