Simply Corrupt and Dishonest
by Benalto on Jun 13, 2018
1 out of 5 stars
I wish I had read some of these reviews prior to switching to Aviva last August. If my experience arranging for a new policy is any indication, I sure hope I don't ever need to make a claim! Two hours on phone getting quote... Not a simple policy, for two properties, three autos and a boat, so I don't begrudge this time spent at all. I provided much detail about the properties, including outbuildings, and the boat - just a small runabout but we want to ensure there is liability coverage. Placed on hold several times while the agent spoke to underwriting for clarification. Again, no problem, in fact, I commented that I appreciated the agent being so thorough. Left with a list of info to provide - driver profiles for my daughters, serial number for the boat, mortgage #, etc. Five days later called back to provide all of the above. Not a quick call. Many of the same questions asked, as though info had never been entered in a file. Finished call satisfied, however, that all would be in place, policy bound, payment arranged... Based on this, arranged to cancel with the current insurer on the renewal date. Since then: NOTHING received by mail (despite expressions of shock every time I tell Aviva CS this, and in fact incredulity - "Well, did you check your mailbox?" - seriously???). Policy documents posted on Myaviva website do not reflect coverage promised both over the phone and clearly documented in emails from contact@avivainsurance.ca. Repeated requests for additional information (that has already been provided), then a demand for a marine survey of a 16' runabout (again, all pertinent details provided - never mention of the marine survey). Most recent call one hour in length, again answering the same series of questions, again a comment, "I'm sorry, someone clearly has not done their job here, I'm going to make it right." Borders on fraudulent behaviour - make promises, get customer under contract, ignore promises. The couple of hundred dollars I've saved are far outweighed by the time wasted and the fact that I have no assurance in writing at all that I have the coverage I've been promised over the phone and email. Shameful.
It's bad enough that the rates from my broker increased every year that I was with them but when I found a better price for better coverage with TD, they charged me $300 for "time at risk" and marked it past due.....from the day i cancelled my insurance. So i get to pay $300 for 12 days worth of insurance and will probably end up with interest because the pretty pink past due letter came in while I was away on my honeymoon. All together, i'm dissapointed.
Because i dealt with a broker, I never had any direct contact with the company.
We have a drain backup, but were proactive and managed to prevent it from destroying our basement. We called in the plumber immediately (Drain Rescue) who dug out the basement and replaced all the drain pipes and put a backwater valve. Aviva came in during the work process. As per our plan, we have taken the maximum coverage. We acted honestly and let them know that we prevented the water and emptied buckets after buckets of grey water outside the house and had switched off using water. During the entire repair process, we also switched off the furnace to prevent it from being ruined. We lost carpets, rugs and clothes. The Aviva rep informed us that they would only cover the backwater valve. There is a $1,000 deductible and so the clothes and rugs would not be covered. The carpets would be evaluated. We are still waiting not sure what they plan on giving us. Drain Rescue informed us that other insurances cover the cost of digging and the concrete. The pipe replacement cost is ours, but our Aviva Rep informed us we are not covered. Do I trust AVIVA? My previous insurance TD was much better, I had a drain problem in a Condo in 2005 and they evaluated our loss, replaced our flooring and cut us a cheque for losses which was very reasonable.
It's just sad that a month before my renewal I get a registered letter that my insurance is being cancelled because I didn't answer a letter I never received. And add to the insult of being a longtime loyal customer, the broker tells me that I can re-apply as a new customer with a 55% increase or lodge a complaint but they are so busy I won't get a response for at least two weeks and a decision after the expiry date. But hey, my home insurance was renewed without a problem which I thought was funny and I'm pretty sure they will pull the same stunt next year for that to get their increase! I would love to know if there are others out there in the same situation because this seems like a scam. Shame on you RBC for partnering with these crooks. I'm closing all of my accounts and going elsewhere.
August 2018 I tried to make a claim for my roof leaking. The insurance adjuster denied my claim saying my shingles were too old and told me I could appeal it if I wanted to. We did not appeal it. It was a small job so we did it ourselves. Last month, September 2019, my broker's office calls & says the underwriter has questions about my claim. At first, I had no clue what she was talking about. After some back & forth calls, the questions were about the denied roof claim. They didn't believe I fixed my roof, gave me 2 days to submit pictures. My broker took pics & submitted them. Broker calls me a few days later & tells me my insurance is being cancelled because underwriter says roof wasn't done by a licensed roofer. I was never told that we had to do any of this when the claim was denied. I received registered from Aviva saying my insurance is being cancelled and all the reason says is "underwriting reasons". I pay my premium every month and this was the only claim that I have ever tried to make. I can not believe how I have been treated. I am not pulling all of my vehicles and motorcycles away from Aviva. Absolutely disgusting how they treat a good customer.
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The customer service that I received from Aviva's broker, was unbelievably poor, rude and disrespectful. I was up to buy insurance for my house and auto, and my house was due first. They convinced me to buy my house insurance at the moment and gave me a price for the future when I bundle it with my auto in the next month. When the time came for the auto, they gave me a crazy price and put me in a situation that if I go with another provider, I lose the discount of a bundle. Even for this, I had to call them every day and they left me in between without issuing me a policy and I couldn't drive the car for days until I had to buy from somewhere else! Headaches and anger are what you get with Aviva.
They refused to pay. They have a deny, refuse-to-pay policy. Their managers do whatever they can to avoid payment. The worst experience I have ever had.
All of the other reviews about service are true; so add this, they deny reasonable claims - even supported by facts to reject. After 25 + years with AVIVA and no claims, there is a fort mentality in their agent and adjusters to deny claims. Yes, their rates can be competitive, but if there is no real coverage - you decide.
We have a new home warranty with them. Have put in a long list of issues. Hired a guy to go over the issues with our house. He made a list of issues that are wrong with the house. He even had an infrared camera to look behind the walls. We submit our claim and their inspector comes out. He took lots of photos but basically no notes. Takes around 2 months for his report. And the report is missing info or is wrong. We do not agree and were told we had to prove it to them. Hired more trades to make sure it is an issue. Submit their reports and photos that we have. They are still rejecting our claim and asking us to prove it to them. They basically want me to tear my house apart to prove it to them. We would be stuck putting it back together. So we all need a new home warranty to protect our investment as of 2014. They only want to fix the issues that cost hundreds of dollars. To me, this is a way for builders to hide behind ( Construction Performance Guide) ( Alberta New Home Warranty Code Book). A Code Book made by millionnaire builders to protect themselves. Aviva is trying to force me into a lawsuit case against the builder. I guess time will tell.
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Do I have to write a review for this company ? All the reviews below mine are facts speaking for themselves. Canadian Right to Information Act give me right to know what the reasons and grounds for denial are. Can you explain a bit more? On top, my policy was cancelled without any prior notification and my input, so I am left high and dry For insurance claim was made and like any other, Right from day one the adjuster's attitude was a no-no. Without listening to me, the investigator said in an insulting way "You know I am X-Police Officer". Instead of listening, he tried to pressurize. I said to myself I never missed a payment nor I have mistreated anyone why I am getting oppressive treatment. When content evaluation process came in our absence, he took all our clothing and devices out of the case and spread it on the carpet and floor causing much smoke damage to the all the precious belongings which actually fire would have done. If that's the process you would have followed, you should have better told us so we can deal with in our presence. From that day onwards I have asked adjuster that please inform me who is entering my house so I am prepared. In reply he said we are not liable but we will inform you going forward. That going forward never happened as they are not interested. Within a weeks time after the fire, insurance investigator called us for appointment and we traveled to meet him only to know he was late, my wife was under the stress and I called him that I am waiting for him, only when I left, he called me to say I am here, I told him we left and he was not impressed. Just living outside of town as temporary location, and go to check the property every week almost, only came to know that they have taken the lock away which they have installed earlier, without informing. Believe me, I deal with my customers every day and I never treated them as I have been. I would reach every possible forum to launch complaints how I have been treated and my claim is treated, you pay insurance to secure family and this company left us wandering.