"Combined Insurance Company"? Pushy "hard sell" sales tactics?

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cindilu

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Hello,

My husband is self-employed and is in his late 40's. We took out two policies with Combined Insurance which pays him if he has a long term illness or is in the hospital for a long time. We thought this was a good idea a few years ago but since then the reps come back every six months or so trying to sell us more insurance that we don't think we need and don't want. Sometimes it seems that they are using scare tactics to encourage us to sign up for more insurance.

Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with this company? Any advice or recommendations on other companies?

My biggest pet peeve with them so far is that they told us we could write the insurance off as a business expense so we bought the insurance then our accountant said we could not write it off.

I would love to get something comparable with another company if the price is right.
 
Re: Advice on Combined Insurance?

I'm not sure tbh. (will check) They direct sell by banging on doors and pestering and badgering people into signing a proposal.

The lowest form of life in relation to financial advice imho.
 
Re: Advice on Combined Insurance?

Thanks for your input, folks. I think I'll try a broker. FYI, Combined offer "income protection" type insurance to subsidize your medical insurance. While the medical insurance will pay the hospital bill, Combined policies will pay you a certain income while you are out of work. Haven't been really happy with them, tho.
 
Re: Advice on Combined Insurance?

cindilu said:
Thanks for your input, folks. I think I'll try a broker. FYI, Combined offer "income protection" type insurance to subsidize your medical insurance. While the medical insurance will pay the hospital bill, Combined policies will pay you a certain income while you are out of work. Haven't been really happy with them, tho.
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stay well clear of combined go to a decent broker as recommended above.
 
Re: Advice on Combined Insurance?

Combined Insurance Company of Europe Limited.

Welcome to Combined Insurance

Since 1919, Combined has specialised in bringing affordable, quality insurance products to individuals and families - and currently provides supplemental disability, accident, health and life cover to 5 million policyholders.

Combined is the largest consumer insurance underwriting company of Aon Corporation, the world's premier insurance brokerage, consulting services and consumer insurance underwriting organisation.

Combined Insurance Company of Europe Limited is regulated by the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority.

 Head Office:
Merrion House, Merrion Road, Dublin 4.
Telephone: 01 2696522 Facsimile: 01 2838585.



Customer Service
At Combined, we understand that planning for your family's protection is your top priority so we've made it ours. Our commitment to quality is not simply through our products but also to the service we aim to provide you as our valued customer. We are continually reviewing systems, programmes and procedures that will help us to serve you better for years to come.
We have a dedicated team of Customer Service advisers available to assist you Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm (except bank holidays). You can contact us by calling 01 2696522
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Re: Advice on "Combined Insurance Company"?

If you want a lesson in 'salesmanship' and in how to overcome objections, invite a representative to visit you.
 
Re: Advice on Combined Insurance?

Totally agree. My husband is plagued by this crowd. They are so annoying and always say you need MORE MORE every time they visit. AVOID
 
Re: Advice on Combined Insurance?

What is the rule in Ireland on these guys? Is it legal to sell insurance door-to-door, or do you have to be referred (I thought there had to be a referral)?
 
Re: Advice on "Combined Insurance Company"?

Strange to see that Combined (a direct sales operation) is owned by one of the country's largest Insurance Brokers ... AON
 
Re: Advice on "Combined Insurance Company"?

cindilu said:
Hello,

My husband is self-employed and is in his late 40's. We took out two policies with Combined Insurance which pays him if he has a long term illness or is in the hospital for a long time. We thought this was a good idea a few years ago but since then the reps come back every six months or so trying to sell us more insurance that we don't think we need and don't want. Sometimes it seems that they are using scare tactics to encourage us to sign up for more insurance.

Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with this company? Any advice or recommendations on other companies?

My biggest pet peeve with them so far is that they told us we could write the insurance off as a business expense so we bought the insurance then our accountant said we could not write it off.

I would love to get something comparable with another company if the price is right.
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I have been hunting this crowd from my door for the last 17 years I got insurance from them a few times only to cancel it shortly after and they still come the last time they called was a few weeks ago 2 of them one was a lovely sweet talking blonde that wanted to get her foot inside the door I kept them outside in the cold until they finally got the message and left. They never send the same person twice. They will start by telling you how much a month you will get for a cost of only a few cent a day and it can be wrote off against tax which is a new line. I keep telling them that if their insurance is that good then why do they have to call from door to door to sell it? it should sell itself with an advertisement. Common sense will tell you that when you subscribe that you are paying for all their expenses. I know for a fact that they will use every trick in the book when you make a claim such as (you are a day late with your claim) (your policy doesn't cover that) and many more. Take my advice stay away from them.
 
Re: Advice on "Combined Insurance Company"?

I seem to remember some years ago that the Annual REport on insurance showed that their claims to premium ratio was ridiculously low, something like 20%.

Brendan
 
Re: Advice on "Combined Insurance Company"?

Avoid this company,the real rules on their policies are to be found in the small print.They may well be regulated in Ireland as stated above,but so are the moneylenders that charge huge rates to and target the poor people of Ireland
 
Re: Advice on "Combined Insurance Company"?

Life companies need to contact you within a certain period, I think 6 months of the last time they spoke to you otherwise it is considered a 'cold call', which isn't allowed when selling certain policies. If it was me I would raise the question with them about the premium being tax deductible, I'm sure there are rules against this. Definitely talk to a broker, maybe even two just to compare what they have to say, you can get one from http://www.goldenpages.ie/search/insurance.html
A lot of these brokers are just interested in meeting targets and will do anything to met there. Also be careful of the cover provided, why did you need two policies, was one not enough, or am I misunderstanding you was it one each?
 
Re: Advice on "Combined Insurance Company"?

another way to get rid of the salesman, is to invite him in, ply him with tea/coffee, express great interest and when completing the form ,mention that your work involves explosives, and your hobbies include parachuting, mountaineering with ropes and guyr and deep sea diving. Also mention that you have a bad back and that your previous insurer said you were uninsurable after paying seven claims, so you are thrilled to see him and take out a further policy!!

then get a stopwatch and see how fast he runs to the car.
 
Re: Advice on "Combined Insurance Company"?

Ravima

Have you tried this approach with the guys from Combined? I think it might work with others, but you might still end up taking out a policy with combined.

Brendan
 
Re: Advice on "Combined Insurance Company"?

no.

neighbours of mine working in a quarry took out policies. there was an accident in the quarry..................................

I decided thereafter not to do business with them.
 
Re: Advice on "Combined Insurance Company"?

Brendan said:
I seem to remember some years ago that the Annual REport on insurance showed that their claims to premium ratio was ridiculously low, something like 20%.
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Sorry - can you explain what this means and why it is good (or bad?)? :confused:
 
Re: Advice on "Combined Insurance Company"?

ClubMan said:
Sorry - can you explain what this means and why it is good (or bad?)? :confused:
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Claims to premium ratio 20% it's easy to explain eg. they pay out €20 in claims for every €100 they get in premiums which is very good news for them in other words they end up keeping €80 out of every €100 paid to them.
 
Combined Insurance

A rep came to me selling Combined insurance last Friday. Can anbody advise me regarding this company and there products. The sales person was looking for almost €900 for a hospital policy
 
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