How do i find out(service cover)

[upsy_daisy]

How do i find out if my service cover was canceled few months ago we had problems which ended up having the account re set which we had no choice they said anyway i found here and its got me thinking when i went in to make a payment my hubby just said i wish to cancel my service agreement seen as its optional and we have been reading the T&C and see as it can be canceled by you if we default which we did he rudely said

 

No idea what ur talking about if you have complaints its not down to us make an apt

 

got me thinking something is just not right:|

[clemma]

I would check your new agreement carefully. They may not have included previous payments, you may not have same guarantees etc. Also, they like to force you to take OSC (optional service cover) to protect themselves. There are two letters on here, written by Lefty (see the factsheet) that I would recommend you send asap to the head office and your branch. One is to cancel OSC and the other DLC (damage liability cover). If, however, you used the OSC previously to return goods and to later take them back and continue where you left off, OSC CAN'T be removed. As for the DLC, they can be quite picky if you don't have the right house insurance. I took a letter from my insurance company that states HP products are covered as long as I am legally responsible for them (which I am), but BH weren't happy with this. However, I asked them to show me the DLC T&C's and show me where it states I have to prove my house insurance covers me - they couldn't. As a result, DLC is cancelled (as is OSC).

The payments you make on your agreements should be an indication as to whether you are being charged for these policies. Also, for all the time you were in arrears and made no payments, BH CANNOT add on the "arrears" for the OSC and DLC as they were invalid for the whole time you made no payments (but, BH being BH, they will charge you). These are both renewed weekly when you make a payment.

 

Sorry this is long winded. Like I suggested, read the factsheet carefully. It will help you enormously.

 

You could just ask them. Email [email protected], include your agreement number and she should let you know. Or, write a letter (always send recorded to head office and your branch), to Anne Healey (address is in the sticky Useful Information)

Edited November 8, 2008 by clemma

[Lefty]

If, however, you used the OSC previously to return goods and to later take them back and continue where you left off, OSC CAN'T be removed.

 

Nope. Wrong there Clemma! This is just another BrightHouse urban myth...

“…Customers fully understand their rights and obligations under the agreement. The terms and conditions are fully explained to them before they sign the contract. In addition to the purchase of goods through a Hire Purchase contract, customers may choose to take advantage of Optional Service Cover. This cover is optional, and the customer has the right to cancel it at any time.” - David Harwood, Company Secretary, BrightHouse

Cheers

Lefty

[clemma]

I got carried away with it.....

[plumberjon]

Sounds like they did a re-write, or bridge agreement on you.

 

This means they took all your arrears, and built a new agreement, effectively tagging your arrears onto the end, meaning your weekly payments should be the same, but you will now be paying for longer than the origianl agreement.

 

If you can, find your original agreement, calculate how many weeks you paid, then see if the difference is the same as the term of the new agreement, a popular trick was for them to add more weeks on, which is totally illegal, but dare I say it, they relied on their customers not being very bright!!!

 

Also, if you had paid over a third of your original agreement, you had greater rigts regarding reposession, which unless you got them to sign a letter (which you can find in the factsheet) then these rights will have gone.

 

In my experience as an Ex-Manager, we would get our balls stamped all over by higher management, if we did a re-write and took off OSC. It will clearly show on your new agreement as a "0.00" in the column for OSC, if you no longer have OSC.

 

They will only remove it if you wrie to them and give them 7 days notice.

 

Check the factsheet for all the details.

[upsy_daisy]

Just quicky to add yeh they did a bridge of agreement and payments have stayed the same not sure they gave us a new agreement though *puzzled* they said it would stay the same *must of seen me comming* i shall go look see what ive got thanks for your help x

[plumberjon]

Hi

Please find below the letter from the magnificent Lefty factsheet, that you need to cancel yor OSC. It will save you a fortune, not just because the OSC isn't worth the paper it's printed on!

If your payments stayed the same as before the bridge, then you still have the OSC.

And don't put yourself down! Yes they did see you coming, but that is how they operate, it's not your fault! The whole organisation is based on preying upon the people who can least afford it, and come to BH because they are lured by the fact that someone appears to be offering them help when no-one else will.

Hope this helps, please keep us informed.

PJ

 

Item Description/Account Number XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

Dear Sir

 

I am writing to give the required 7 days notice, as detailed in my agreement(s) that I wish to cancel all "optional" service cover on the above product(s). To simplify matters, I have today (date) presented a copy of this letter to the store manager of Brighthouse (Branch), which has been duly acknowledged, so 7 days notice shall commence at the date of this letter.

 

As stated in my agreement:

 

“Your Obligations: Optional Service Cover

Section C (b) The service cover premium is renewable each time your regular instalment is due under the agreement. If the premium is not paid Service Cover will lapse.

 

Section H (3) This policy shall continue in force until you give seven days notice…”

 

I shall, therefore, be making my next payment on (day) at Brighthouse (branch). This payment will not include "optional" service cover.

 

I understand that I may be required to sign a revised agreement. I will only do this on the firm understanding that all payments made previously on this agreement are reflected in any revised agreement. I do not waive any of my rights under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 regarding, in particular, “early settlement” and “repossession” as set out in section J of the original agreement.

 

Kind Regards

You

[upsy_daisy]

Ok so i cant seem to find a new agreement i do remember signing it but dont remember bringin it away with me i mentioned it to them earlier if i could have a copy or just enquire about my cover and they went off on one at me told me i should have a copy of it i said could i cancel the cover why im here and she said not now we busy and walked away this is the 3rd time we have tried to talk to them im guessin im paying for it but dont have it or why else would they be being so funny