Insurance will not cover woman who lost house, grandson in arson fire

[greiner3]

BTW, that company is Auto-Owners Insurance, which is based in Lansing, Mich.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/08/09/down-in-flames.html

Ok, the facts;

"A provision in most homeowner policies denies payouts when a fire or damage is intentionally caused by a relative living in the home."

[snip]

"Christopher Glass, 34, had been living with his grandmother in the two-story house on Olney Avenue in Marion since he was a teenager. Battling mental illness and depression, Glass set the fire, investigators think. He then went to his room and shot himself in the head." The intent of the policy language is to prevent fraud and collusion between the policy owner and others who could benefit financially, said John Lindauer, spokesman for Moore’s insurer, Auto-Owners Insurance, based in Lansing, Mich."

"Lindauer said fairness and emotion can’t be factors when considering claims. “I feel for her, I really do,” he said. “She has religiously made sure her insurance was kept updated. Her daughter dies. Her world is falling apart in front of her. And she thought, ‘Well, at least I have something.’"

[snip]

"But, Lindauer added: “If we changed it so there was a fairness act .... then your premium and everyone else’s premiums would have to be adjusted to account for these things.”"

The article goes on to say the Ohio Insurance Institute's stance is that it's a crying shame but...

The spokesman for Auto-Owners Insurance adds while he is sympathetic, "...really is nothing we can do".

I wonder if social media might change his absolute.

[laundry_queen]

1. *headdesk*

"But, Lindauer added: “If we changed it so there was a fairness act .... then your premium and everyone else’s premiums would have to be adjusted to account for these things.”"

Because we might make a few million less profit this quarter. Can't have that. People have to understand when their house burns down, and they aren't covered, it's their tough luck, because we HAVE to make that profit you know. Shareholders and all that.

The spokesman for Auto-Owners Insurance adds while he is sympathetic, "...really is nothing we can do".

Yes there is you ass, you can pay for her house.

Why the fuck do any of us even buy insurance anymore? They refuse to cover almost every time. They don't cover floods. Or sewer back up. Or acts of god. Or negligence. Or relatives wrecking stuff. Next up: we won't cover your burned down house because it's your own darn fault you left the pot on the stove.

Parasites.

[underahedgerow]

2. A contract is a contract. That's the point of making a contract, and this one is very clear.

The insurance companies are within their rights unfortunately. Policies also don't pay out on suicides either, quite specifically.

Edited to add; if the insurance company were to pay out on this in spite of the contract, it would set a legal precedent that would have serious ramifications. Sometimes we have to be objective.

Sounds like it's time for her community to rally around her.... I sure hope they can and do, what a terribly tragic chain of events.