Why should I pay for an insurance certificate replacement?

I lost my car insurance certificate recently. I phoned Esure and asked if they could provide a duplicate. I was informed that to send a replacement would cost me £26 which would be taken from my debit card. How can they justify such a charge?

Asked on 7 December 2013 by SB, Chichester

Answered by Honest John

Issuing the replacement certificate involves searching records to make sure the request is genuine. Time is money. So the insurer charges for it. £26 would only pay for 15 minutes work, just as it would in a garage if you were having a car serviced or repaired. You have to pay the DVLA £20 for a replacement driving licence.

Tags: insurance

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