We told HomeServe we didn’t want to renew our insurance policy, but it took money from our credit card anyway

My husband and I had an upsetting experience with HomeServe last April when we had a significant water leak on our driveway. As a result, we decided we would not renew our insurance policy with the company.

When the renewal came up in April, my husband wrote to HomeServe cancelling the policy, and instead of sending it freepost as instructed in their renewal letter, he sent it recorded delivery and kept a photocopy.

HomeServe acknowledged receipt of the letter but took the money from his credit card anyway. Although I think this amounts to theft, our daughter, who teaches law at a local college, says it is a civil matter and we will have to reclaim the money through the small claims court.

Surely we can’t be the only ones affected by this policy? RT, Kingswinford, West Midlands

This is turning into something of an annus horribilis for HomeServe. Back in November 2011 the company shocked investors and customers by suspending its entire sales workforce for several weeks amid fears they had been mis-selling its products. Then it emerged that a whistleblower who worked for the West Midlands-based firm had told the Financial Services Authority that the company had been ignoring complaints by customers it had let down during the previous very cold winter.

If that wasn’t enough, a few weeks ago HomeServe was fined £750,000 by the media telecoms regulator Ofgem for making silent (or abandoned) sales calls to customers. You have to wonder what’s going at the firm, which insures over three million people in the UK against burst pipes, broken gas boilers and electrical problems. The fact that it took your money, even though you had told it you were not renewing – and sent it recorded delivery – is hardly surprising given what else has been happening, and it is not a good sign.

Happily, your complaint was easily resolved. HomeServe has thanked us for “bringing this to our attention”. The company says the money has now been refunded to your credit card. It has also sent you a further £150 in relation to the matter that caused you not to renew in the first place – the repair to a main leak on your drive.

We welcome letters but cannot answer individually. Email us at consumer.champions@guardian.co.uk or write to Bachelor & Brignall, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number

Money: Insurance | guardian.co.uk

Estate agent insists I take out home contents insurance as part of the rental agreement

I am about to rent a three-bedroom house in the Nottingham area and the estate agent is insisting that I take out contents insurance as part of the letting contract. They provide the service themselves but do not insist I buy it off from them. Nevertheless, after renting various properties around the country for more than 13 years now, this is the first time I have come across this. Is it right to be asked to insure your own things (contents) as part of a letting contract? Surely whether I do so or not should be my own responsibility. DV, Nottingham

It is not actually illegal for a lettings agent to include this in a contract and increasing numbers are apparently doing so. The National Landlords Association, which also represents some lettings agents, said: “By including it in the tenancy agreement, the agent may be trying to avoid confusion and ensuring the tenant’s possessions are covered if there is a dispute later on.”

A lot of people may not quite accept that argument; it is far more likely that the agent is hoping that you will agree to take out its contents insurance, for which it earns a juicy commission, rather than delay signing up for your chosen property while you select cover elsewhere. It is against the law for the agent to insist you take out its own contents insurance but, as you say, yours has not done this.

However, you could dispute the terms of the contract citing the Office of Fair Trading’s guidance on unfair terms in tenancy contracts. The OFT accepts that it is not actually illegal but says: “We consider that whether tenants wish to insure their own personal belongings is a matter for them and that it is unreasonable for the landlord to make this a contractual requirement.”

So, while it is a good idea to have contents insurance, it is unfair to be contractually obliged to take it out. Of course, the reality is that if you do dispute the term, you risk the lettings agent simply letting the property to someone else who will accept it. There is a good reason why Citizens Advice has been pushing so hard for lettings agents to be regulated.

We welcome letters but cannot answer individually. Email us at consumer.champions@guardian.co.uk or write to Bachelor & Brignall, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number

Money: Insurance | guardian.co.uk

Government and insurance industry close to agreement over ongoing cover for houses in flood-risk areas

Flood alerts remain in place in several parts of the country, but there is at last some good news for nervous householders in flood-hit areas who are a step closer to the assurance that their properties will continue to be insured.

The government is looking at two proposals put forward by the insurance industry that would see cover made available to all households, regardless of flood risk, and is set to announce its conclusions in the next few weeks.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is proposing that all homes continue to be covered, but with a cap on the annual premium they would pay. Any property with a risk priced above this cap would get its insurance from a central pool of money. This pool would be paid for by a small levy on every home insurance policy in the country.

“The government is now engaged in constructive and serious discussions about this idea with us, and we are doing the maths to work out what the level of cap and amount of levy might be,” a spokesman for the ABI said. “We think this system is the way forward and will address the issues of availability and affordability of insurance.”

The government is also considering a proposal called Project Noah, put forward by a firm of insurance brokers, which would allow insurers to transfer their residential flood risks, less a small retention, into the international reinsurance market.

“Industry-led solutions that allow insurers to compete even for the highest risk homes, without government intervention in the market, would give the best value for taxpayers’ money,” a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

Industry insiders now believe a combination of the two approaches is likely, and that an announcement will be made in June or July.

The implementation of either system, or a hybrid of both, would offer peace of mind to householders like Rita Edge who lives in the village of Cleator in Cumbria.

In 2009, Edge found herself in a near-death situation when the river that runs past her property flooded seriously for the first time in her, or her parents’, living memory. During a period of heavy rain, her garden flooded in the 20 minutes it took her to leave the house, collect her children from school and return. Her garden had flooded before, but she never imagined her house would also flood, she said, so she took her children inside.

“10 minutes later we were sitting on the sofa in the front room when the carpet started floating and we could hear bubbling noises from the corner of the room where the water was coming in,” she said. She got a few belongings together for Emily, 10, and Ted, 7, and decided to evacuate on the telephone advice of the emergency services.

“I got Ted on my back and stepped off my door step and quickly realised I was now in the river. It was pitch black, I had to struggle against the water to get him to safety and I was petrified,” she recalls. Luckily her husband Phil arrived at that moment to help rescue Emily, but the experience has left Rita with nightmares.

The government and the insurance industry have been in talks for months about whether or not flood cover will continue to be universally available for householders such as the Edges once the “statement of principles” the two parties had signed up to expires next year.

The statement means insurers agree to provide cover for flood-risk properties provided the government continues to invest in flood defences. However, the government made it clear some time ago that it will no longer sign off this deal once it runs out in June 2013, but up until a few weeks ago talks about an alternative solution seemed to have stalled. A failure to reach a solution would potentially leave 200,000 homes without affordable cover, leaving owners unable to sell their properties and potentially exposing them to financial hardship.

Now, both the government and insurers agree they are close to a conclusion. The government has ruled out the idea of subsidising all flood insurance, but has confirmed it is considering targeting funding at those most in need. If it adopts the ABI solution it would underwrite any losses that went beyond the central pool of money.

“Any targeting of government funding needs to be feasible, offer value for money and endure over the long term,” the Defra spokesperson said.

Advice and support for those in flood-prone areas is available via the National Flood Forum on 01743 741725 or 01299 403055.

Money: Insurance | guardian.co.uk

How do you choose the best auto insurance policy and what do you look for in one? Most of us shudder at the thought of facing the consequences of a car accident (which can be more or less serious) but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do anything in our power to be prepared for the after-costs. I hope you’ll agree with me when I say that being prepared for the worst (and being insured against it, in our case) does not mean you’re being pessimistic, but very realistic and cautious. Therefore, the auto insurance policy should – ideally- offer comprehensive coverage, but this can be quite pricey. So, just how does one find cheap auto insurance? If you cannot afford to pay for full coverage, does that mean you’re stuck with liability insurance and hope that you never get in an accident? Is third party insurance the closest you’ll ever get to cheap auto insurance?

Fortunately, this answer to this question is “NO”. You are very aware of the fact that auto insurance rates vary widely, and not just according to the coverage that the policy offers. Prices also vary a great deal from one insurance company to the next and it’s been proven that the best deals are to be found online.

How can you find the most convenient auto insurance online? Everyone who is the very least familiar with surfing the web knows that no matter how convenient it may be, it can also be confusing at times, especially when you have to browse hundreds of web pages. You are simply offered too many options, and no matter the extent to which you refine your search, you’ll have to agree that it always takes a bit of luck to come across the best possible deal. That is unless you know the exact web site to go to. But then again, most insurance companies use the keywords “cheap auto insurance” on their web site, so how can you tell the difference?

One thing’s for sure, though. You can find cheap auto insurance online, if you know where to look. Since this is something that millions of vehicle owners in the U.S. look into on an annually basis at least, certain companies have thought of making our tasks easier and have managed to put together comprehensive lists of auto insurance companies that offer that best deals. It’s like a directory, if you like, of cheap auto insurance policies and the companies that offer them, as well as lists of auto insurance specialists that can be of assistance to you when you want to learn more about getting the best auto insurance online.

Once you are on a web site of the kind, all you have to do is choose the state and city you are from, and you will find a large list of insurance companies and agents that you can get free auto insurance quotes from, as well as a list of insurance specialists that can assist you in getting affordable auto insurance online.

Backpackers commonly travel on the budget. Every single traveler are at threat of accidents and injuries, right here and abroad. Regardless of whether they’re scuba diving in Cairns or trekking the slopes of Thailand, a traveler must have backpackers travel insurance.

They’re also prone to illnesses due to the fact they travel overnight or sleep in hostels or dorm rooms. A practical traveler guarantees that he is in great hands by buying backpackers travel insurance. Prior to he leaves he gets a single. Backpackers travel insurance is precisely intended to meet the desires of the traveller.

These plans offer you high levels of coverage for lengthy periods of travel. From one week to two many years, a traveler can avail the backpackers travel insurance. One need to also bear in mind that just since it’s known as backpackers travel insurance, it does not mean that they will be roughing it.

Backpackers travel insurance serves like a cheaper and efficient option to single trip travel insurance coverage plans. Some plans cover extra-curricular activities like sports.

A single wont know what may perhaps happen while in travel so this might come in handy. When looking for backpackers travel insurance, you’ll find the standards that the traveler must appear out for.

Right here are some characteristics that must be included inside backpackers travel insurance. First of all, it must have the Emergency Healthcare Cover.

In any event that wants urgent medical interest, this can include the price. It need to also have Rescue and Repatriation.

This is the insurance plan that the charges will probably be compensated by the insurance coverage provider. Because rescue comes while using package, this involves helicopter rescue as well. Other functions are Personal Liability.

The insurance coverage supplier is legally liable to cover any automobile accident, injury or damage for the traveler. Vacation Cancellation can also be integrated.

In circumstance anything occurs up, the journey is usually minimize brief. The individual will then be compensated for that quantity that was lost.

The Baggage and Possessions Include can be integrated. Just in situation the possessions from the traveler have been stolen or lost, then the insurance provider will cover the administrative expenses that had been incurred. Included within the package may be the alternative of passport that has been stolen.

The financial issues are most commonly quoted by people for various reasons. It makes them face some critical situations like inability to afford quality medical treatment. To give solution to this problem medical insurers have facilitated plans at affordable health insurance premium. Apollo Munich is a pure health insurance company that offers several such options to take care of varied healthcare needs of people.

Today everyone is running around to fulfill various needs of life. People are working hard to earn more and save more. In doing so they also invest in insurance plans that help them get their future planned. An insurance cover is meant to provide financial assistance while facing any monetary constraint in any critical situation. Health insurance is one such branch of insurance that secures the health of people.

Medical insurance policies are meant to provide financial coverage while facing any health mishap. They make sure that the policy holder receives the best health treatment as and when required in life. But it has been observed that whether insured or uninsured people take health insurance for granted. It is considered as a product that is relevant to only a certain section of society. To go by the belief they think that it is relevant to people of only older age or the unhealthy ones. There are some who consider health insurance premium higher than the healthcare cost. Pertaining to this thought people stay away from health coverage and think that they are saving money for much better use than investing in health insurance.

Unlike all the above misconceptions that people pursue for medical coverage plans, the fact is that health insurance is much needed requirement in today’s date. Every individual needs to have a health insurance plan whether he/ she is at a young age or in a healthy condition. The health mishaps can come to anyone irrespective of the age or the present health status. It is not always the pre- existing illnesses that require a treatment. But the sudden ailments can also arouse such a situation.

At this point the foremost requirement is the proper health treatment. But the best medication generates the need of compensating huge treatment cost. Here it comes as an issue for majority of people as find it difficult to cope up with the expenses incurred during the course. The spiraling medical care cost has raised this problem for many people. It makes people face critical situation taking the health to the level of risk. But there is a need to understand that health is the most essential asset of life.

Good health is the biggest blessing that make life easier and happier. Hence anything related to it must not be taken for granted. Every individual makes efforts to stay healthy. In doing so, they develop various healthy habits. But the health uncertainties can hamper the life due to various other reasons. At times it does not even give time to prepare. Hence people end up facing complexities during the crucial hours of life. The lack of ample funds results in people getting panic at the last moment. To avoid this problem health insurance policies have emerged with reasonable health insurance premium plans. It is most feasible way to avail the quality health treatment without any fiscal stress. By paying a reasonable health insurance premium the individual can easily get rid of the burden of medical bills. The expensive treatment cost takes care of the expenses incurred during healthcare. Also the insured can avail several healthcare benefits as per the policy provision.

Every policy adheres to certain terms and conditions. Hence it is imperative to read and understand all the associated terms. The policy functions according to the listed features. Before investing in any plan it is extremely important to get hold of all the details of the policy. Only a suitable health plan will help reap the best returns.

The expensive treatment cost is much affordable than the health insurance premium. Moreover the online portals of the companies provide all information about the health insurance products. All details are provided easily. It is easy to acquire the information about health insurance premium. The online premium calculator enables you to calculate the insurance cost in few minutes. It helps in taking the right decision as the person can choose the plan that can fit into the budget. Today at reasonable insurance cost there are comprehensive health plans available. They can look after all the healthcare needs of people.However it is important to note that health insurance premium is not the only point to be considered. There are other crucial factors that you need to keep a watch at while seeking the medical cover. You need to land up with the appropriate policy as the wrong decision might not be of much help. Only a suitable plan can give you a relief from healthcare issues. It gifts peace of mind to the policy holder. People get apprehensive about the insurance cost. But it is essential to note that where on one hand one can get the insurance amount adjusted in their accounts, at the same time when it comes to seeking best health treatment people end up losing a major amount from their savings. Thus it is always better to pay for a health insurance plan that can safeguard you from the financial upheaval that may come upon while trying to cope up with treatment expenses.

There countless health plans available in the insurance market. In order to help more and more number of people get covered, the insurers have formulated policies in different policy variants. The insurance companies like Apollo Munich have numerous innovative health insurance policies. It has earned the trust of millions of people by catering them with the comprehensive coverage. It offers plans at reasonable health insurance premium allowing people of all income groups to avail the healthcare coverage and the benefits. Not only the individual but also the person can get his/ her family secured under the affordable family health plans. All members can get covered at affordable prices and thus enjoy the quality health treatment.

Your SUV insurance coverage guidelines range from region to region. For anyone who is shopping for the first auto through Mn or maybe you’ve just simply chosen that condition, you are required to follow any Mn car insurance policy policies. Find out more about these people, before getting so that you can obtain offers. Can help you improve important price tag methods to possess a more efficient compare belonging to the diverse deals.You will need to present a signal of indemnity which means that your vehicle may perhaps be enlisted in this point out. These Minnesota auto insurance polices say that you need both different kinds of liability. You’ll want to pay for together real pain liability and then property damage legal liability protection. That minimum actual physical accident liability coverage for one family that acquire for Mn is undoubtedly $ 30, Thousand. All of the lowest quantity of internal pain responsibility for all accidental injuries is going to be $ 60,000. You should buy damage to property liability coverage with a minimum of $ 10,000.Almost all car or truck owners are necessary to obtain personal injury safeguards (PIP) protection as well. Typically the minimal countless this valuable insurance plan placed by way of the Mn car insurance rules is $ 40,000. You may be obliged to order PIP insurance coverage, given that Minnesota may be a no-fault country. Consequently any in pain person should get his/her medical related fees paid out by his/her insurance company, it doesn’t matter so, which belonging to the vehicle operators accounts for all of the surprise.On the other hand, although a real no-fault law can be instated, this does not mean which the patients from a car crash, in which you are found to get at fault, simply cannot seek compensation on your part. Even if these particular protection under the law are generally confined to an extent, each suffering a loss man or women has got the to certainly insurance document recompense. Effectively, because you and also the some others in the crash already have PIP insurance coverage doesn’t necessarily immediately allow you to evade personal risk. Auto claims Minnesota That is why you really should bear in mind getting so much bodily pain liability as are going to protect one cheaply, should you be seen to be at fault for your accident. Individuals along with motor vehicle owners around Minnesota will often be suggested to order $ 100,000 bodily problem liability in every guy and even $ 300,000 for each malchance, can’t know declare demands are actually $ 30,000 and also $ 60,000, respectively.Compared with all kinds of other countries restrictions, the Mn online auto insurance rules declare that the motive force need to have uninsured vehicle driver coverage together with underinsured driver (UM/UIM) insurance coverage. You’re joined together without being insured driver of another car insurance plan and then under-insured driver insurance a human being should be have an opportunity to $ 25,000. car or truck statements Minnesota The paired insurance policy for each phenomena ought to be still $ 50,000. Providing that you are needed to acquire PIP coverage, you might want to slow up the quantity of UM/UIM plan purchased, if you want to decrease your insurance rates.The Mn vehicle insurance guidelines require you to search for few different varieties of insurance coverage coupled with amounts of them which aren’t close. Naturally, the standard scheme cost in this express is $ 1,516, as you move the countrywide normal is normally $ 1,538. Additionally, the price marked a large come about (blank) in 2010, following the large increase involved with 18% with 2010.General, you’re officially obligated to be able to satisfy the particular Minnesota car insurance policy wants. Home claim Minnesota yet, this does not mean that you simply adhere to the limitations essential for state. It is always quite possible to buy large insurance policy at reasonable prices, on condition that you check around and search to investigate reductions.

Classic is the term that we use for something that is marvelous, beautiful and elegant. Too many adjectives I know but that’s when we cut it short to just one word “Classic”. When it comes to car, we have a perfect definition of Classic that were manufactured after World War II and before 1973. The reason behind considering these cars classic is first of all their age. They traversed on the roads for many decades. Secondly their engine’s design and capacity are also remarkable.

One who own or admire classic can very well understand their value. This value has made car insurance even more important. classic insurance is specially formulated insurance policy to match the specific needs of classic cars. The reason behind this is that classic cars are rare and they require more care and maintenance than other cars. Having a car is an expensive affair itself. It needs regular oiling and service. Moreover, the probability of theft or burglary also increases when you have the classic beauty in your garage.

Below are some classic beauties that deserve car insurance:1. Volkswagen Beetle (1935 – 1985): VW Beetle has a record of most produced car (21 million) in history till the late seventies. It is a classic beauty which became popular because of its curvy body and attractive design. VW launched a modified version of this classic as “New Beetle” recently.2. BMC Mini (1959 – 2000): BMC mini became popular in its time because of its increased passenger capacity yet small body. It became an inspiration for car designers for many years.3. Jaguar E Type (1961 – 1974): This classic piece was the most famous British sports car. It was very popular among the youth and a modified version v12 was launched in 1971. It was manufactured over a period of 14 years.4. Ford Capri (1969 – 1986): Owning a Ford Capri was a matter of pride and status symbol. People with high authority and status drove this car. It was manufactured for a term of 17 years and around 17 million were sold.5. Reliant Robin (1973 – 2002): Reliant Robin is one of its kinds and is the rarest classic car insurance. It is three-wheeler car. And is most used in funny pictures and flicks.

If you own one of these beauties then you definitely need to buy classic car insurance for it. There is no sense in spending thousands of dollars every other month on maintenance. Be prepared even for the worst; insure your car with classic car insurance today. Visit us at http://www.classic-car-insurance.co.uk/ for perfect classic car insurance.

Freeway Insurance Houston Tx

Getting a car insurance quote online can make for some difficult choices. Don’t let it become a source of genuine concern, however. With the right preparation up front, finding the best online auto insurance quote is a breeze. Of course, instinct and pre-conceived notions are part of the process.

Car insurance is no exception. Typically, pre-conception leads us toward the “lowest cost”, or what ever’s least expensive. While low-cost needs to be a consideration, thinking exclusively about the “cheapest” policy could end up costing more in the proverbial long run. Specific, essential factors must be considered before entering into a binding agreement with anyone – especially an insurance company. Dependability should be key to your decision-making. Will the insurance company support you when you are in real need?

Following a cursory search, choose only from the best, most well-known names in car insurance. Once you’ve made a list, now is the time to determine which one best suits your particular needs. The introductory homework is done. Now it’s time to evaluate the potential choices. But who to ask? Who can tell you, with certainty, whether or not an insurance company has a reputation to warrant your business? Your personal auto mechanic is a good starting point. He deals with insurance companies all the time, right? He knows, from a business perspective, which ones deal fairly with the policy holder vs those that simply talk a good game. Your mechanic is but one cog in the car insurance quote cycle … but his feedback is vital and trustworthy. Check Internet #1 Freeway Insurance Houston Tx right now!

Secondly, take the time to investigate each insurance company’s latest S & P ratings. Where does each company stand in its ability to pay claims? Are there any outstanding complaints that might send up a red flag? How well does your particular insurance company of choice rate? Did you even investigate ahead of time? That rating strongly indicates both the customer satisfaction level and the company’s overall satisfaction history.

If it is, indeed, a strong rating, then trust that information. Yes. Reputable companies should be your preference. But, by all means, make certain they’re still in business with the necessary infrastructure positioned to offer reliable service and claims-paying ability long-term. An additional rule of thumb requires that you investigate any company from an actual customer’s point of view. Call customer service. Ask some difficult questions. But do this before you commit to buying anything! How would you evaluate their overall response? How was their attitude? Were they actually helpful? Once you’ve done this and are satisfied with your results, now you can set about the task of securing an online car insurance quote from the companies you evaluated. Check Internet #1 Freeway Insurance Houston Tx right now!