Thanks for the feedback. Perhaps another 01708 number in the same range (7744xx) would be a more suitable alternative and maybe you could ask next time you call.
I have left this number unverified at present as we don't know what department it is. Below you will see that I have uncovered 0800 numbers that answer with the same menu as the 0844 number, and therefore (it's fair to assume) direct calls to the same places as them.
The 0844 573 2400 number is answered with an IVR (menu) with the following options (I have referred to this as "Main menu" from here on in):
1. Van, bike, home, car insurance
2. Public or private hire insurance
3. Motor trade insurance
4. Commercial insurance
5. Non-insurance related query, i.e technical or recruitment
Options 1, 2 and 3 of the main menu have second level IVRs, each of which have the same options:
1. Existing client wishing to renew
2. Existing client wishing to make a change or with a general query
3. New quotation
4. Claims
Options 4 and 5 of the main menu request that 3 be pressed to be connected.
From the numbers in the database:
- The two 0870 numbers have network redirection messages to 0844 573 2400.
- 0161 495 2060 is for Action Claims. Is this DNA Insurance's outsourced claims provider? I have removed this number.
- 020 8548 7300 is not recognised so I have removed it.
- 0800 289477 is not recognised so I have removed it.
- The other freephone numbers are for DNA Insurance and are answered with IVRs voiced by the same female as the 0844 number.
On the basis that we have two 0800 numbers within a few digits of each other, I decided to do some digging, suspecting that there may be others. Here is what I found:
0800 112 41xx
50 [Main menu]
51 [Main menu]
52 [Main menu - option 1] Van, bike, home and car insurance options
53 [Main menu]
54 [Main menu]
55 [Main menu - option 2] Public and private hire insurance options
56 [Main menu - option 3] Motor trade insurance options
57 [Main menu - option 4] Commercial insurance
58 [Main menu - option 5]
59 [Main menu - option 5]
60 rings, straight through to agent, department unknown
61 [Main menu - option 5]
62 [Main menu - option 4] Commercial insurance
63 [Main menu - option 1] Van, bike, home and car insurance options
64 [Main menu - option 5]
65 [Main menu - option 3] Motor trade insurance options
66 [Main menu - option 2] Public and private hire insurance options
67 [Main menu - option 4] Commercial insurance
68 [Main menu - option 2] Public and private hire insurance options
69 [Main menu - option 5]
70 [Main menu - option 1] Van, bike, home and car insurance options
71 [Main menu - option 1] Van, bike, home and car insurance options
72 [Main menu - option 1] Van, bike, home and car insurance options
I think it's likely that there's more, but these I found give alternatives, not only for the main menu on the 0844 number, but to each individual option. It may also be the case that there are other 0844 numbers that do the same. If anyone knows of any 0844 numbers not listed, please post them here and I will add them.
As jamesbond says, the 0800 numbers can be called from a mobile and be billed as a 01/02/03 call using a dial through provider such as 020 0222 0700. You can store these numbers in your phone's directory and to do this you will need to put a pause in between them. For example,
02002220700p08001124150
In this example I use 'p' to indicate pause, the exact method of inputting a pause varies between handset manufacturers.
You can also use this method to automatically select the IVR option, assuming you choose the same one each time. This will save you having to input any further numbers each time you dial. For example, for commercial insurance you call 0800 112 4157 and press 3 to speak to an agent. From your mobile this would become
02002220700p08001124157p3