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SGI Auto Insurance Reviews

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(75 reviews)
SGI
1.7 out of 5 stars:
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Stolen Truck - written off

by LDB on Sep 6, 2017
1 out of 5 stars

My ex-wife and I jointly owned a 2003 Ford F250 4x4 diesel with about 167,000km that got stolen from outside the mechanic's shop at the end of July 2017. It was recovered August 2. The damage consisted of a punched-in key hole on the passenger side door, and the cover/lock on the ignition had been removed.

We were a bit surprised when SGI almost immediately told us it was being written off. We figured the truck was worth at least $12,000, maybe up to $15,000 with the recent engine rebuild. Our SGI adjuster, Chelsea Leonew, gave us an initial offer of $6355 on August 10. We told her that was unacceptable and it was worth twice that amount. We submitted the recent bill for an engine rebuild (about $5800), but that only increased SGI's offer to $7660. We submitted ads for similar trucks from Kijiji for SK, AB, and MB, but SGI didn't budge. We hired an independent appraiser and went to arbitration. That cost us about $350, but we ended up settling for $11,500, which we thought was fair.

Why did we have to spend $350 and a month in negotiation to arrive at a fair settlement? I had used the VMR Canada online calculator early in the process to see if we were off-base in thinking it was worth at least $12,000. The VMR Canada result confirmed we were being reasonable. However, I noticed that if you failed to check off the "HD Diesel V8" box, the value was pretty close to what SGI initially offered. I've got a gut feeling that someone at SGI made a keying error on the initial valuation. I've got no issue with someone making a mistake. It happens all the time. However, I've got plenty of issue with someone failing to recognize a mistake or trying to cover it up. We ended up with a final settlement that was 81% higher than the initial offer. Something was definitely wrong with the initial offers from SGI, beyond the expected low-ball. Why didn't someone at SGI go back and take a look at their calculations instead of wasting time and money going to arbitration?

Something really stinks at SGI when it comes to write-offs. I still don't think the vehicle should have been written off in the first place. As well, when the final settlement after arbitration is 81% higher than SGI's initial offer, and 50% higher than SGI's final offer, shouldn't SGI have to reimburse the cost of arbitration? It was pretty clear that one side wasn't coming to the table with clean hands.

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Adjuster Not Helpful

by Charlotte Strumpher on Jul 25, 2017
2 out of 5 stars

My auto adjuster was good in giving me necessary documents I needed for my car (tires were stolen and sgi was able to cover some of it after my deductible). However, she was reluctant to answer any questions I had. I do not have a lot of knowledge on these things or what SGI helps with and if each dealership differs. My boyfriend came into an SGI centre in asking about the papers and quote SGI gave me concerning replacing my stolen tires (I was out of province). They told him either way he will need me to give him official authnrorization to deal with this so they themselves said I need to call my adjuster (Debbie) in regards to it. So I did, and she was short tempered with me saying she has nothing to do with this, just send the bill (even though I was TOLD to call her) and wondered why I was asking her a question she cannot answer. She also claimed my boyfriend went into this SGI location with his own quote for the tires, when in reality he went in with the documents and quote she herself had provided to me. I think this customer service is poor for this reason. I really wish for SGI to hire better adjusters with good service skills and patience.

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Hit a Deer

by Maria Bracko on Jul 18, 2017
5 out of 5 stars

I have nothing than good things to say about SGI, right after we hit a deer I immediately called and they were very helpful getting me a rental car as fast as they could since I was a long way from home. I had to go see a chiropractic for some minor injuries - so helpful with the steps I needed to take. It took a total of 2 weeks to find out and sign all the paper work needed to get the insurance $ for my car. I am now on the hunt for a new car. Thanks SGI for such great service.

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Do Not Use SGI

by Remember me on Jun 15, 2017
1.5 out of 5 stars

I was driving outside of the province not for the purpose of work or school, but had moved to Calgary in 2013. I didn't realize there's some unknown, unmentioned clause in SGI rules that is the registered owner must immediately (as in the second of) using the vehicle to leave the province make an address change and receive a Saskatchewan license with an Alberta address? Since I didn't do that I was denied my claim. They will try anything they can to get out of paying. And everyone who has a claim denied isn't ineligible, it's a horrible company

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Stolen to be recovered

by Jonny52386 on Feb 8, 2017
1 out of 5 stars

SGI sask was the worst ever to deal with. I fought hard with SGI as originally they said if the car wasn't found, I wasn't covered. Why to pay for insurance then? My car that had been stolen, luckily week later was recovered, where SGI again claimed that I'd be responsible as there was damage to the car. I talked to my lawyer and as soon as mentioned that, they said we will cover it but you are liable for the deductible. I was so angry with SGI... I agreed on that...

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Terrible company

by Dave on Feb 2, 2017
1 out of 5 stars

I was driving at dusk in the foothills with my daughter and a group of elk came out of the ditch, ran across the road and one ran into the side of my new truck. Banged up the drivers side doors pretty badly. I filed a claim and my daughter provided a witness statement. SGI refused the claim, saying they would only pay for a deer strike if there was an independent witness who was not in the truck. Not sure how many people wander around in the foothills at night watching for deer strikes, apparently the strikes accepted by SGI only happen in Calgary where there are no deer. I called my their ombudsman and was told to go away. Worlds worst insurance company

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SGI'S 50/50 fault scam

by EstevanSGI on Oct 7, 2016
2 out of 5 stars

I was recently in Sept, 2016, struck by an elderly 80+ year old driver at Reginas Cornwall Center. Opposing driver failed to yield to a designated turning arrow into the mall parkade. Since both vehicles appeared to be driveable by the looks of things, the police refrained from attending the scene. Shortly after driving my vehicle, I realize that the entire steering system and allignment was ruined due to opposing driver who hit my rear back tire. In a nutshell, I took a picture of the scene which I submitted to SGI. In the words of SGI, since both our statements varied and there were no independent witnesses, full fault could not be determined. Even if my evidence was fairly compelling, it was not without a doubt (how could it be?). Despite SGI knowing that one party is fully innocent, they imposed fault both ways, meaning I will be held responsible 50% for the collision in which I fully complied with the traffic laws. My 14-year old driving record is in jeopordey due to SGI's deplorable fault policy.

This is a cash grabbing scheme by SGI, which is also a government body and a business at the same time. SGI runs the entire driving industry here, from licensing to insurance- they cannot be avoided. Being found 50% at fault because SGI was unable to determine fault without a doubt to either party, will cost me points and tarnish my record. It also means I will be forced to pay one month of car rental and half the deductible of $700.

Saskatchewan needs better choices then SGI which is tantamount to a government mafia which needs to be dismantled in the name of privatization. As a crown corporation, they try to sell the idea they profited 45 million last year yet they did this on the backs and wallets of Saskatchewan residents, such as myself.

All I can say is that if you can avoid SGI it will be in your strongest benefit to do so, if you can't, continue to advocate and lobby your political representation for change which would permit private insurers to do business in Saskatchewan, allowing Sask residents to freedom of choice in whom they chose to do insurance business with.

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Worst experience!

by Sad Mother on Aug 13, 2016
1 out of 5 stars

Rude, compassionless, and unprofessional employees! Worst customer service I have ever experienced! I would think they would help victims?! We need something different in Saskatchewan!

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Pedestrian hit by drunk driver

by Sad Mother on Aug 13, 2016
1 out of 5 stars

My daughter was hit by a drunk driving a truck. Her body landed 12 feet from the spot where he hit her. This was his 3rd DUI. He probably stayed in jail for about 4 months. She has a permanent brain injury which leaves her fatigued, etc. She has chronic pain from her injuries. She is unable to work. SGI was terrible to deal with. Did not want to help her and more or less told her to learn how to deal with her new reality of life. I think most people think that when something this terrible happens to you that you will be looked after through insurance. We found out this is not so. We need to get rid of SGI.

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Disposed Before Settlement

by Gary on Jun 29, 2016
1 out of 5 stars

SGI has disposed of my van and the claim has not been settled. Note it is still within the two year time period to settle. I had personal items in the van and SGI has been hardballing me on the price. They sent me a web site evaluation for $4550 and then promptly told me that it was only worth around $2200.
They are now up to $3300 less the $700 deductible. They are not making any comment on my personal items.
Now I am presented with the cost of a professional arbitrator which I have no idea where or what that will cost or if it would be worthwhile.
I asked SGI for what they got for the van when it was disposed and they remain quiet.

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