The power of the phone call

[watervole]

Got the insurance renewal for my son's house through the post this morning.  Looked at the figure, went and checked what I'd paid last year, made a phone call.

"Hi, my insurance seems to have gone up by more than I'd have expected."

Five mins later, not only is it reduced, it's significantly less than we paid last year.

I'm a very happy bunny.

I've definitely gotten more ruthless as I've got older.  There was a time when I just automatically renewed insurance policies without looking at the price at all.  Now, even though I like the company I'm with, I won't accept a rise that's more than reasonable for inflation (expect for last year when there was a big jump in the premium after we made a claim for water damage - I felt that was reasonable.)

Comments

[pennski.livejournal.com]

Well done you!

I too have got better at standing up for myself as I have got older - see my most recent post for an example.

[raspberryfool.livejournal.com]

Insurance is something I've been lax with putting into my name, and renewal for the house insurance is due end of the month. I'm going to chase that on Monday. Good on you for being ruthless, it keeps 'em in their place!

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Ruthless, but with a smile. ie. be very nice to the person on the other end of the phone (make them feel good and they're more likely to try their best to help you), but also be ruthlessly prepared to walk elsewhere if they can't find you a good deal.

[rockwell-666.livejournal.com]

Good for you!

Last year, when my motorbike renewal was due, the company told me that the premium was going up by 40%!

I phoned them up and said "no way, I'm going to someone else..."

A short while later the premium rise had dropped to five pounds :-)