Are insurance companies taking over where the banks left off?

[Sabriel]

The renewal for my car insurance was huge, but all the comparison sites came up with the same company at £284. Tried to buy it online and the price leapt up by £51. So I rang them and asked to buy it at the price quoted.

First she said it included Legal Expenses and I told her I didn't want it. After 15 minutes on the phone going through the whole form again she announced "that'll be £324". No it won't - I want it for £284. Ah but then you can't have XYZ. I explained in words of one syllable that I didn't want any extras as I have no money. Eventually reluctantly she sold me what she referred to as a "basic comprehensive policy". I really wanted to explain to her what the word comprehensive means but held my tongue.

As we finished the call she said did I want to take out something or other for just £3.89 per month. That would take the quote almost back up to the +£51 figure again. Resisting the urge to start shouting I said no thank you.

Tonight some jolly caller rang me to advise me that I didn't have Legal Cover on my policy. I told him I was well aware of that. Did I realise what it covered. Yes thank you. I have already had this conversation with your office. What about XYZ cover? Look, I have already explained in great detail that I have no money. I do not want and cannot afford any extras thank you.

I know they are "only doing their job" and I wasn't rude but I'm really fed up with this hard sell all the time. If I've said no once, why keep on? It's not as if we have any choice - I can't decide not to buy car insurance.

Do you reckon that in 5 years time this will be the new PPI scandal?

I don't think it will be the next PPI as LC is useful if you need to sue a third party. Also the insurers try to encourage using a solicitor from their panel which does keep costs down for everyone. With access to legal aid being reduced at the moment I think they've spied their gap in the market and are trying to move in. PPI was bollocks and neither use nor ornament, where as LC is useful.

That said I think they're being pushy, can you log on to your account online yet? I do this and then change my "How you may contact me options", you could opt for just email or mail. Does mean you'll still have to check though in case you miss a renewal reminder or claim details.

Yes they are. I have a colleague who had a car crash recently but they won't pay out cos she was driving to work and her policy did not cover that. She was only insured for using the car socially. Ok she should have read the small print but you would assume that you would be covered for travelling to work. It's not like she was using it to carry out work business

I'd complain. They are not allowed to pressure sell, and that sounds like what they were doing to you.