Not really no. You should have asked about any cancellation fee's, read terms and conditions.
Not only that, but the reaosn it was £40 different is because you get a discount for doing it online. You didnt do it online, therefore your not entitled to the online discount. Online discount can be given because your doing all the work yourself.
PO may have given you £50 cashback, but what you gonna do next year when their premium is high and theres no cashback? You will search round and leave them, again this is my arguement about customer loyalty.
I stick with the same company, I dont even phone around, because i trust my insurer and i know what im getting from them. I did do 2 quotes at last renewal to see what price range is around and yes i found it £40 cheaper, but it wont be next year because thats a introductory discount and franky, i have better things to do than spend a day or 2 looking to save a few pounds on car insurance, when i could just spend the day with my family!!
People think far too much about car insurance. Cancellation fees are a good thing. I also cant wait for the whole 1 insurer thing to happen.
I also read that ina couple of years, it could be that all insurers have a clause where if you take a policy, you have to stay with the same company for 3 years - and no you cant lie and say you have sold the car and then go to a different company because it will also involve the dvla.
I love the sound of the future of car insurance! Its great!