11 replies to this topic

[alicetheauto]

I was insured last year with Lancaster, who gave me a very good quote on a classic policy. However, I moved near the end of the policy and the car came off the road for a while. I let the policy expire, and got a slightly better quote from a different insurer which I then took out. However, a month after my policy expired I get an email saying my policy documents had been returned marked "not known at this address", from Lancaster! I then find that they have automatically renewed my policy and it is in their smallprint apparently..... The worst thing is, after I emailed them to try and cancel it and see what was happening, they took a second payment from my account. The new premium is THREE TIMES last years' one too, I dont know how they got that? Also had add-ons that I didnt have last year, such as breakdown. It is very cheap insurance, but be CAREFUL!!!

[Bungle]

have you asked the bank to look into it ?

[wassupcrew]

automatic renewal of policies is a standard thing. all insurance companies do it uness you ring them and tel them to stop the policy on renewal

[steelelfc]

I can understand your premiums going up, but adding breakdown cover without permission? Whats that all about?

[george91]

They should not be allowed to do this, i feel sorry for you in this situation as i bet theres little or nothing you can do about it, i'll make sure i remember tell my insurance company to stop mine as soon as the 12 months are up.

[alicetheauto]

I have. They told me to get the insurer to try and sort it first. Lancaster are apparently trying to sort something out with backdating a cancellation, although this demand letter was sent out to me. I have been told it was sent in error, but only after threatening with going to the Financial Services Authority.

[alicetheauto]

My policy went from £198 to £600. That is a MASSIVE jump, especially as according to them that went from no NCB to 1 years!!

[alicetheauto]

After 15 emails and a misleading letter, I have apparently resolved the problem. I am supposedly getting a cheque in the post for the full amount, and should be in the post today. We shall see though.......

[mk3 Cooper S]

Didn't your new insurance require proof of No claim bonus from Lancaster?

[cookie4343]

Looks like you have just had a bit of bad luck with lancaster, im with them and have been for over a year and never had a problem.
My insurance did'nt go up after a year either i just phoned them a week before my policy ended and sorted it out over the phone.
All insurance companys renew for you if you dont make contact before your renewal.

[alicetheauto]

I was running 2 cars alongside each other for a while, the lancaster policy had 0ncb and the other had 3 years'. So I used the 3 years on the new policy. I have learnt anyway, pay in lump sum (saves a fortune too!) and that way they cant charge for what you dont want!

[alicetheauto]

An update on this, a cheque arrived yesterday for (almost) the full amount. They seem to have redeemed themselves slightly with their customer service in this misunderstanding.