I just called my UK insurance company to change my address on the car insurance, and cancel my renter’s content insurance for the house.
It seems that when you advise your insurance provider here of a new address for your car, they charge you £50. An administration fee of £50 (~ $75) to let them know you’ve moved house.
And as for the home renter’s insurance: I was advised by the rep on the phone not to cancel it, as there is a £50 cancellation fee. He suggested that, as it was up for renewal in four weeks time, just let the policy lapse in mid-November, which would mean no charge to me.
Now, I get why corporations have fees. I used to get so frustrated with people whining about banking fees, saying, “it’s my money; why do I have to pay to use it?” They honestly seemed to feel that a bank should just keep their money safe, make their money accessible, and provide them with recommendations on how to manage their money, all for free. “But it’s MY money!” Yes, and it’s your house, but you don’t expect people to come in and clean it for free. And it’s your car, but you don’t expect mechanics to repair it for free. And it’s your . . . . whoa . . . sorry . . went waaay off piste there. Never mind, I’m back.
So, back to the insurance. I had no problem with the early cancellation fee on the renter’s policy; when I signed up for the insurance, I entered into a contract with the company for a one-year period, and if I wanted to break that contract, they would let me, but it would come at a cost. Fair enough. And the rep on the phone gave me good counsel to allow me to avoid that fee, which I appreciated.
But charging a client to change their address on file? Seriously? What kind of a business model is that? Sigh, I suppose it is all part of the rich tapestry of experiences that accompany my adventure across the ocean.
Whatevs.