by Georgia Edwards
One of our Clydesider volunteers decided to take direct action against the ever-rising cost of living.
And with just four phone calls managed to save over £200.
Here’s what worked for her.
Computer Antivirus Software
I have one of the more expensive computer protectors because I like to be as careful as I can. The first payment was reasonable.
The next was a massive increase. I wasn’t happy.
I accessed their website and saw the same cover for new customers at roughly a third of the price offered for renewal.
I personally would advise really doing your homework on computer protection. Cheapest is not always a good buy.
However, I rang the company and got through quite quickly.
The gentleman was very helpful and suggested I cancel my existing agreement a couple of days before it expired, then buy the cheaper offer with the same cover.
I have done this every year since.
Car Insurance
I’d been with the same company for several years as they were always competitive. Again, I have a yearly agreement.
When the reminder arrived, I was somewhat perturbed to see the quote £40+ more.
I got through immediately to the call centre and explained I’d done a like-for-like price comparison and noted several companies much cheaper.
Again, I remained calm and polite – find it works better than getting angry!
Eventually I was given a quote – £1 cheaper than the previous year!
Strangely I was told if I increased my maximum mileage the insurance could be decreased.
I immediately upped the mileage and that added to the deduction.
Household Insurance
A strange one this.
The renewal reminder duly arrived. Read it and thought there’s a typing error here.
The amount was nearly £30 cheaper!
Being basically honest I rang the company.
I explained there was an obvious typo and was surprised to be told something about a new Government ruling to do with insurances.
Turns out that from January 1 2022, new rules from the Financial Conduct Authority mean premiums for all renewing home and private motor insurance cannot be greater than those offered to new customers for an equivalent policy.
Broadband/TV/Telephone
I’d been with this company for some time as always satisfied with their service. I was on an 18 month contract which ceased in July.
In March an email informed me of a £12 per month increase from May.
Of course, there were wonderful deals on offer for first time customers.
In April I decided to call and tell them I couldn’t afford the increase and ask about new deals.
It took awhile to get through but eventually a polite gentleman said he couldn’t do anything about the increase but could offer the same Bundle at 50% more than I was paying.
A second offer was 60% more!
I explained I was on a fixed income and, with those offers, I would seriously consider going elsewhere.
He then asked if there were any special circumstances to be considered.
Again, I was honest and mentioned one benefit.
He then put me through to the Special Customer department and, within five minutes, the £12 increase disappeared and my new Bundle was £12 cheaper than my existing one!
The only difference; I can only use the landline at weekends but people can still contact me/leave a message.
As I have 1,000 minutes and unlimited texts on my mobile this was not a problem.
It’s always worth a phone call.
Just make sure you have all the relevant information to hand