as my mum has died and my dad is failing I'm much more involved in their affairs, their house insurance paper/letter renewal quote (same company for years) is £550, as this is more than my bigger SE house I've just quoted my parents house on the same company online facility (as the paper renewal quote)and it's come out at under £200.
Point 1 - help your parents shop around. (*and if your name is NOT on the policy you cannot get any info/query etc etc the policy...)
Question 1 - given that my mum was a member of the 'organisation' that the insurance was through and the price differential I'm not best pleased, I expect a better deal online but to be honest that seems to be taking the piss - would you inform the ombudsman or should I just mtfu and do the cheaper renewal ?
gus - yes, it's frustrating but it's the same for anyone. In other words every year shop around for the best deal, be it buildings insurance, contents, car etc.
I agree with your point re name not on policy, it's like hitting your head against a brick wall! Companies fail to understand that some elderly folk struggle to use the phone due to hearing difficulties etc.
It's horrible to be treated like a criminal when all you're doing is trying to help your parents.
way it goes I'm afraid. After my dad died a couple of years back, I went through all the stuff you described with my mum.
Same as you, I was shocked at how much advantage was taken of folks' inertia, and old folks' in particular loyalty. Slashed her insurance, ditched a raft of 'special' policies my dad had been flattered into taking out (you know, "Dear Mr. X, limited offer, for selected customers only" tosh).
So, move on I think, galling though it is...
**
In passing, I would say that phone staff are usually pretty good, I have Power of Attorney over my mum, and that combined with treating them politely usually means I can get info - usually all it takes is for you to get dad to speak to someone to confirm he is the person on the policy and that he authorises you to act on his behalf...
[edit] stress where possible _ seeing c g's post) how *deaf* your dad is, and a little confused. Often works wonders.
Point 1 - help your parents shop around. (*and if your name is NOT on the policy you cannot get any info/query etc etc the policy...)
Get your mum to call when you are there and do DPA then pass the phone to you. You can then talk to them.
See how much to cancel and shop around and get the better deal. Will still save money.
To go to FSA (insurance ombudsman) you would need to follow companies complaints process.
Contact Age Concern. they may be able to give useful advice and they also have their own insurance policies and are used to dealing with more elderly customers.