Grrrr Insurance companies

[Sailorsong]

I just went out to check my mail and got a very disturbing letter from my home insurance company. They are canceling my home insurance effect March 28th.

A few weeks ago I had gotten a letter from the local agent asking if my house was occupied. I immediately went down to the agents office and was told that it looked unoccupied to him because my lawn had not been mowed recently and there were tall weeds in my yard. I explained to the person that I talked with that I have MS which had been making it difficult for me to do yard work and I was in the process of trying to find someone to do it for me without costing me an arm and leg. This seemed to satisfy the person I talked to.

But I guess that was not enough for the agent. I don't know what I am going to do now...Any ideas?

Dennis

[Sailorsong]

Yes this is very strange indeed, One thing I left out before was that when I had talked to the secretary she told me the agent came in and asked if they insured my property. It not like there is anyway he could remember my property or me since my payments are automatically withdrawn from my bank account and I have not talked to the agent in at least 5 years.

I could see it if I had broken out windows, or such, but just that I have not done anything with the weeds next to my house for a while. I had mowed my front lawn last fall so even that should not have been an issue.

I do know one thing I will be canceling my auto insurance that is also through this company. I suspect they would have also canceled that if they could have found an excuse.

Dennis  

[dogmum]

Before I moved to Italy I was an insurance agent.  This seems very bizarre to me.  I'd go back and talk to the local agent and ask for an explanation.  If he hems and haws or doesn't give you a satisfactory answer, I'd just switch.  

One thing that I found is that agents who don't give good service on the policy when everything is fine are a nightmare the when you have a claim and REALLY need them to give you good service.  I could tell you some stories ...

[ku111]

This happened to one of my friends about a year ago and we thought it was so strange.  But, they sure did cancel her because a neighbor kid had knocked out some windows (the double kind and only the outside one was broke).  She is s single parent and couldn't afford to fix them.  She simply called other people and got someone else to insure her and it was cheaper!  Never could figure out whether insurance companies hired people to drive around and check out the houses or what.  Only heard of this happening to her until now.  We thought maybe some turned her in but how would anyone know who the insurance comany is?  Very strange and I thought out of line.  I hope all this gets worked out!

[Lulu54]

Dennis, this all doesn't add up and something is missing in their story.  Be sure you persist with this and follow up locally and even to their national offices if need be.  good luck,
L

[Mike_Shuswap]

Holy smokes! That don't sound right to me.

DV gave you some good advice.

I hope you get this straightened out soon.

Mike

[Valkyrie568]

I don't know if 211 Service is available where you live or not, but if it is, it may be able to put you in contact w/ a volunteer lawyer or at least someone to help you fight this. You just dial the number and you should be directed to someone who can help you.

"The United Way is one of the main sponsors of 211 services in conjunction with state and local authorities in North America. The types of services that can be accessed through 211 include:

Basic human needs resources (including food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance and utility assistance);
Physical and mental health resources (health insurance programs, maternal health, etc.);
Employment supports;
Support for elderly and disabled;
Support for children, youth and families; and
Volunteer opportunities and donations
211 information and referral services should also provide:

Comprehensive and detailed databases of services/resources available in their geographical area. Many provide this information through their Web sites as well.
Professional information and referral specialists (paid and volunteer) to provide information, assessment and referrals, assistance and advocacy as necessary to meet the needs of the inquirer.
Provide follow-up on a number of calls to determine if the information was accurate, if they received the services they were seeking and whether additional assistance is required."

http://www.crmbuyer.com/story/57418.html

[doublevision1]

I've never heard of anything like this before - wow.  What does the letter say...what reason do they cite for canceling your insurance?  What does your policy say about the insurer's right to cancel your insurance?  Do they have grounds to do so based on the policy's provisions?

I would return and speak to the same person you spoke to initially and request that they overturn their decision; and if they don't, write a letter to whomever is in charge.  I would act promptly so that this can hopefully be cleared up prior to the 28th.

If all else fails, I'd go to your local representative and/or media.  It would not be good for their business for it to be known that they treated a disabled customer so shoddily.  Good luck Dennis.  Keep us posted,