WATCH YOUR PREMIUMS!

Due to rising costs of living I had to look at all my expenses and where I could cut back. So 2 months ago I did a comparative insurance price check to see if this was one area I could save. I then called Dial Direct to cancel my premium having secured a better price for like for like cover. The consultant reduced my premium from R880 to R779 and I cancelled scratch and dent cover. The consultant suggested I wait until my annual review whereby my vehicle would have depreciated and I would qualify for a lower repayment on this basis, but I explained I was making household cut backs and unfortunately could not wait. I also explained I was satisfied with the R779 premium. I was debited R1050 this month!!!! When I queried this I was told during my annual review my original premium of R880 was taken and then increased (the increase is 20%) on the old premium and 35% increase on the premium I was offered to retain my business. It was explained to me that my household contents premium was increased 100% and the remaining surcharge allocated to my vehicle. Apparently there are now "cyclones and flash floods" and a massive rise in natural disasters as well as crime. I feel in the current economic climate where people are honestly battling a 35% premium hike is disgusting. If this is the rate Dial Direct arrived at for their clients as a % increase I am gob-smacked. Imagine if all our debit orders suddenly spiked by 35% - we would be unable to feed our families. I wish I had moved my business when I called rather than get talked into staying a client. I have now cancelled my insurance with them