car insurance renewal

[BobbyBobBob]

I have recently renewed my car insurance for another year and have paid in a lump sum. However I now want to change to another insurance company. Does anybody know the procedure for this?

Thanks

[boxtops]

I believe that you normally only get a refund on full months so if you renewed in Sept you only get 11 months back.

[mrs_overall]

Do as Doc says, but be prepared to lose a huge chunk in "administration costs"

[wilkesneil]

you can cancel free of charge and get a full refund with the 1st 14days of taking the policy out. if you're with more than (or their group) i once used that i'd forgotten to declare a ban i had 18 months ago and as they don't insure any drivers banned with in the previous 3 years they automatically issue a free refund. i found this clause not wrote as simply as this in one of their clauses in the handbook they provided that no-one ever reads.

[ABerrant]

That clause "in the handbook they provided that no-one ever reads" is a statutory requirement for all motor policies and is always mentioned in the covering letter giving confirmation of your policy, so no need to hunt it out in the pesky handbook.

The insurer is still able to levy an administration charge even if the policy is cancelled within the statutory 14 days.

[quicksquid]

I'm an insurance salesman (booo,hissss). Each insurer will have a different procedure and you need to call your provider to find out, but like others have said, expect some hefty charges.
But try calling as if you are a new customer, using a fake name, address and vehicle reg. Get them to give you a quote. Once you have your price make sure you asks them loads of questions about cancelations. Try and get them to state a standard fee they charge each customer and, if possible, try and get them to state how long this has been their standard charge.
Here the REALLY IMPORTANT part. Make sure you record this whole call and take the operators name.
Then, if they apply ridiculous charges, present them with this phone call. If they deny the facts stated in the call, then follow the complaints procedure.
It is very expensive for them if it reaches the stage of the financial ombudsmen`s involvement, so you will stand a good chance of getting these cancellation costs reduced to the bare minimum.
TIP FOR THE FUTURE - If your insurer/broker is willing to tell you their standard cancellation fee before you buy the policy, then go elsewhere.
For more go to http://www.squidoo.com/tips-4-car-insurance

[quicksquid]

the last bit should say if they are UNwilling to tell you their fees(oops)