Swinton Insurance whinge!

I recently took bike insurance out through Swinton. Their cover letter stated I had to return a signed financial agreement within 14 days or face a fine of £24. I returned the agreement well within the limit and I noticed on my bank statement I have been charged the extra £24 added on to the monthly debits. It`s not alot of money but I`m still ****ed off as I had to find a post office during my lunch break to return the agreement. I took home insurance at the same time with another supplier and signed the agreement online.

I smell a rat here- Swinton did not confirm I had incurred the charge and I have had no response to a complaint I made to the branch and to customer services. For every agreement they "accidentally lose" they make a £24 profit. Has anybody else experienced this?

[maviczap]

That's a bit cheeky, I forgot to return a signed form to another insurance company and they sent a reminder to return the form.

No extra charges

[squirrel_hunter]

Originally Posted by chrisinflight

Their cover letter stated I had to return a signed financial agreement within 14 days or face a fine of £24. I returned the agreement well within the limit and I noticed on my bank statement I have been charged the extra £24 added on to the monthly debits.

Can you prove you sent it and they received it within the time limit?

Originally Posted by chrisinflight

Swinton did not confirm I had incurred the charge and I have had no response to a complaint I made to the branch and to customer services.

Have you made the complaint in writing? Have you followed up on the complaint? Have you heard of the Financial Ombudsman?

[Mr Speirs]

Originally Posted by squirrel_hunter

Can you prove you sent it and they received it within the time limit?

Can they prove he didn't?
Burden of proof lies with the accuser.

[squirrel_hunter]

Originally Posted by Mr Speirs

Can they prove he didn't?

True. Really what I'm asking is was it sent recorded, signed for, proof of posting etc?

swinton staff in the colchester branch are useless!! had a similar issue when I had a home insurance policy, the 12 months were up and I got a better deal elsewhere, so ended the policy at the 12 months on the phone.

It over ran because they didnt cancel it like instructed, by about 2 months. when it came to sending back payment it took numerous phone calls and 2 weeks to arrange due to staff not returning calls, being otherwise busy etc.

A complaint finally sorted it, wont be using them again.

Originally Posted by squirrel_hunter

True. Really what I'm asking is was it sent recorded, signed for, proof of posting etc?

No, it was sent 1st class in an envelope they supplied. This was most likely a pre-paid envelope but I was not sure so bought a stamp and stuck it on and handed it to the cashier.
cheers,

[andrewsmith]

They're meant to inform you of the charge.
I've just renewed with Swintons. I'd request info on what day Iron Mountain received the paperwork in the post

[Jayneflakes]

If your complaints are not dealt with in an manner that you are happy with, have a chat with the financial services Ombudsman.

Strangely, the FSO know the address for MCE as if they write it every day... Sorry, when people complain about insurance, I cannot help but have a dig about those gits!

phone the bike unit in maidstone explain the issue, they are genrally a good bunch (my bro used to work there)
also remember this if they say they cant reverse the charge ask for something for free then eg euro cover/ leather and lid cover etc or your leaving