I rang the Avivas/Hibernian call centre a number of days ago on foot of a renewal request starting on 1 Feb, showing an increase for the levy and also price increase.
When I queried, I was told that there would be no problem with me taking out a new policy effective say 17 January and then writing in to cancel the policy effective from the same day, with no break in cover and a (small) refund. So, I defer the pain for another year.
Probably worthwhile considering for anyone who has their policy renewing in the coming months? Though you have to do this in the next few days i.e. before the prices go up on 17th/18th....