Breakdown Cover Brass Neckery

[Halmyre]

Got an email a while back that said my breakdown cover expires on 12 February. Today I got another email saying they'd renewed it - 4 days early!

I also noticed the premium has gone up from £46 to £56. A quick search revealed a whole slew of cheaper quotes - two of which were from the current provider and both of which were cheaper than last year's premium. I feel a snarky phone call coming on...

[Pica-Pica]

How long ago was ‘a while back’? Had you agreed to automatic renewal?

[Pistom]

Typical form I'm afraid. It's not on. I'm sure they will refund in full or match other quotes.

This is why I look for auto renew tick boxes and make sure they're not ticked.

The amount of money isn't a big deal but I don't like the principal.

[Halmyre]

Pica-Pica said:

How long ago was ‘a while back’? Had you agreed to automatic renewal?

First reminder came in 25 January. Automatic renewal, yes, guilty as charged, and further down the email says "payment will be taken 08/02" but still...

Pistom said:

Typical form I'm afraid. It's not on. I'm sure they will refund in full or match other quotes.

This is why I look for auto renew tick boxes and make sure they're not ticked.

The amount of money isn't a big deal but I don't like the principal.

Taking the money four days before the renewal date is definitely not on. No reason for it.

[Super Sonic]

"email said payment will be taken 08/02"

[Pistom]

Pica-Pica said:

How long ago was ‘a while back’? Had you agreed to automatic renewal?

Vert relevant questions but we need to be careful not to victim blame.

Many of these firms default check auto renewal, that together with taking the money early is what puts them in the same camp as paedophiles and societal covid enforcers. Well, maybe not quite as bad as the latter but almost getting there.

[Halmyre]

Super Sonic said:

"email said payment will be taken 08/02"

Yes, but once you've read "renewal on 12/02" and the renewal price that's all I need to know. I've never come across the early payment before and in future I'll be more careful but that doesn't mean it's not sharp practice.