I did not make this verbal agreement.

[CiderMonkey]

I arranged insurance over the phone with Lifesearch and when I got the confirmation email it said the following:

'we have had a verbal agreement that you will pay £200 or 4 times your agreed monthly premium, whichever is greater, to us for the time spent administering and processing your insurance policy if you do cancel in this period, this also includes sending back the cancellation notice that is included in your policy documents'

This was not mentioned at all when I was on the phone and I think it is awful they are saying I agreed when I didn't. Is there anything I can do? I'd still like the insurance but don't want that fee hanging over my head If i decide to cancel in the next 2 years.

[ummmm]

Phone them up and tell them that you didn't agree to that.

[CiderMonkey]

do you think they'll agree to take that part off my file?? They said they were recording the original call, so they can check back to see I never agreed to that!

[ummmm]

I don't know but if you didn't agree to it you didn't agree to it. If they won't take it off tell them you are going else where...

[Jemisa]

Phone the bank & stop the payment, then get advice from the C A B (phone or visit) phone the ins. ombudsman for advice, get as much info as poss.

This sounds like a scam to me, I've never heard of such a thing.

jem

[society]

Email them back and tell them you never agreed to such. Make sure you attach your response to their email.

[CiderMonkey]

thank you for all your answers. I have written a sternly worded email back to them telling them I most certainly did not agree to that! Let's see what they say..

[Jemisa]

Let us know C. M.

jem

[katekoala]

hey CiderMonkey

If you have no luck with them, you will need to send them a SAR (Subject Access Request) which supplies you with all the information they hold on file for you - I would also specifically ask for the recoding of the call (just FYI, not EVERY call is recorded, therefore the disclosure may have said 'some calls a recorded') etc

failing that - if you dont get anywhere the Financial Ombudsman Service or the FSA are really helpful and will fight for your corner ! :)

good luck x

[CiderMonkey]

THANKS!

[CiderMonkey]

Well, I spoke with this woman and she admitted it was HER fault as she had not had THE CONVERSATION with me, NOR sent the email I should have received before being sent the 'we have a verbal agreement' email. She sent 'the one I should have... received before' to me when she received my stern email, with an apology for ballsing up (my words, not hers; that would not be very professional!). When I spoke to her, she agreed I would not have to pay the mentioned fee, as long as I gave her a call to discuss the situation, should I wish to cancel within the stated period. I can cancel and not incur the fee, as long as I let them know before I cancel. Apparently that is what the email meant to say and they are sorry for any misunderstanding. Especially as I am a valued customer.
Sorted.

Thanks for the replies and advice!!