A local lobbying group wants to see big changes to the way insurance is handled in the province. Start Timely Insurance Practices Inc., or STIP, wants to see more power for consumers as they deal with the insurance industry.
Linda Greba, spokesperson for the group, says that they have been formed because they have had “horror stories” with insurance, and difficulty getting resolutions that are positive for the client. As a result, they have formed a group to advocate for several reforms to the insurance industry.
Their goals are to see insurance brokers receive more formalized and intensive training programs, a requirement of easy to understand information packages so clients have all the relevant information involved in claims, prompt insurance payouts and handling and a regulatory body for the client.
The ultimate goal is consistency and transparency, Greba says, and to make sure that clients have tools to know what they’re able to do and what rights they have if they need to make a claim.
“We found that there were a lot of people who were not aware that they could get a motel or were told what the procedure was, they couldn’t get meals, they couldn’t get small sundry items. A simple package with vouchers or a letter to that company or motel would make it much easier for the client.”
Greba questions the impartiality of the system currently in place, arguing that the process is dominated by the insurance industry. She believes there needs to be a client advocate.
“We have no committee formed to represent the client in this process, other than for you to take it to a lawyer, and you have to have money. If you’re already in a difficult situation and your insurance isn’t handling the situation... you can’t afford the lawyer. We want a committee formed, not paid for by any of them, to represent the client, before we get to that process.”
The impetus for Greba’s involvement in STIP have been two incidents that have been involved with her insurance company. In one, she says that someone was illegally placed in charge of her account. In the second, she had problems with an adjuster who she says deliberately under-estimated damage to her business after a vehicle drove through a wall. She says that her difficulty with her own insurance, and the protracted time trying to get a resolution for her complaints, has been a big part of why she is pushing for the changes in the industry.
“We want more accountability for insurance companies for upholding the policies that people believe they are being sold.”
Greba also says that with a provincial election coming soon, it’s the right time to start advocating for changing insurance in the province, hoping to make it an election issue.
“We want the public to be aware, we want the public to take this opportunity of an election to get a hold of us so we can help them, and make it an issue so we can get some progress made. Everybody knows that during an election that’s when we get the most done.”
To help STIP make this an issue, call Greba at (306)338-8554. She also says that they can connect people with information so they can be better informed when it comes to insurance and some of the things they might not know when it comes to their coverage.
