Do not sign for auto renewal of breakdow

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Wed 9 May 2007 17:53
Do not sign for auto renewal of breakdow - Falkirk Bairn
That time of year again - Breakdown Cover - Covered by a Large Insurance Co you get directly to and their premium for 2 cars was £120 (in round figures) including No call out discount for 8 years = 15%. so base premium is £143

Got a quote from the same company (flying a different Flag) @ £92.40 in a 25% New Policy Discount =£124 Gross- so the red telephone is more expensive than the Green Flag by £19.

I wrote re the renewal quote and was told that was their premium - so I am now insured for breakdown cover with the same company at the same level of cover and saved £28 but lost my No call out discount

New customers are preferred to those of 25 years standing.

When I last broke down in 1998 TWICE (MB C-Class- 100% Japanese since then) the Breakdown Service was excellent - their premiums are not in my opinion.
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Wed 9 May 2007 18:03
Do not sign for auto renewal of breakdow - Marc
Problem I am having just now is that I never realised I had "signed" for auto renewal. I've been with the same breakdown outfit for 9 years and have always paid by credit card over the phone annually. I noticed from a recent credit card statement that they had taken £92 but not (and still haven't) sent any renewal letter or new cards. When I queried why they had done this without my permission they refunded the money and cancelled my membership.

I explained that that wasn't what I had wanted - just an explanation for their actions. To cut a long story short it was an extra £14 to pay annually as opposed to auto renewal. Sharp practice in my opinion.
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Wed 9 May 2007 19:20
Do not sign for auto renewal of breakdow - Ian G
my auto renewal came through recently. I must admit it was my fault for getting the date wrong - the money had left my bank before I started to shop around.

But it seems new customers get at least 20% - 25% discount with the largest breakdown firm in the UK. l recall last year asking the chap over the phone why don't I just cancel and get a new policy? He replied I could be entitled to upgrades and other benefits, as I was an established customer.

After 7 years and 3 callouts I've had zip.

The cancellation process is too much hassle though, so along with most poeple I will try and remember to do something next year.

Easy money for them I suppose.
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