Car Insurance Company Automatically Taking Money From My Bank Account

[Meadoway]

I have received a quote from my car insurer for renewal of the cover.The quote is fine but what is annoying me is their statement that they will automatically take payment from my bank. I do not like that and am quite prepared to renew over the phone.
I have never given the insurer permission to take payment automatically. How can I stop them??

Les

[factor-fiction]

Do you mean they'll take it at the renewal date in 12 months' time?

[jno]

if you haven't given them permission, they can no more help themselves to your bank account than I can. But check the fine print in your original contract, you may find you have allowed it.

[tonyav]

Cancel your direct debit with them at the bank.

[gingejbee]

tony: where's mention of direct debit?

[rockyracoon]

Ring them and tell them to take you off automatic renewal and that you are comparing quotes with other companies, they'll probably lower the quote and you can then pay how you like.

Automatic renewal seems to be in the small print of most insurances these days so be aware.

[tonyav]

Well how else can they debit the bank account without one.

[Peter Pedant]

I go for Tony Av

you have signed somewhere an authority for them to do it.

ring them up and tell them not to do it.
Altho' good news - can't you stop a DD unilaterally by contacting your bank ? New rule change v v recent.

Your bank can also give you a list of S/os and D/Ds

[gingejbee]

Well, if the OP hasn't given permission for payments to be taken, I'm thinking no direct debit.
As usual with these questions...only half the story...

[heathfield]

Perhaps you paid originally by Debit Card or Credit card, and they've retained the card number? Everyone should watch out for automatic renewal. There was a piece on Sky news the other day telling how someone had been allowing automatic renewal on their house insurance for some years. While the original premium was competitive, it had now risen to £1000 per annum, When they checked on the net, they found they could get the identical cover for £200!

[Meadoway]

Many thanks for all replies. I guess I must have give permission on last years renewal. Will certainly be taking steps to change arrangements.

Les

[Peter Pedant]

Hmm Heath that is why I dont like paying with my bank card

but prefer the Credit Card - which I lose with monotonous regularity as it is the one I take out of the house.....

[boxtops]

If you paid by continuous direct debit last time, you will have given them authority..... the small print's really important