Hastings Insurance.

[ogden]

I'm not sure if they're trying to be funny, but they've just gone from one of my brokers of choice to bottom of the heap.

In July I took out a policy with them to cover my old KTM.

In December the bike was stolen.

In January the policy paid out and cover ceased.

In February they told me the policy was being cancelled and charged me 35 quid as an admin fee.

Apparently, and this is their story, unless I took out a new policy with them for the replacement bike (which they didn't provide, it being a cheque), my obligation to have an active policy with them would be breached and a cancellation charge would apply. Despite them being the first broker I tried for a quote on the replacement I bought, and their being unable to give me a quote.

What the actual ****? Has anyone else ever heard anything so ludicrous?

[TamSV]

It is within their Terms of Business but a bit unreasonable in the circumstances - especially as they couldn't quote for your new bike. Just the usual jobs-worth application of the rules.

I'd write them a letter, headed "complaint" and tell them you think application of their fee is unreasonable as the cancellation was unavoidable and they couldn't accommodate the new bike.

Keep it friendly and you should get your £35 back I would have thought.

[ogden]

That's exactly what I will be doing. Even if I don't get the 35 quid back, I hope to chew up at least 35 quid's worth of their time.

[sniff]

Hastings are CRAP. FACT!!!

A mate who had his insurance for his car with them tried to screw him over about changing addresses and him owing them money. About £10. Said they sent numorous letters to him and basically let his wife and THREE KIDS drive around uninsured. They seem to make the rules up as they go along. Think he reposrted this to the FSA due to the stress they gave him. Not looking for anything but a letter of appolligy from them admiting they screwed up.

[ogden]

It's with their customer services bods at the moment. Expressing discontent on twitter seemed to kickstart things.

[ogden]

"It is clear that our cancellation fee shouldn't have been charged on this occasion as we were unable to continue cover. With this in mind, I have arranged for a cheque for £35.00 to be sent to yur home address."

Kapow!