Saturday Trials

Saturday, a time to take it easy...

Contents Insurance time.  I have found the Post Office one is cheap, so I got that.  'Admiral,' wished to renew last years, which is dearer.  I decided not to renew.

So yesterday I tried to log in to the website.  

Nothing happened, I was not recognised.

Yet the renewal form came through OK?

This means calling them, which is always a challenge with such folk.

I called, "Sorry, all our operators are busy, there could be a long wait."

I hung up.

I tried later, same story.

This morning, being keen, as if, I tried again, and again, and again, and again.

I tried the website again, played around but got nowhere.

One page offered one of those remote digital answering people.

I asked my question.

"I do not understand your question, do you mean one of these choices?"

I chose.

"Please phone to one of our operators."

Above this beast was a sign saying 'Please don't call unless you need to....'

I went on to Twitter and ranted.

A couple of hours later I took a walk.

I returned, worn out, gasping, and felt it right to call again.

This time the voice said, "Thank you for calling etc...many of our colleagues are working from home, so the sound may be somewhat distorted."  
The voice, always a woman you note, told me a colleague would be with me in a minute.  

A minute!

Music played, not 'Greensleeves,' but something soothing.

An advert for Motor insurance from what I think was a different voice came on.

Music.

This minute is not the 60 second minute developed around 5000 BC by the Sumerians I thought.  This minute is one of those beloved by bus companies and train operators that promise action in 60 seconds but take at least three times that time.

The motor advert again.

Music.

The 'Your call is important to us,' (because we want your cash) comment came on.

Music.

Eventually the number rang.

An American accent (that's what I call working from home!) from a friendly young lady.

I explained, she tried to fend me off onto other insurances, I pleaded poverty, she relented, and ended the renewal.  

Call ended.  All over.  Another long time stress comes to an end.  

I am not sure what is more tiring, walking or calling a service centre? 

Now a couple of more favourable calls to make, sadly emails will not do on this.  My phone bill will be higher than the gas at this rate!  Bah!

Oh, and after all this Admiral responded on Twitter!