"John Burke" wrote in message
...
I thought I'd do it online this year, so having selected my best quote, I
proceeded with it until I reached the page that required my credit card
details.

Next, perhaps in response to my hesitating at this point, a chat window
suddenly opened. I was thus conveniently able to ask my concern
that, if I continued and completed this purchase, was I also consenting to
a
continuous charge authority against my card?

The reply was that, not only was I indeed consenting, but also further
that
I could not withdraw my consent online. This could only be done later -
by phoning them after I'd purchased.

I told them I didn't like that very much and would defer my decision while
I
considered it.

Can anyone tell me then if this method is industry standard?

(This was Churchill Car Insurance btw).




Churchill, are they not a part of the Direct Line Group.

My DL insurance comes through each year with "if you do nothing your
insurance will be renewed using credit card **** **** **** 1234 (only the
last 4 digits are shown). From this I do a search and if I find it cheaper I
cancel the DL policy by phone. Never had any problems doing it. This said I
don't think I have ever found a cheaper provider, though I did change once
for personal reasons.