STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

MY CAR has been insured with Rias for three years. When I told the firm I had bought a new car, it cancelled my policy. Why?

A. L., Dudley.

RIAS says it declined to cover you because the quote for your new car was significantly higher than your previous £540 premium. A spokesman says: ‘We apologise for not explaining the situation more clearly.’

SCOTTISH POWER claims I owe arrears in excess of £3,600. When I switched to the firm, I had a debit balance of £39.63. I was quoted an annual bill of £690. I am 81, live alone and leave the UK for three months in winter.

J. C., High Wycombe, Bucks.

THe power firm says it received incorrect meter readings, which resulted in high bills and an increase in your direct debit. It says a customer liaison officer visited your home to take a correct reading and found you actually had a credit balance of £531.66, which has now been refunded along with an extra £100 by way of an apology.

YORKSHIRE BANK wrote to tell me my account was inactive and would be shut down if I did not make contact. I quickly added funds, but the bank closed it anyway. It admitted its mistake and agreed to open a new account in four days, but this didn’t happen.

B. L., email.

THe bank says it was waiting for you to supply the information it needed. But given it already had your customer details, I’m not sure I understand the delay. It has now opened a new account and paid you £300 in compensation.