Energy News

HomeCall+ goes down the drain

Friday 20 May, 2011

By Garnet Roach - garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

Heating, plumbing and emergency home cover company HomeCall+ has collapsed.

HomeCall+ provided cover for a range of home emergencies, including electrical faults, drainage and boiler cover, as well as gas safety checks - but has now gone bust.

Some 10,000 customers who bought policies before 3 December 2010 should still receive cover, as these were underwritten by Brit Insurance, which is honouring them.

However, Brit Insurance stopped underwriting HomeCall+ policies on 3 December and there are concerns that customers who signed up after this date could be left without cover.

It is unclear whether or not these people would be able to apply for compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

“The FSCS is aware of the situation with HomeCall+ and is investigating whether or not it has a role to play,” it said. “Customers of the firm do not need to contact the FSCS at this time.”

The HomeCall+ hotline was still active as of Friday afternoon, with customers who signed up before 3 December last year being advised to contact Brit Insurance on 0844 804 2040.

Those that took out a policy on a later date are being told to contact the Public Interest Unit.

Any customers still making payments to HomeCall+ should cancel their direct debits.