Big traps with CWI Mobile Security insurance
stud38
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In July 2013, I decided to treat myself to the latest Galaxy S4 at the SFR Space in Agde. The seller recommended that I insure it with CWI Mobile Security Insurance, for about €10/month. I then signed the standard contract he presented without reading all the lines, trusting him.
A month later, I noticed that nearly €120 had been debited from my bank account, on behalf of CWI insurance. I called my seller, and we reviewed the contract he had me sign remotely. This contract actually provided for two options: €10/month or €120/year, which has no interest and, more importantly, the drawback of being checked by default. Trusting the seller, I hadn’t noticed this “detail.” I reproached the seller for not pointing out the trap, which is almost a scam. He apologized and credited me €30 for the damage. I told him that was fine, but I wouldn’t renew my insurance. End of the first episode.
Second episode: one year later (August 2014), the same sum is debited from my account. CWI insurance considered that since I hadn’t canceled, there was “tacit renewal” under the same conditions (we pay a year in advance!). However, it seemed to me that the insurer had an obligation to notify about the upcoming expiration? I researched online, and found confirmation: the Châtel law requires the insurer to inform one month in advance of the next deadline, so the insured can decide whether to cancel. If they don’t do so, we can cancel anytime. That’s what I did by registered mail.
Third episode: CWI Mobile Security Insurance immediately replied that there is an exception, stated at the end of the Châtel law: for a so-called “group contract,” the insurer is not obliged to inform the insured! I checked this point and was dismayed to find it was true: incomprehensible, I suppose the legislator was influenced by the insurance lobby, as many contracts are taken out through an intermediary (SFR for me).
Epilogue: I asked CWI insurance to cancel my contract for the upcoming year, on the grounds that a mobile phone that is one year old has greatly depreciated; I committed to taking a new contract with my next mobile purchase in a year. The insurer refused.
Conclusion: there are two traps in CWI Mobile Security Insurance contracts:
- by default, you may be offered to pay 12 months’ premium in advance: be careful to uncheck this option to pay monthly
- after a year, if you don’t think to cancel before the due date, you are forced to pay for an additional year.
It is not impossible that other companies present the same trap, which borders on a scam even if it is perfectly legal: beware and prefer to go through a company that respects its clients more. For my part, they will never see me again (I canceled definitively by registered mail, and I revoked the direct debit authorization with my bank).
A month later, I noticed that nearly €120 had been debited from my bank account, on behalf of CWI insurance. I called my seller, and we reviewed the contract he had me sign remotely. This contract actually provided for two options: €10/month or €120/year, which has no interest and, more importantly, the drawback of being checked by default. Trusting the seller, I hadn’t noticed this “detail.” I reproached the seller for not pointing out the trap, which is almost a scam. He apologized and credited me €30 for the damage. I told him that was fine, but I wouldn’t renew my insurance. End of the first episode.
Second episode: one year later (August 2014), the same sum is debited from my account. CWI insurance considered that since I hadn’t canceled, there was “tacit renewal” under the same conditions (we pay a year in advance!). However, it seemed to me that the insurer had an obligation to notify about the upcoming expiration? I researched online, and found confirmation: the Châtel law requires the insurer to inform one month in advance of the next deadline, so the insured can decide whether to cancel. If they don’t do so, we can cancel anytime. That’s what I did by registered mail.
Third episode: CWI Mobile Security Insurance immediately replied that there is an exception, stated at the end of the Châtel law: for a so-called “group contract,” the insurer is not obliged to inform the insured! I checked this point and was dismayed to find it was true: incomprehensible, I suppose the legislator was influenced by the insurance lobby, as many contracts are taken out through an intermediary (SFR for me).
Epilogue: I asked CWI insurance to cancel my contract for the upcoming year, on the grounds that a mobile phone that is one year old has greatly depreciated; I committed to taking a new contract with my next mobile purchase in a year. The insurer refused.
Conclusion: there are two traps in CWI Mobile Security Insurance contracts:
- by default, you may be offered to pay 12 months’ premium in advance: be careful to uncheck this option to pay monthly
- after a year, if you don’t think to cancel before the due date, you are forced to pay for an additional year.
It is not impossible that other companies present the same trap, which borders on a scam even if it is perfectly legal: beware and prefer to go through a company that respects its clients more. For my part, they will never see me again (I canceled definitively by registered mail, and I revoked the direct debit authorization with my bank).
Considering what I paid in advance, at the slightest problem (impact, loss, theft...), I will rush to get compensated, without any remorse, and demanding immediate payment.
You want an example?
One of my friends was chatting with me on the terrace of a café
. His smartphone was resting on the table next to him; A guy snatched it while passing by quickly and there was no way to catch up with him. He’s going to file a complaint (I’m a witness) and he sends the theft report to his insurance
. Refusal to pay because the theft occurred without violence and he shouldn’t have left his smartphone lying on the table.
yes, the same thing happened to me with CWI Mobile Security insurance
it's a big scam
moreover, they continue to withdraw my subscription fee!!!
how can a company like that continue to exist?