On line vehicle insurance cancelation

[Who me ?]

Long story ,short. Eldest lad bought a cheap old banger whilst still learning as too good to be true . He trusted the seller to make the vehicle fit for an MOT. Now he's passed his test, put insurance on it and taken it for a MOT. It failed, on points mentioned as advisories on previous MOT -mainly corrosion, so it's only fit as spares or scrap. And that is another matter ,as to whether seller would be considered as trader or private individual , but not relevant to this post .
He's tried to contact insurance co to cancel as vehicle is beyond economic repair , but he's having problems getting a reply , and vehicle shows up on ASKMID as on register .
What timescale has he got to cancel within selling regulations, as a damage limitation exercise ?

[cuprabob]

I believe it's 14 days.

[Alucidnation]

Surely if he called them he would get an immediate answer?

[Who me ?]

I believe he has,but he's not gotten any solution.
Cuprabob- thanks- that is what I thought it was .

[jondude]

It is indeed 14 days but it could still be a reasonably costly affair. Depending on who he is with, he can expect an exorbitant admin fee to cancel, then whatever rate the insurance company will take for the 14 days he is insured (or less if you act quickly).

I think there are articles about it on money expert forums, placing the cost between 25-80 quid for the admin fee alone.

Edited by jondude on Thursday 5th October 23:29

[Rick101]

I've never understood this 14 day thing. I should probably re-read the documentation so I have it clear in my head.

I've just checked Avviva's T&C online and I'm still as confused...
https://www.aviva.co.uk/static/library/pdfs/motor/...

As I understand it.

It is a 12 month contract.
You have a statutory right cancel within 14 days
P.6 - If you cancel within that point you will be charged for any insurance used and a £38 admin fee.
P.35 - If you cancel after the 14 days will be charged for any insurance used and a £38 admin fee.

The 14 day thing seems pretty irrelevant.

[Who me ?]

Thanks, folks- passed on, I've suggested insurance ombudsman if fees heavy.

[Aggymon]

[quote=Who me ?]Thanks, folks- passed on, I've suggested insurance ombudsman if fees heavy.
[/quote]

Why ?

The early cancellation fees are clearly set out in the contract.

Insurance seems to be the only contract people sign without reading and then complain about afterwards because they didn't !

[Biker 1]

[quote=Who me ?]gotten
[/quote]

[ralphrj]

Rick101 said:

I've never understood this 14 day thing. I should probably re-read the documentation so I have it clear in my head.

I've just checked Avviva's T&C online and I'm still as confused...
https://www.aviva.co.uk/static/library/pdfs/motor/...

As I understand it.

It is a 12 month contract.
You have a statutory right cancel within 14 days
P.6 - If you cancel within that point you will be charged for any insurance used and a £38 admin fee.
P.35 - If you cancel after the 14 days will be charged for any insurance used and a £38 admin fee.

The 14 day thing seems pretty irrelevant.

My interpretation:

Cancelling within 14 days is a statutory right.

Cancelling after 14 days is a contractual right that Aviva has given you - other insurers might not have done.

[Rick101]

I've never had an insurer that has refused me.

They have always allowed me to cancel early, but there is always a fee.


The way they make the 14 day thing sound is as though there is no fee but in reality, it often makes no difference as in the example above.