Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

Trivial in the bigger scheme, but irritating in the smaller scheme

Me:
Dear Sirs
Re. Policy #########, expiry 29/11/2009
Please be advised I do not wish to renew this policy, and so it should be terminated on expiry but not before.
Regards
the white rabbit

Them:
Dear Mr the white rabbit,
Thank you for your e-mail,
Due to data protection we will need you to call the centre on 0800 056 7908 to speak to an agent to cancel the policy from renewal date.
I have tried to call you but was unable to find a contact number on the policy.
Kind regards,
Zurich Connect Customer Services


ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHH!

How on earth does the Data Protection Act mean you can't tell someone something by email. Isn't it to protect ME? Or would they rather just speak to me, for some reason that will waste at least 5 mins of my time I guarantee it?

Mind you, could have dealt with it in the time I have taken to moan about it. Doh!

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

maybe they do that because u may not bother calling and continue with your policy

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

and this is a problem,,, why?

personally i would inform them in writing to.

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

I did, via an email :rolleyes:

Its yet another waste of all our time, and I am sure bull****.

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

Some places let you do your business by e-mail but probs only if you agree to it over the phone, after security checks.

What's wrong with security checks anyway? They're a bit extensive but i can't really argue against them.

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

They want to speak to you so they can try to persuade you to continue the policy.

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

Of course! Prize to Mr Madness ;)

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

But I am not trying to get anything from them, I am trying to not get something from them. Is this some new kind of internet scam where, for example a Nigerian (no-fence), calls up and tries to cancel an innocent motorist's insurance policy?

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

yes, but until the uk actually catch up with the digital age properly i'm afraid that there is no substitute for the good old fashioned way..

after all an email does not give them the details that it is actually from you, hence the DPA. just phone the buggers, what you scared of them selling you another insurance policy or something?

if your insurance is a rolling contract then without your consent to stop the contract it will roll over onto a new one. which will be your fault.

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

I get fed up with using menu systems, being played music and speaking to idiots.

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

You, Sir, are an apologist for 'the man'.

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

Try this site to find out how to skip their menu system & get straight through to a human being. I can't vouch for how intelligent they will be when you get through though...

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

the problem is that emails are ridiculously easy to forge, and also easy to intercept, so any security details on an email could also be forged. They usually take you through a verification process on the phone to at least be reasonably sure it is you - this is just not possible by email.

I'm surprised you even got a response by email.

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

Maybe they don't have your policy listed under "the white rabbit"? :scratch:

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

Its my real name :smt022

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

Haha, so Dr Rich was just a made up forum name? :lol:

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

The sooner the revolution comes the better. Whenever i've told a firm by phone i want to cancel something they insist i write to them :roll:

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

I suspect their legal department has (legitimate) concerns about the legality of e-mail as a means of delivering instructions to them. There are too many ways to forge headers and generally **** around with e-mail.

If they get a phone call, with your voice and identification information recorded on their system (remember, your calls may (read WILL) be recorded) they would be in a much stronger position if you subsequently denied the instruction, presumably because a claim was being made.

So, I'm afraid you're stuck with their stupid call handling system.

Keith.

Re: Why does everything have to be so complicated these days
 

Insurance...
I called to ask why this years 1.6 LX Ford Focus insurance was over £140 more than last years 1.8 LX Mundao with no other changes.
Aparently the Mondeo was group 9, but the Focus is group 56!

How does that work??

They then went on to reduce the premium by £50.
How can they do that when their quote says 'Our best price' ...