I am in the process of changing cars so had to update my insurance.  I did this all online myself using the automated electronic system but got charged £25 amendment fee.  This fee is clearly stated in the T&Cs of my policy but, having done a bit of research, regulations state that any such fees must be proportionate to the actual cost involved which I strongly dispute.  My insurers have refused to refund it so I've officially complained to them - apparently if it is not resolved within 8 weeks I can refer to the ombudsman.  Has anyone had any similar issues which they've disputed?

We're with Direct Line and you can change any details of your policy with them and there are no fees whatsoever.  Insurers who charge "administration fees" are just trying to get an extra buck.  It is unneccesary and immoral.

14 hours ago, jmurray01 said:

We're with Direct Line and you can change any details of your policy with them and there are no fees whatsoever.  Insurers who charge "administration fees" are just trying to get an extra buck.  It is unneccesary and immoral.

I totally agree with you.  I'm going to fight it on principle.

Changed my last car insurance with no fee from the broker, but only had a week or so left on the policy. Don't think they would normally charge a fee tho'.

Robbing bar stewards!

 

good luck fighting it, and yes, I would refer it if you dont get an acceptable response.

Look at it this way:

Phone call: maybe you could claim they should charge no more than line rental (to receive) - that would be 6p per hour, based on a 28 day month and a line rental of just under £16.00 per month)

consultants time on the phone with you (6 minutes, at an average living wage cost of 12ppm for an adult over the age of 25 = 72p)

Data input: 

Computer - runs at 600 kw per day, divided by 8 hours of the working day = 75 KwH for the hour that you contact them, at a cost of an average 9.50p per KwH, and your time on the phone call being around 1/6 of that that would be around 15p, lets be reasonable though, they will also have a server running, so lets just pay for two computers = 30p!

Printing costs: you could claim that paying for ink, paper, letterheads of documentation could come in at 3p per page, that equates to an average 10 page document, so I would say 30p, thats only appropriate if you are not "paperless"

so I make that :

6p = line rental for the hour you made the call, cut it down to 1p for the fact you were on for up to ten minutes - 1/6th of an hour

72p = consultants time on the phone with you

30p = Server Running Costs

30p = Printing fees (deductable if you are paperless)

I cant think of any other personal expenses required, perhaps you should doable these fees (just for the purposes of repeating this exercise when your insurer notifies the underwriter!)

 

So I would say, send them a cheque for £2.76, and a breakdown of these costs, and request the prior money is refunded :D