As Samantha Anderson was driving back to Sunny Corner from a Christmas dinner in Miramichi last December, a deer suddenly leaped in front of her car on a blind hill. With little time to react, she braced for impact and instructed her daughter to do the same. Anderson, who had never been in a car accident before, found the experience terrifying.
After coming to a halt on the opposite side of Route 425, Anderson ensured her eight-year-old daughter was unharmed. The car sustained significant damage, prompting Anderson to contact the authorities and begin the process of clearing debris from the roadway. This marked the start of a lengthy dispute with an insurance company that has been a challenging ordeal for the single mother.
One key takeaway from Anderson’s ordeal is the importance of being vigilant when signing insurance documents, conducting research, and asking pertinent questions. Despite her primary insurance claim being settled swiftly following the car being declared totaled, Anderson encountered significant hurdles in securing approval for her gap insurance claim.
Gap insurance, an additional policy purchased from the dealership where she acquired her Mitsubishi RVR, was meant to cover any outstanding car loan amounts beyond what the standard insurance policy would cover. However, obtaining approval for this claim has proven to be a daunting task, with Anderson on the brink of financial hardship.
While acknowledging that she could have been more diligent during the policy purchase, Anderson’s situation sheds light on the complexities of purchasing insurance and raises questions about the oversight of insurance sales. In New Brunswick, over 100 dealerships are authorized to sell gap insurance, unlike British Columbia where such sales are prohibited due to concerns about qualification standards.
Despite the assurance provided at the time of purchase about the peace of mind gap insurance would offer considering the car loan amount, Anderson regrets not delving deeper into the policy specifics or the reputation of the selling company. Her persistence in seeking answers and updates from the insurance company has been met with frustration and delays, leaving her in a precarious financial situation.
As Anderson continues to navigate the protracted insurance process, the lack of resolution has taken a toll on her well-being and livelihood as a single mother. With mounting financial pressures and ongoing car payments for a vehicle that no longer exists, Anderson finds herself exhausted from the relentless pursuit of clarity and resolution.
Efforts to seek redress and clarity from the insurance company have been met with evasive responses and a lack of transparency, further exacerbating Anderson’s predicament. Despite the challenges she faces, Anderson’s story serves as a cautionary tale for consumers to be diligent and seek clarity when purchasing insurance products.
In light of Anderson’s experience, the need for consumer advocacy and education in navigating insurance products is underscored. The New Brunswick consumer advocate for Insurance, Michèle Pelletier, emphasizes the importance of reading policy details, asking questions, and seeking assistance when faced with insurance-related uncertainties.
While the regulations governing insurance sales vary across provinces, the complexities and potential pitfalls of purchasing insurance products highlight the need for consumer awareness and regulatory oversight. The ordeal faced by Anderson underscores the significance of informed decision-making and vigilance when engaging with insurance providers.
