EE routinely DO credit check, including HARD SEARCH, when You taking new product.
Not sure, why they should do HARD search on renewal, especially, if You are long standing customer, but, if they do, there is nothing You could do.
If You was not informed, as credit check will be performed, You have right to complain.
However, You mentioning as it's hit your credit score by XX points. It's totally useless number, which it's presented to You by CRA, or provider of respective access, allowing You to see your Credit Record.
It has absolutely nothing with, how lenders and other parties see You, they have their own, specific way, how to read and inteprete Your credit score.
Number, You see, say on ....Karma, it's their way, how to manipulate You, to take their advice, what to do, and blah blah blah...
Perhaps, within 2-3 months, Your score will go back up, whilst effect of this hard search to Your CR will fade out...
