State Farm wins bad PR award
Readers in search of relief from the heat wave will welcome this cold-blooded tale from the Star: after hitting Kim Flemming‘s 12-year-old yellow Lab with her car, a driver understandably reported the damages to her insurance company. About two months later, Flemming received a bill from State Farm Insurance for the $1,732 in damage that dog had caused.
The letter, which included five pages of documentation and three pages of photographs, explained that State Farm had received a claim for damages from the driver.
“Our investigation into this matter has found you to be 100-per-cent responsible. As such, we are looking to you for reimbursement,” the letter stated.
Not included in the letter was the explanation that State Farm’s PR team was clearly on vacation.
• Dog killed by car, family billed for the damages [Toronto Star]
The dog should have been on a leash.
If someone hits a squirrel, does State Farm sue Mother Nature?
Unfortunately State Farm has demonstrated that insurance companies in Canada are welcome to do what they please. I’ve been through hell and back with State Farm, and after years of research, have realized that the insurance industry is one of the most under-regulated. In the end, we’re nailed down to the insurance companies because we have no choice. It’s a very unfortunate position we’re in, as consumers. Insurance is one of the biggest highway robberies we’ve been subjected to since the middle ages…
I am a dog owner and I keep my dog leashed and restrained at all times pursuant to the Dog Owner’s Liability Act. This family’s dog would not have died a horrible tragic death had they been responsible pet owners and not let him roam at will. They are liable for the damages caused and basically murdered their own dog via their stupidity. The only victims here are: 1) the dog; 2) the insurance company who is out of pocket claims monies; and 3) the poor person who ran over the dog and has to live with that.
I hope State Farm pursues these people to the full extent of the judicial system. It’s because of people like this that everyone pays with increased insurance premiums.
I totally agree with Alison. Watch your dogs! They are your responsibility!