Are you thinking about signing a new phone contract, but worried that you might regret it soon after? Fortunately, in many cases, you can cancel a new phone contract within 14 days.
This is because of a regulation known as the Consumer Contracts Regulations, which gives consumers a right to cancel most contracts for goods or services that are purchased online or over the phone. The regulations state that you have a “cooling-off period” of 14 days from the day you receive the goods or agree to the service.
So, if you sign up for a new phone contract over the phone or online, you have 14 days from the date you receive your SIM card or phone to cancel the contract with no penalty. This means you can return the phone or SIM card, and the provider must refund any money you`ve paid within 14 days of receiving your cancellation notice.
However, it`s important to note that there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you`ve used the service during the cooling-off period, you may have to pay for it. This could include using data, making calls or sending texts.
Additionally, if you`ve specifically asked for the service to start within the 14-day cooling-off period and the company has provided it, you may not be able to cancel the contract without incurring a charge. This could be the case, for example, if you need the phone urgently for work or personal reasons.
It`s also worth noting that the cooling-off period only applies to contracts with certain types of providers. If you sign up for a phone contract with a third-party retailer, you may not be able to cancel the contract within 14 days. Similarly, if you sign up for a contract in-store, you may not be covered by the Consumer Contracts Regulations, as they only apply to contracts made at a distance.
To cancel a phone contract within the cooling-off period, you should notify the provider in writing, either by email or letter. You should include your name, address, and account number, as well as a clear statement that you wish to cancel the contract within the 14-day cooling-off period.
In summary, yes, you can cancel a new phone contract within 14 days in most cases. However, it`s important to be aware of the exceptions to this rule and to make sure you follow the correct procedure for cancelling the contract if you decide to do so.