'I feel horrible': Ontario man denied theft coverage owes $55,000 for stolen truck
An Ontario man said he was shocked when his truck was stolen not once but twice, and the second time it was taken he was surprised to discover he was no longer covered for theft.
"I feel horrible. Had I known that the insurance company had canceled the comprehensive coverage I would have gone to another company," said Roger Sodhi of Toronto.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Sodhi said when his 2021 Ram 1500 truck was stolen in February of 2022 police found the pick-up badly damaged in Montreal and his insurance company agreed to tow it back and repair the damages that happened during the theft.
Then, the same truck was stolen again in September.
"It got stolen again a second time. I guess they really wanted it bad, it must be in high demand these Rams” said Sodhi.
The second time Sodhi's truck was stolen his insurance company advised him he was no longer covered for theft as collision and comprehensive coverage had been dropped when his policy renewed in April after the truck had been stolen the first time.
Sodhi is with Desjardins Insurance which said it assured him he was informed by letter and on the phone that changes had been made to his policy.
"The insurance company apparently sent a notice to me that they had canceled it (comprehensive coverage) but I never got anything," said Sodhi.
Sodhi said he still has a loan on the truck and owes the bank $54,350.
“It’s painful to be paying for something you don't even have," said Sodhi.
CTV News Toronto reached out to Desjardins Insurance about Sodhi’s case and a spokesperson said, “Due to privacy reasons, we can’t discuss details of an insured’s policy. However, I can confirm that in a registered letter dated April 7, 2022, the client was informed of the decision and reason to remove certain coverages from his policy at renewal. Unfortunately, since the claim for vehicle theft was made months after on September 28, 2022, no coverage was applicable.”
The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) said that insurance companies can modify coverages and make changes to a client’s policy but they must make sure the customer is made aware of the changes.
“Insurance companies have to give written notice to a policy holder when they make these type of changes," said Anne Marie Thomas, Director, Consumer and Industry Relations with IBC.
Thomas said it’s important to always pay close attention to any correspondence received from your insurance company, especially if it comes in the form of a registered letter.
“If a letter comes registered that means the insurance company is wanting to make sure that you get the information and they want proof you have received it," said Thomas.
Sodhi is adamant he didn't know his coverage had changed and is shocked he still owes more than $50,000 for the stolen truck.
You should never ignore any correspondence from your insurance company and always double check your policy at renewal time for changes in case you need to find coverage somewhere else.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.