Overcharged, then ignored when I ask to cancel

<p>I've been with 1st for Women for many years, and rather naively assumed that they would give reasonable rates so I never really questioned my premium. A while ago my accountant saw what I was paying and freaked out, so I called them to go through everything looking for ways to save. I lowered my specifications to try and bring the premium down but even with removing cover for my car stereo and making other adjustments it made no real difference. I then got quotes from other insurers and was shocked to discover everyone else would give me massively lower rates (about 40% less on average) for the identical cover. I also suspect I should have received a no-claim bonus by now.</p> <p> </p> <p>I sent them a polite email request to advise of the cancellation process, using the email address they provided. Two days later, I sent a follow up after not getting any response other than an automated reply saying they would come back to me in a day. It's now three days later and still nothing. I'm now worried that they will say it's too late to change and therefore I will have duplicate cover for a month or two.</p> <p> </p> <p>My mom was also using them, and she has changed to Santam after an even worse experience. Her premium with them was R1800 and with Santam it's now R600! She was paying more than I was, even though she lives and parks in a more secure setting etc.</p>