"No need to act" say Tesco Car Insurance - I say " Act Now" and save yourselves!!! (Tesco Car Insurance)

Member Name: DeniseChallis

Product:	Tesco Car Insurance
Date:	11/11/08 (300 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Opinion rather tainted I grant you, but honestly cant think of any.

Disadvantages: It could work out expensive, unseen costs such as calls trying to reclaim your money.

I used Tesco car insurance for a few years, up until last year. Originally I was looking for car insurance and everyone you spoke to was proclaiming how fantastically cheap their insurance from Tesco's was. I rang, got through reasonably quick and was quoted a pleasing sum for a years fully comprehensive insurance on a fairly new Vauxhall Corsa, 1.2L engine.

I took out the insurance, set up the direct debit payments and that was that... fab. The second year I recieved a notice well in advance of the renewal date, basically stating that I had no need to do anything at all, Tesco would do it all for me... take my payment that is and continue to provide insurance cover at the same level... for an increased cost (not justified, just there in black and white, well... no need to explain themselves is there???). Well... without going into detail, alot going on in life (too much stress and too little time etc)and just kind of went along with it.

So then in summary,the first year I got a quote, which beat everywhere else fair and square (and a few tesco reward card points to boot!). The second year they came out cheap, but not as cheap... but thats my fault as I just didnt need the hassle of searching for quotes (which although they make out takes a few minutes... lets be honest... they are decieving us) and changing companies.

So in time we arrive near the end of year two in our dealings with Tesco and again a renewal date is pending. Fortunate for me because, although life is still stressful (we are all in the same boat I hear you cry) and still too little time, I am feeling a distinct air of constructiveness! I've done well, perfect insurance company fodder, no claims what so ever! But wait... what is this... another increase in costs and a rather large one at that. But according to Tesco, its all fine because again there is no need for me to act... I think not! The opposite is in order I think... action is precisely what is needed!

So to the internet, those multi-quote companies can be a little complex but not so much so that its worth getting ripped off by Tesco. Anyhow, found a quote which under cut Tesco considerably and took out a policy.

Now we are back to Tesco, I called (pre- renewal) to inform that that I had indeed acted and wouldnt be needing there services for the following year. Took me a while to get through, got put on hold constantly. Its not only the insurance at Tesco that can be pricey but also the calls. This process can be relatively lengthy, expensive and pretty stressful. Takes too long, its all to complicated, too expensive... Im repeating myself now... Tesco can get you like that (it developed during my numerous and lengthy conversations with Tesco Insurance... honest).

So I cancelled, eventually. The young lady I spoke with, eventually, was rude and not pleasant at all. If anything slighty condescending. Now comes the best bit... Tesco continued to take payments from my account. When I realised a few months later I immediately stopped the direct debit and contacted them requesting my money be refunded. But no... they sent me several letters requesting payments and standing order requests then referred me to a debt collection agency.

It went on and on and on... eventually, and only through dealing with the debt collection agency I managed to sort it out. I eventually got my money refunded and Tesco are leaving me alone... no calls, letters or mails for months.

Oh, and message to Tesco... the internet insurance company that you got panned for (and your telephone operator spent far too much time bad-mouthing) are great. Efficient, and after recently having made a claim it could be said dealt with it all in a professional and faultless manner. Helpful and not at all rude! According to the Tesco representative, in the event of a claim, how would I be able to talk to anyone from my internet based insurance company... speaking from experience... Id say the answer to that is by phone my dear... by phone...

Summary: In my experience - just dont go there.