My car insurance expired on 5 November 2011. I did not renew with that company as I obtained a cheaper premium elsewhere through a price comparison site. I have now received a letter from them stating, 'following cancellation of this policy, which was in force from 5/11/11 to the cancellation date of 14/12/11, the amount of £218.36 remains outstanding. To make payment, please contact us on the telephone number above quoting your debit/credit card number to settle the outstanding balance on your account.'

I felt no need to inform my old insurance company that I was not renewing with them, especially as I would have been charged to do so on their 0845 number. I have never done this for the past 40 years I have had car insurance. They now seem to have come up with their own cancellation date. It seems to me that they are now trying to exhort money from me, whilst also charging me for the privilege when phoning them on the 0845 number they give. This is causing me some distress and I would welcome your advice.