Insurance

Obviously Great Minds thinking alike Gally

X'd with you G23 !

I have asked them if I can bring forward my next years premium to start forthwith, so they will be in pocket to the tune of one month's extra money. If they refuse, I will then tell them that I will not be re-insuring with them which would be a pity as unless an accident befalls me or the luggage goes missing, with my history, I am actually a very good money maker for them never having had a claim with any company!! Unfortunately, to stay an extra 2 weeks involves quite a lot of money to change the flights, so in total it would be nudging £400 . As the late Mr.Gally used to say, frequently, 'I hate insurance companies, it's not about the client, but about the money they make out of them'

I'd be inclined to contact Direct Line again and ask them if you can renew your policy early e.g. beginning not end of February, or cancel the current Policy and start a new one. We have all our policies with Direct Line and sometimes the premium leaps up at renewal time. When I have phoned and queried this they have always come back with a reduced amount, usually 'same as last year'. I think they just try it on and crumble immediately if there is a suggestion you will go elsewhere - worth a try?

I assume you have told them that you will be going elsewhere? Sometimes it concentrates the mind.
We have heard of astronomical quotes once people get over 70 and a friend recommended Channel Tunnel (?) as her parents, in their 80's get theirs for under £100 a year. That might be just Europe of cpurse. A neighbour who has PMF and a lung condition, neither of whch give her any trouble (or which she can't cope with) can no longer get insurance outside Europe except for a massive quote. It seems you can get it if you dont need it but "pre-existing conditions" (of which most of us have a few) rule us out of any good deals.
Good luck - threaten them!!!
(Mind you - I would probably pay the £149 just to spend more time with the DC and DGC - )