Written on behalf of a very busy friend:
I have just been chatting to my friend & felt compelled to write something in the vain attempt that someone at Hastings Direct would read this, feel ashamed & pull their finger out.
So, my friend insured his Land-Rover with Hastings in January 2017, for the value that he purchased it for less than 2 years ago, based on the fact they are not depreciating, & obviously paid a premium to do so.
Over 5 weeks ago it was stolen from his place of work. After him chasing them on numerous occasions, and discovering that Hastings will have no involvement in the claim, but pass it to a 3rd party (after being passed to several other parties), he has just received an offer from the final 3rd party for considerably less than the value he insured the vehicle for 7 months ago and does not include the insured belongings inside. The offer is based on what the 3rd party is allowed to make, and if he wishes to contest it, he needs to contact Hastings, who have obviously passed on his details and it is no longer their issue. The ever decreasing circle.
If my friend had been responsible for an accident, he would have received a courtesy car, but as his vehicle was stolen (which they have agreed after sending an investigator to his house to interview him) he is not entitled to any assistance.
Their tag line is "Refreshingly straightforward car insurance". As long as you don't mind dealing with several 3rd parties, who eventually offer you a fixed amount, thousands below the amount you insured the vehicle for that they can not discuss further.
Additional information (worth reading. Honest)
My friend lost his wife recently, and used what he had to purchase the Land-Rover mentioned. He did so, to take his son, who is 4 years old camping. Specifically to give him something to look forward too.The booked camping trip was this week, and my friend has implored Hastings to resolve this situation to allow them to purchase a vehicle and not break the promise to his child. Their response, and this is the bit worth waiting for was "I'm afraid that is not my problem".
"great value car insurance that won't leave you out in the cold"
Reviewed on: 12th August 2017
