When the time of year comes for renewing insurances, I automatically renew without shopping about but this year I decided to be a skinflint and see what else was out there.

I have been an NFU insurance customer for years and when my commercial insurance kept going up rather than coming down having not changed any part of the policy or made any claims, I have discovered just how much I have been ripped off. My renewal figure came through from the NFU with an extortionate amount, I rang around a few places and managed to get several quotes, ranging from £1500 CHEAPER to £1000 cheaper. Yes, CHEAPER! Yes, it was quoting like for like as I read it straight off the renewal form! NFU were contacted and questioned - no one in my local branch could give me a satisfactory explaination so I was referred on. I received a call offering me a £500 discount if I stayed with them for the next 5 years.

Me thinks not.

I declined the renewal and stopped the direct debit with the bank only to receive a call from NFU saying the payment had been declined! Of course it had! The girl who called did not seem to understand that I had cancelled the renewal and was a bit annoyed at me!

Oh dear - shop about each year - If NFU are the best, make sure you get your policy documents - I am still waiting on a set from 2006!