Direct Line Home Insurance Review

Overall Rating

On the 23rd of October 2006, whilst in my local Barclays Bank, I learnt that by taking out a Barclays Home and Buildings insurance policy, I could save myself quite a substantial amount each month, and also obtain much better policy cover, than I was receiving at the time from Direct Line.

As I was paying Direct Line by monthly direct debit payments, both I and the Barclays advisor thought that by cancelling my direct debit, and by informing Direct Line by phone, everything could be changed over without any trouble. What a fool I was.

My wife and I went on holiday on the 2nd of November 2006 and returned on the 11th of November 06, only to find a demand waiting for us from Direct Line, to the tune of £48.55. I immediately took this demand to Barclays Bank, where the advisor, on my behalf, phoned Direct Line, to find out where this strange amount originated from, as to my knowledge, all my premiums had been paid up to the cancellation date. We were told that this amount had come about, because I had made a small claim a few months back.

My advisor, and a further two advisers at Barclays, with 50 years experience between them, had never heard of any other insurance company acting in this way, but Direct Line were adamant that this amount had to be paid.

The phone call from a Barclays advisor, who acted entirely on my behalf, must have struck a nerve with someone at Direct Line, as on Tuesday the 14th of November 2006, only having received the first demand on the 11th, I received a further, more menacing demand, for the payment of £48.55, this time containing threats of debt collectors and further fines, if payment was not sent to them within 7 days.

On Barclays advice, I sent a cheque for the £48.55 to them on the 15th of November 2006.

I would like to commend my local Barclays Bank, who recompensed me for what I can only describe as a "fine" from Direct Line, for daring to change my policies to another company.

No longer wishing to be associated with Direct Line, but still having my car and breakdown service cover with them, I approached Barclays on the 24th of November 2006, to change everything over to them.

Following the rules, I phoned Direct Line and cancelled. I stopped my direct debit, and sent my insurance certificate off to Birmingham, but I am still expecting a "fine" of some sort to follow.

If you are contemplating taking out a policy with Direct Line, go through the policy with a fine tooth comb, especially the small print.