DOZY'S RAMBLES: Lots to vote on in the next few months

I have mentioned in previous years in this column that there is no loyalty given to customers these days by the big companies, especially when it comes to insurance.

Like a lot of people I am a two-car family and having just received my renewal notices, I was shocked.

I called both of the companies who quoted me and they both said the same: “Last year’s deal was a one off to get you to be a customer.”

So I guess this year the deal is to get rid of me as a customer, despite not having made any claims for many years.

So off I went to a comparison site (there are plenty), where I took out two new policies at a saving of just under £400.

Several years ago I first tried – that’s household insurance, cars and so on – and saved about £800.

Even the AA, which I have been a member of since 1996, had no idea what the meaning of the word loyalty is.

I saved £150 by resigning as a member and rejoining as a “new” member at a very low price.

I wonder what is the problem with these companies?

For far too long now the long-suffering public have gone along like sheep by renewing policies without even thinking.

The revolution has begun.

For pensioners who are on a very limited budget, it is vitally important that you look around before you part with your hard earned cash.

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Confusing times ahead for us all as we trot off to vote, vote and then, yes, vote again.

We never get bored in Adur, as there are so many things to vote on.

For starters of course we have the Adur District Council elections, where we decide the fate of half the council and vote in new or old councillors. I predict a few changes.

Next we have the election of the police and crime commissioner.

For those who are not aware who or what a PCC is – 41 police and crime commissioners (PCCs) were elected across England and Wales on November 15, 2012.

When PCCs took office November 22, 2012, they became responsible for a combined police force area budget of £8billion.

The role of the PCCs is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account.

They are responsible for the totality of policing.

Katy Bourne has done a sterling job so far in Sussex – will she still be in office after May?

And of course there is the stay or go European election or referendum.

I will say more about that next week.

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