House insurance: A warning.

BBVA bank do exactly the same, i closed my account took all the monies out then told them to try and get the monies out of me.

Thats sabadell for you, lots of hidden charges

I hope you informed your bank, that you were going to inform others on this expat website and others, Although I did know of the 30 day cancelation terms in Spain for most things, as I informed my neighbour the other day of this, telling her to give their bank and insurance company 60 days notice in writing and go into their bank personally, also if a direct debit mandate is set up, make sure it is cancelled, easily done if you have a on-line account. If looking into a new company, perhaps they would help if you informed them of the problems you may incur with the 30 day rule. But keep posting my friend and good luck for the future, stay safe and healthy.

Hi guys, part one of the process of leaving Sabadell. I have an appointment with Holabank for Monday. I wanted somewhere with a good English speaking service, and they seem to have it. I'm not sure about cancelling the insurance, I might just stick with them and cancel next year. But I hate this carry-on which amounts to what in my mind is sharp practice on the insurance. It undermines my trust in Sabadell such that I won't be dealing with them going forward. Their loss ultimately.

Hello Declan,

The issue of needing 30 days notice to change insurance was brought to my attention on this forum last year.    Many have been caught out unaware by not receiving written notice.   With so many things we will all have to have phone calendar alerts as reminders going forward.

One other thing people need to consider in relation to house insurance.  That is the issue of second home occupancy.     There is a limit of 180 day “absences” from a property on some holiday home insurance policies.    If house is unoccupied for longer,  insurance policy will need to reflect that.   That is if we can get holiday home insurance to cover this issue?

So perhaps we holiday home owners who are not visiting as often due to pandemic need to ensure that house IS actually fully insured.  😨

Kind Regards

Maria

Actually Pete, the call went more like, 'there you have it, nuthin we can do except allow you to 1/2 pay *2, bye....'  I'm so outta there. Spoke to a guy in Caixia (Holabank) and they are open for business. I'm somewhat tempted to simply close the Sabadell account and let them sing for the Insurance, but I don't want to get into bother on it. 

PS: Just spoke to the person offering the new quote and she says I'm NOT obliged to take this cover as Sabadell didn't offer a quote until I rang. Anyone know if this seems correct?

Hi Declan,

I feel your pain!  I'm afraid I frequently hear this kind of thing about Sabadell, although I have no evidence that other Spanish banks are any better.  Sabadell's branch in Quesada have seemed very good on the few occasions we've visited there, but our branch in Almoradi is awful.  I made an appointment a few weeks ago with our personal banker to discuss our issues face to face, but it's like talking to a brick wall.  At one stage, my husband got up to leave, telling her that her attitude was unacceptable and he felt that we were being "told off" for a less than favourable review I'd given on an online survey.  Did she apologise?  Absolutely not.  She said she would have been happy if I'd given a score of 7 out of 10, because she thinks she gives a good service.  I told her that it was our opinion that was relevant and explained that, on a scale of 1 to 10, a score of 5 was average - and "average" would be a generous description of the branch customer service - she didn't even flinch, LOL!  My husband couldn't understand why I took it so well - still smiling to myself as we left, I explained what will happen the next time Sabadell asks me to complete a customer survey....  ;o)

If you're concerned about closing the account, you could ask Sabadell (in writing) to prove to you how and when they advised you of the insurance renewal, putting them on notice that if they can't prove this by ? (give them 7 days), you reserve the right to cancel the insurance due to their failure to comply with the terms of the renewal.

Good luck!

Kind regards,

Kim

This is citizen's information is dynamite methinks.  The REP in Sabadell basically told me it was up to me to phone and find out the renewal, and if I don't do this in the 30 day time frame I am stumped until next year.  I've checked back what I paid last year and it looks like it was about 20 Euro less and Sabadell didn't tell  me about this which, it seems they are obliged to do, and in this instance I can insist on paying last years premium or to cancel.  I will be cancelling.  This information was a god send, so mucho, mucho thanks, I'll post back how I get on. Sabadell will be losing the banking  fees and the insurance, and it serves them right.

Our situation is slightly different as we are residents, we have our household and car insurance through IBEX in La Fuentes, we always get an email 5 weeks prior to renewal which let's us know what the renewal premium will be for the coming year.

It's nice to be able to sit down with someone and talk through any queries we might have.