The Prudential way of doing things

In my youth the "Man from the Pru" was a respected member of the community.

As I remember him he was middle aged with trilby hat and woollen scarf and a proper overcoat. His every action said - dependable, reliable, solid, respectable.  He knew his customers individually and he was part of the social fabric of this country. 

Roll forward 30+ years and he has long departed. In his place is a call centre in Bromley.

The letter arrived for the annual renewal of our house and contents insurance signed "Prudential Customer Service Team" (they have written it in italics like this to look more like a personal signature) and invited me to call the 0845 customer helpline.

The automatic voice explains all the options available and eventually the option for renewing my policy.

I quote the reference number and wait. The computer is slow today. Then into the process,  for my protection and benefit, of proving I am me.
Name?
Address?
Post code? 
Date of birth? (my patience is stretching),
Number of bedrooms?  WHAT?
Number of bedroom?
"Unless you tell me the number of bedrooms in your house we cannot continue and I cannot help you further" "Sir".  "This question is for your benefit."

I didn't explain that for my house the answer is not straight forward.

We've got decorators in one bedroom so it presently lacks beds, Sandra's office is nominally a fifth bedroom. It would be stretching a point to count it a bedroom - but it could be.   I think I should have said   "4" but it could have been 3 or 5.

Anyway, with the renewal date nearly here I have either to run the gauntlet with another provider or swallow my pride and pay the Pru.

I might just send a cheque in the post - then if they bank it and insure my house they will still not know how many bedrooms we have.

Ha!