Swinton Insurance Services

I have bad experience with Swinton Ipswich. I have insured my car through them for 2 years, but have NO confidence that I am covered. Awful handover between their online service and incompetent branch network. They try to claim cancellation charges for what is their own mistakes.

There has been no change in any details over the period of my cover. At renewal instead of receiving a quote I had a daft letter saying please contact us. This I did at my expense to be answered by a girl who could not provide a quote. Why not? Does she not work for Swinton? She promised they would call me back to issue a renewal quote. I waited 2 weeks and still had no reply. Needing insurance I renewed with a new policy and paid in full through their website, and received a certificate in the post from the same insurance company as I had used the year before. All seemed fine.

BUT I then received three further letters, asking time and time again for proof of my no claims bonus. How can I do this when the same branch now asking had failed to send me a renewal quote? I wrote back confirming my policy numbers, and stressing that the proof must come from themselves, Swinton insurance and their Ipswich branch. Instead of an apology the next letter threatened cancellation and extra charges unless I responded with proof by return of post. If they cancel I could be driving illegally with no cover. Re-assuring!

This is over and above the misleading information I received when I had to call the insurer (Premier) directly to clarify my position. Why mess with an agent to get this hassle?