Using flood as an excuse
by Martyupnorth on Jul 31, 2014
2 out of 5 stars
I have been an auto and home insurance client with TD Meloche Monnex for over 30 years. However, despite only 2 home claims being submitted, (1992 and 2008), they have increased my home insurance premiums a whopping 105% from 2011 to my 2014 premium of approximately $1,500. The main reasons provided for the increases is the jump in claims for sewer backup water damage attributed to more frequent and severe climatic incidents such as the flooding in the Alberta and GTA regions this past spring. They have also reduced my sewer backup coverage from $50K to $15K and increased my premium by more than $100. I was told I cannot increase my sewer backup coverage unless I install a sewer backup valve. They also refused to provide me with historical data to substantiate why my postal code area reflects the highest risk factor for backup. There have not been any major events in the area for the past few years. I have received multiple quotes at a significantly lesser overall premium, which include sewer backup coverage over $500k. Beware to current clients and consumers considering this company.
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I have purchased all my insurance from TD Meloche Monnex since 1994. During that time I have paid $55,762.86 in premiums and have never had a claim. Last year I was shocked when my home insurance premiums went up by 43.8%. I called to complain and was simply told that overall insurance costs were going up because of recent bad weather, notably the flood in Calgary. I didn’t flood, but I understand that insurance is a concept whereby several people pool their resources to spread the risk. I argued at the time that TD Meloche was obviously insuring too many high risk individuals. I naively accepted the increase in premiums.
Now a year has gone by, and I just found out they want to increase my premiums by an additional 24.2%. This is outrageous, especially considering the fact that TD Bank is making over $1 billion/quarter in profits.
I really didn’t feel like they appreciated my business so I decided to shop around. Wow, am I ever glad I did. Everyone I called was cheaper than TD Meloche. I’m sure you’ll argue that I’m getting less coverage. Let me assure you that I spent at least one hour discussing each quote with the prospective insurers, making sure I was getting equivalent coverage.
I decided to give my business to ScotiaLife Financial. My new policy is 41% cheaper than TD Meloche. How is that possible? I can only conclude that TD is trying to take advantage of people by using the flood as an excuse, or they’re simply incompetent and insuring too many high risk clients. Either way I don’t want to do business with them anymore.
TD has managed to totally piss-off a loyal customer of 20 years.