I hate my insurance co, I need some help...

[kevinam]

Oh, this is frickin wonderful. Today, I got a letter from my insurance company claiming they would not renew my insurance coverage because I have a vicious animal. I am currently insured by Nationwide Insurance. With them, I have my home policy, my auto policy, a dwelling policy (for a rental property), and an umbrella policy. In all, each year, I send them over $1500.00- I have had a home policy with them for roughly 5 years, all of which I have had this 'vicious animal'. Well the 'vicious animal' is a dog, to be specific, a 45 lb mutt. She is absolutely a mutt, but the breed she most resembles is a Chow. She is also kinda handicapped. She has had surgery on one of her front legs, because it was messed up, and she has a bad rear leg. At top speed, most people could probably power walk faster than she can run, never mind she usually only hits full speed for maybe ten feet or so.

This can't be right, can it?? They can't refuse me coverage because of a mutt, can they?? If it matters, I live in Georgia. Also, if I am denied coverage, isn't that like a black eye for me. Don't I have to declare it everytime I apply for insurance?? I have had auto coverage with them for probably 12 years, and most of my family uses them. Has anyone else had a similar problem?? Does anyone have any suggestions?? Thanks in advance...Kevin.

[flamingyouth]

1. Yes, I think they can refuse you coverage

A similar thing happened to a friend of mine in California, but their dog had bitten the mailman. They ended up switching insurance cos. and paying a lot more for their coverage, unfortunately.

Man, though, that's really screwed up. When we bought our house we had a hell of a time getting someone to cover us because there is a bit of knob & tube wiring in the house. Finally, I went with Farmer's, and so far, so good.

Good luck.

[olddem43]

2. Call their competition -

I have found that Allstate is really good with multiple policies. Discuss the problem with an agent.

[Hoping4Change]

5. A friend of mine was a Private Investigator who did

a lot work for insurance companies and said that she'd never use Allstate because they investigate almost all their claims. She'd sit outside homes in her car armed with a camera waiting for whiplash claimants to do something that would dispove their injury. That was about ten years ago so I don't know if Allstate policy has changed.

[olddem43]

10. I had a claim against me that I was sure was fraudulent -

and Allstate paid it anyway. It was about 1500 dollars and I suppose that they found it easier to pay than investigate and fight. My agent said at the time that fraud in insurance claims was one of the biggest crimes in the country.

Never had any trouble with them myself in over 30 years. My guess is that your friend probably investigated the ones that Allstate was very sure were fraudulent and worth paying to investigate, probably a tiny fraction of claims, if you think about it.

[AngryAmish]

12. Allstate is a bad insurance company

[burythehatchet]

3. What triggered their decision after providing coverage for so long?

Was there an incident with the dog? If so then you're out of luck. If not, call John Oxendine's office. I think he's still the insurance comissioner in Georgia.

[kevinam]

6. nope, no incident or anything...

A couple of months ago they had a guy going around to houses to make suggestions for making houses safer. Since I work during the week, I imagine he walked around the back of the house, and saw my two dogs. Even though my other dog is a little bigger, and much more active, apparently she isn't a problem. The second dog is a husky mix. My back yard is completely fenced in. It seems like I have had a conversation about dogs with my agent before. The subject of breed came up, and I told the truth, that she is a mutt. She isn't vicious or dangerous. Again, she probably isn't fast enough to be dangerous to a turtle.

Tomorrow, I am going to talk to my insurance agent. Today he wasn't available. I was thinking about calling the Georgia Insurance Commissioner to find out if I have any rights. Thanks again...Kevin.

[KC]

4. How

did they know you even had a dog?

KC

[kevinam]

7. just a regular check...

They came around to inspect properties or whatever to avoid dangerous situations. I think I have told the agent I had a dog, and didn't think it an issue...Kevin.

[2Design]

8. State Farm is good and least expensive of all..and they have

covered all claims for me. Two claims not my fault, they reimbursed and went after the people. One was uninsured motorist. Still get discount for accident free...

[kevinam]

9. Well Sh#t...

I just checked the website for the GA Insurance Commissioner. According to that website

"Dogs are called Man’s Best Friend, but unfortunately, there are times when they may cause you problems with your homeowners insurance. Certain breeds of dogs are deemed unacceptable liability risks to insurance companies because of their inherent aggressiveness and unpredictable nature. These include American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Doberman, Rottweiller, Chow, Presa Canario and wolf hybrid animals."

"QUESTION: My insurance company sent me a notice they are going to cancel my homeonwer’s policy because I own a dog. It is not a really big dog and only part Pit Bull. It is not mean and has never bitten anyone. They can’t do this to me, can they?"

"ANSWER: The reason used by your insurance company for the termination of your policy is not prohibited under current law. Most insurance companies consider the potential for loss greater than ordinarily anticipated if a person owns certain types of dogs, either purebred or mixed breed."

Well, I guess I am screwed, and pissed. They can do it, and it is legal. On top of it, I might have problems with other companies trying to get insurance because of my 'vicious' animal. This is crap. Well, if nothing else, I will give my agent an earful. I have never made a claim against my home owners insurance policy. I hate insurance idiots. Yea, really makes me wonder why Insurance Companies have all these lobby'ists to promote their agenda. F#@k 'em all...Kevin.

[gmoney]

11. The term 'insurance fraud" is redundant

Insurance is almost ALWAYS a fraud. It used to be about mutually shared risk (ala Mutual of Omaha) but now nobody is allowed to have a losing hand.

Legalized extortion...

[solinvictus]

13. Nationwide

They dropped my parents after 20 years of premiums and filing a single claim.