So, I picked up my shiny new car yesterday, complete with 12 mths RAC cover.
Simple task for today - phone breakdown provider for my previous car and cancel the old policy, expecting a decent refund as it only commenced on 15 July....
(Old provider not named as I don't want to contravene the naming and shaming rule)
After a couple of conversations with the Mumbai/Delhi call centre of the provider I have been told that all I will get for cancellation is a voucher entitling me to a 20% discount next time I want to buy cover from them. Apparently this is made clear in the terms and conditions (may well be, I haven't looked yet), but that certainly contradicts what I was told over the phone when renewing in Jul 05 (didn't bother checking again this year).
To be honest, I am fuming over this - to be offered no refund on a 12 month policy cancelled after just 6 weeks is nothing short of disgraceful, in my opinion. An admin charge would be fine, a refund for 9 months would be fine, maybe even 6 months. But a 20% discount on future services is an insult - I have no desire to spend money with this company again, even if it was a 50% discount!
(Incidentally, I was told I could transfer the policy, free of charge, into another name - it was suggested I could hawk my lightly-used breakdown policy amongst friends and colleagues for a cash deal!)
So my questions:
- is this the 'industry standard' for breakdown companies?
- has anyone been told this, but subsequently been able to secure a fair refund after talking to the right person/department?
Cheers for any thoughts or comments you have....
Rich
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Both AA and RAC clearly state in their terms and conditions that no refund will be made after the 14 day cooling off period. Presumably this is so that customers don't take out cover just before their holidays and cancel it on their return.
Chris M
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It's an annual insurance policy just like your Road Traffic Act one on your car.
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Pugugly...Could be wrong but I think you can get a refund on your annual Insurance policy for the remaining months.
A lot to be said for Direct debit payments. You are at least in control of that.
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Both AA and RAC clearly state in their terms and conditions that no refund will be made after the 14 day cooling off period. Presumably this is so that customers don't take out cover just before their holidays and cancel it on their return. Chris M
Ok, that seems fair enough for new customers, but if you have renewed a previous policy then it does not seem right. I've been a member since Jul 03, having previously had 2 years free cover with my last car. As both of the big players do it, maybe this is just another part of the motor industry that gets away with completely ripping off the customer. Fair cop, I didn't read the T&Cs properly, but the policy still stinks....
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An option is to suspend your membership of the organisation until your 12months RAC cover runs out. I've done that twice.
I have a funny feeling that you can cancel and get a refund though.
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I have done this a number of time with Brittania Rescue, they send a credit note that you can use next time round, you lose a little in admin fees, but seems to work out ok.
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Can you transfer it to another car or even motorcycle?
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