written by JW365 on 22/01/2023
Hugely disappointing. My wife has her car insured through Sheilas' Wheels. Following an accident early Tuesday morning (17 Jan) her car is to be repaired by Gemini Accident. She still has not had a courtesy car (20 Jan) and on speaking to both companies was told that they probably would not be able to supply her with a car till Wednesday (25 Jan) some 8 days later. As she is a chiropodist visiting patients at their homes this is a major problem and is the reason she elected to pay extra in the first place. Very poor service. She has found it very difficult to get through on the phone as it often rings unanswered. N.B. Her policy states that they will provide and cover a courtesy car whilst hers is being repaired by one of their recommended repairers. It is but the car has NOT been provided.
written by martinstew on 03/08/2022
Was told i was owed 120 back then to be told i shunt been told that and for me being a good cuatomer they was going give me 60 pound for a good will gesture and and recived any and not one person can leave a note on computer never would I ever use these 4 years no claims and my renewal went down 4 pound so I was paying 111 a month now paying 75 u problem done me a favour for get rid of use
written by SD2021 on 04/05/2021
Worst customer service I have ever experienced. A false claim was filed against me,even when I have provided them with enough evidence they will not carry out a thorough investigation. I am not sure if this is due to there lack of resources, or a tactic they use to increase customer's premiums. They will prefer to take the side of the other insurance company just to make there lives more easier. Unbelievable! Honesty I seriously advise customer's who are seeking to get there car/cars insured look elsewhere! They do not have all of these terrible reviews for no reason. Something is definitely wrong here. I have now taken the further steps to make sure i get my justice. I have sought legal advice, and have contacted the ombudsman. I will NEVER insure with them again. And I will be taking matters further with them.
written by 451Moser on 27/08/2020
I took insurance no problem. I scrapped the car just before the policy ended. They AUTO RENEWED the policy. I have numerous insurance payments going from my account, so didn't notice. A few months later I spotted it so stopped. They then charge a SCANDALOUS cancellation fee and threaten my credit score. I lost £250 altogether. I will never use again and suggest you avoid. PLEASE NOTE they renewed a car not in my name and no TAX/MOT.
written by TimCDavies on 09/05/2020
So today I have been charged to cancel a policy (one which would not even have come into effect for another 23 days!). Not only that, but I needed to cancel the policy because I had inadvertently made a mistake when I took it out (only yesterday). Having noticed my mistake this morning, and not wishing to clog up the company's telephone lines if I could avoid it, I requoted myself online on their own website. I got the cover sorted (correctly this time) with all extras that I required added in. In fact, this is a more expensive policy - but that is neither here nor there. My problem is that I wasn't able to then close the first policy online. In this day and age, why? So, having tried to avoid calling and running through all this administration over the telephone in a long-drawn-out call with a member of their staff, I was now in a position where I had no choice but to call them. At least it would be a quick, simple and painless call - so no one would be too inconvenienced (or so I thought). Anyway, having gone through their front-end recorded telephone system (which itself plea with callers for them not to call less their issues are urgent or absolutely necessary - or something similar) I spoke with a chap in their offices. I very briefly explained the situation, and that I had corrected the issue for myself through their own website - and that I was now satisfied that I have the cover I need in place. My request was that he close/cancel the policy in which I made an error (yesterday). I thought that this would not present any problem at all - this being for a number of reasons: A) The policy wasn't due to commence covering me until 31 May 2020. B) I was remaining with their insurance company. C) There was literally no level of admin effort required of their staff - beyond this single (no more than 5-minute) telephone call. Anyway, much disappointment followed. Their staff member informed me that he would be charging me a £26 cancellation fee. I was a little shocked. I asked why and restated that I had remained with their company - and that the policy was not due to start for a number of weeks. I was told that they have a right to charge their cancellation fee (£26) as an administration fee. And I was told that I should have called to have a requote against the policy over the telephone. I explained that I was trying to avoid calling and to avoid being an administrative burden. I asked whether he had any discretion over the charge - he didn't answer that question. Reluctantly, and without much I could do about the situation, I had to accept a refund minus the £26 admin cancellation fee. It cannot be a bad place to work if the staff are being paid £26 for each 5-minute period worked. That was the only administration required for their business with me - one 5-minute call to cancel a policy which was yet to be enacted. There was no cognisance of the fact that: A) I remained with them. B) I was acting as their front-end telephone system is requesting. C) The admin fee is in no way (at all) reflective of the actual cost for their staff member's time in speaking with me about this. If I had called to get a requote and amendment to my policy, I would have taken far more of the staff member's time. And, thinking about it, I would likely have had an equally as oppressive, unfair and unreasonable admin fee levied against me at that point. At least I would have got my money's worth though. Frankly, I think it's despicable. I had initially marked this review as 2* (Poor), but having typed this and now I have come to realise how disappointed I am about this, I will be downgrading this to 1* (Bad) before I post. I think it's a very poor way to make money; money made from those doing their best to be a good sort of customer. I mean, I'm sorting my insurance weeks before it is due, and I am doing all the leg work myself. I could have disregarded the burden the staff are under during this time of national emergency and simply have called regardless, and held someone on the phone for an hour or more - making an extreme nuisance of myself. The sad irony of it all is that that wouldn't have cost me any ridiculous admin fee (regardless of the actual time of the staff). Unethical practices. They ought to feel utterly ashamed of themselves.
written by zkClark66 on 17/07/2019
Opening a claim with Shiela wheels for a non fault accident was one of the worse things I’ve ever had to go through. It’s been 6 months and it’s still going on. I never got told the correct information and never been contacted with an update. They are very slow and terrible customer communication skills I would not recommend. Stay away
written by Serenababy on 10/09/2018
Please make sure you think twice before going with this company and read the small print because I didn't. Basically I've just been charged £60 to get out of my contract with them. I found several much better deals online both with themselves and their 'sister' company ensure. They would match the price but the overall deal was better elsewhere. This should not be allowed. You are basically blackmailed to stay with them.
written by Nissrin on 20/07/2018
I made a claim on my policy with SW in April and my car was sent to their specified garage - Auto Crash. Over three months later my car is still in the garage, no-one from SW has kept me updated on progress once, and each time I have called for an update I have been fobbed off by the garage with contradictory excuses, which have involved failing quality control, bad paint job, broken part and backlog in parts. All of which I have asked for written documentation, plus the name of their Fiat supplier as I have been left with no option but to check the vailidity of my 3 month delay with Fiat directly. I have not seen any paperwork yet. I have made 3 complaints to SW, first time I received no response at all, second time I was told I had to wait 10 working days for a response and was given £100, third complaint went in today after I received an email from them last week to say that my car would be ready in November! Last week I finally speak to someone at SW that could see the absurdity and lack of professionalism and customer care of my claim. She informed me that my car would be ready last Friday (something I have heard for 3 months now), then told by a man at Auto Crash that they in fact did not say this. If you are thinking of taking your insurance out with SW I would say, pay a bit more and go elsewhere. It's a complete disgrace and I am still waiting
written by on 09/04/2018
I have been with Sheilas' Wheels for about 5 years. They had generally been ok until I had to make a claim for the first time. My car was damaged in December 2017, I am still waiting for it to be repaired. Yes, you have read that right. It is April 2018 and my car still hasn't been fixed. My car was damaged whilst it was stationery, the other side confirmed they were at fault. I really fail to see why the claim has dragged on so long. Shelias' Wheels haven't bothered to keep me updated and I have constantly had to chase via phone and email. What is particularly frustrating about trying to call them is that you have to constantly explain the situation over and over again to a new person. Doesn't seem like they can be bothered to refer to their notes. They are patronising and do not take the time to listen effectively. They cannot answer simple questions, can be rude and will repeat the same information over and over even when they clearly have not understood your question. I have been given different email addresses to send details and information to, which I think is just a delaying tactic. When I called to confirm receipt, even after I got an automated reply, surprise surprise they can't find the email. In all this time, they have only spoken to the other side's insurer's once. Shelias' Wheels' poor service has just added unnecessary stress. It is unacceptable how much time I have had to spend chasing them and just fed up with them.
written by Herndon1960 on 31/03/2018
I had an accident nearly 6 weeks ago after a woman failed to stop at a junction and crashed into me. I have still not heard back from this company after endless phonecalls, in relation to letting me know the outcome of the engineers review after several emails 2 complaints and still no reply. I have the courtesy car yes but really this is atrocious service. Definatly would not recommend.
written by 56Sheridan on 03/03/2018
I reversed into a car parked opposite my drive last year,( this is my only accident after 25 years of driving) and rang the company to report the accident. they were very helpful, sorted the claim out with no fuss at all, it didn't affect my no claims, the lady on the other end of the phone was very sympathetic and understanding, I have been with this insurance company for a number of years with on problem so far, the only issue I have is that sadly I may have to leave then as the renewal is a lot more than other companies, as with most companies they do not value loyal customers.
written by CustomerLucy on 29/01/2018
All is OK untill you have claim. I was involved in a serious accident. It was not my fault and third party admitted liability. The customer service was useless, unable to deal with the simple problems. Some of the customer advisors were quite rude as well. There is no communication between departments, every time I phoned I got a different version of a story. I spent hours/days on the phone and they not even feel obliged to help you. Wasted so much money and time. It is unacceptable that after paying so much money for your car insurance and been thru horrific experience at not your fault you have to deal with such a unprofessional company.
Written on: 22/02/2018
I agree absolutely hopeless at assistance with a claim they infuriate me. You have to ring them amd pester them because they sure as hell won't be in touch with you.
Written on: 09/04/2018
I have been chasing and chasing them, they are a terrible company with truly appalling customer service.
written by on 02/08/2017
In 2015 my car was written off by a drunk. From start to finish I thought the service I received was so bad. I was never given any support made to feel it was my fault. I was so upset. Wrong information was put in to my claim. not by me. I was then told "Everyone makes mistakes" The fact they had the wrong registration and said I was driving. I then informed the ombudsman who then took over to investigate my claim. I wanted everything in writing as I did not trust them. After given reassurance by the Ombudsman. The claim was settled. I went with another car insurance who then said I was at fault. I called the ombudsman who assured me things will be sorted out. it's 2017. and I am still trying to get my name cleared. Beware get everything in writing.
written by trevormellows on 06/07/2017
have been a customer for about five years, have never had to speak to them as renewals have been ok and have not had a claim. my renewal this year is far more than I have been quoted elsewhere so I have endeavoured for the passed three days to contact them. I have been on hold on the 7 occasions I have telephoned for in excess of 10 minutes. I find this unacceptable especially considering they do not supply a free phone number. Have filled out cancellation form on website only to receive an automated email saying they will endeavour to confirm within 72 hours. Again I find this unacceptable. Why would anyone ever use them or parent company esure. Premium price = poor service
written by Mugged-by-Sheilas-Wheels on 14/06/2017
I was with Shelia’s Wheels for many years, I own an average car, am over 50 years old and have never made a claim; I have 20 plus years no claims bonus. I didn’t take too much notice, trusting Shelia’s Wheels to look after me, I paid monthly and just let the policy auto-renew year after year. When I mentioned what I was paying for my car insurance my friend’s jaw hit the floor. I was paying over £600 a year. I went to a Comparison site and the average quote for my car, my age and no claims bonus was £230 (this included Shelia’s Wheels if I were a new customer). Not surprisingly I cancelled my policy with Shelia’s Wheels and got new insurance for less than half what I was paying them. Now here’s the thing. I paid for my insurance monthly, £56 via direct debit. So when I cancelled, if the payment was monthly in advance, they’d owe me money i.e. the balance of the unused part of the month. Or if the payment was made monthly in arrears, then the most I would owe them is the part of the month up to, but not exceeding the £56 for the full month. Well, they are demanding £130 to cancel the policy and will explain how that figure is arrived at. These people are unscrupulous treacherous money-grabbers with no sense of loyalty, decency or fairness. They exist only to extort as much money as they can swindle from you. Animals!
written by qmMerritt452 on 01/05/2017
Insured my son. Looking at his driving style it's as good as anyone could expect. No speeding, mainly common routes, not a great amount of night driving, but they log braking as consistently zero points. Maybe it's because he drives down the local country lanes. Anyway, after 3 months they want to raise the premium by 50%, which means it's just as big a rip off as the ones without a black box. Shun these people, their business model is not what I would call honest.
written by NasirHancock on 30/10/2016
Wrexham girl,after going on confused.com I took out a policy with shelies wheels first payment of198.00 then 14days later they cancelled my insurance do not go with this insurance company rip off
written by kaviii on 12/08/2016
this is the first time i had insurance with this company and had a very bad experience. they email me that they want to cancel my insurance after 14 days and they give another 10 days to keep insurance just they can charge me £42 for cancelling the insurance and having 10 days more.they cancelled my policy after 14 days giving the reason of fraud which is a nonsense and ridiculous excuses to make the money out of it.they said i search with different address and took the cheapest insurance which was just £2.50 difference which i never did. i said them if they want i can send them proof that the insurance i have is in my home address they refuse to do so.also they want to cancel after 14 days so they can rip me off saying that i use insurance for 14 days. Their system doesn't even know how many times a person search for insurance until 14 days pass away and they can have money for nothing.they just want to rip u off.
written by Tilly28 on 01/08/2016
I used Sheila's wheels for 6 years fully comprehensive (which quite frankly is worthless with this company) , always quick to claw money, insurance got more expensive each year. When I made a claim April 2016 because of a fire in car electrics (rear door) they refused to pay out the whole process was humiliating and badly handled by the company, they tried to say it was 'wear and tear' and even tried to say there was no fire! Even though it was reported and I had passengers. I spent over £1200 in costs for a hire car, reports and towing, Sheila's wheels dumped my car back, refused to give me a curtesy car during the time I was left without a vehicle, I am now pursing a claim against the company, I'm always contacting watch dog, this company are diabolical avoid! At all costs. plesse read the small print carefully this company will stitch you up I do no want anyone else to go through this process. Research before you decide to use any insurers.
written by MisaelPollard257 on 17/06/2016
Black box is an utter junk, even though i got a good score and they gave me £30 back, i still think its ridiculous, they say no curfew, and yet you get penalised for driving at night. you get penalised for driving on new roads, you have to drive the same route (no deviations) ten times in a month to become regular. long waits to call customer services, even thought the people on the end are very nice and extremely helpful. My car eventually broke down so i got a new one, to change the car there was a £150 admin fee and higher premiums even though the new car was cheaper in other quotes. it was going to cost me over £300 to change the car. that combined with being annoyed with them, i decided to cancel with 5 months left. they refunded me £150, but as a percentage of the total price the refund is criminal. pay the extra money and read the policy details carefully left me feeling robbed
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As rated by our community of reviewers
Drumm84's Response to TimCDavies's Review
Written on: 02/02/2023
I had the same experience as you and they charged me another admin to change to the correct the issue, then put my insurance payments up by £20 a month for changing back to my old car, another admin fee for changing to my new car a week later and payments put up by a further £30 a month. Got my renewal through beginning of January, and my quote was £250 more, even though nothing had changed. Cancelled my policy and got a letter demanding more money from me, or it would affect my credit rating. Very disappointed and will not use them again.