The new EU directive on 0845 numbers has been put into place recently. This means that if a company is providing a service to consumers they must provide an alternative local rate or low cost number.

I spoke to trading standards about this regarding my insurance company Churchill. Apparently because they are classed as a 'financial' service they are exempt from the directive!

What complete rubbish! If a company is providing a service whether it be financial or otherwise to consumers it should be covered by the same directive!

I'm not amused as I am currently in the middle of a claim and the ONLY way to contact the recoveries department is on an 0845 number. 

http://www.fairtelecoms.org.uk/consumer-rights-directive.html