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“I had the same experience as a previous reviewer in...”

Written on: 25/11/2010 by northern lass (3 reviews written)

I had the same experience as a previous reviewer in that Direct Line sent me a home insurance quote which was more than twice last year's, but fortunately I had refused to set up an automatic direct debit, as the same happened last year. When the renewal arrived in November 2009, it was £740, £300 more than the previous year. Having had several much cheaper quotes AND a quote online from Direct Line for just over £400, I called them and was told that the reason for the increase was that I'd had an online 'introductory discount' the first year.



I said I would not be renewing, at which point I was put through to someone else who said that the quotes they sent weren't set in stone, and were 'more or less computer generated' (!) in that they didn't really take account of an individual's track record, and 'it's always worth calling to negotiate'. The outcome of that was that the £741 was magically reduced to £439! However, I've just had my renewal for 2010/11 and guess what - over £1000 this time, despite no claims and no change in circumstances. I've had several quotes, mainly well under £500, so Direct Line have lost my custom. I don't think I should have to call them to haggle, they should give me the best price in the first place. They're obviously not interested in retaining loyal customers. I suspect, though, that this is how most insurance companies do business.