Hastings Direct (UK) Insists on Full Policy Payment After Cancellation, Yet Refuses to Insure Replacement Vehicle
Hello everyone,
I recently experienced a car accident and received my insurance settlement. Now, Hastings Direct has informed me that I have 30 days to insure another vehicle or they will cancel my policy, or I can choose to cancel it myself.
I’ve been paying my policy monthly, and I still owe £1,900 for the remainder of the year. When I called to discuss this, they confirmed that I would have to pay the full amount regardless of whether I choose to cancel or if they do after the 30-day period.
To avoid this, I could insure another vehicle through them and transfer my policy. However, I’ve reached out for quotes on four different vehicles—none of which are extravagant, including a 2016 Ford Fiesta valued at around £5,000 with 60,000 miles. Each time, they have denied my requests for coverage on these cars.
It feels like they are intentionally forcing me to pay the £1,900 for the rest of the policy year without offering any viable options. Do I have any legal grounds here? If they won’t allow me to insure another vehicle, should they really still demand I pay the full amount?
Any advice would be appreciated!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds really frustrating. It’s important to know your rights in these circumstances. In the UK, insurance companies must act fairly and reasonably. If Hastings Direct is insisting on payment for the remainder of the policy without providing a viable option for insuring another vehicle, you might have grounds to challenge their decision.
Here are a few steps you can take:
Review Your Policy: Check the terms of your insurance policy carefully. Look for any clauses related to cancellation and your obligations if you need to cancel or replace your vehicle.
Request Documentation: If they’ve denied your requests for coverage on other vehicles, ask for a written explanation. Having this information may help build your case.
Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service: If you feel that Hastings Direct is acting unfairly and not adhering to the terms of your policy, you can escalate the issue to the Financial Ombudsman. They can provide impartial advice and may intervene on your behalf.
Seek Legal Advice: If you remain uncertain about your rights or the next steps, consulting with a legal professional who specializes in insurance law could give you further clarity.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all your communications with Hastings Direct, including dates, times, and the content of discussions. This will be helpful if you need to escalate your complaint.
Explore Options with Other Insurers: While it seems Hastings Direct won’t insure another vehicle, consider shopping around with other insurers. You might find a better option for your needs.
It’s certainly a challenging situation, but remember that you have rights as a consumer, and there are channels available to help you navigate this issue. Good luck!