Ontario driver frustrated when car insurance goes up after postal code changed
An Ontario man said he was shocked when his auto insurance went up after Canada Post changed his postal code, but he didn’t actually move.
"It's frustrating beyond belief," said Dave Neale, who lives in a country property north of Orangeville, Ont.
Canada Post has changed postal codes over the years and that has led some insurance companies to increase their insurance premiums, but if you don't physically move, they're not supposed to.
Neale and his wife Aileen have four cars including a BMW Z3 and a Porsche Cayman S. In 2013, Canada Post changed their postal code from their country property address to one that includes downtown Orangeville.
"They now decided to sort our mail in a facility in Orangeville and as such my postal code represents the sorting facility, but my address is of course my house in the country," Neale explained.
Over the past eight years, Neale said he has been overcharged on auto insurance multiple times, most recently almost $300 on their Porsche.
And while he's been able to get the charges reversed in the past, he been told in the future he'll be charged based on the Orangeville postal code even though they never moved.
"Starting with my renewal, which would be in February of 2022, all my cars are going to be in Territory 22 or as I would say, the sorting facility," said Neale.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) oversees car insurance and says insurers are not allowed to use a new postal code to re-rate vehicles if the customer hasn't physically moved from their current address.
"FSRA is committed to strengthening consumer protection related to auto insurance by ensuring availability, enforcing regulatory oversight and achieving regulatory efficiency. We encourage consumers to reach out to FSRA if they have unresolved concerns about their auto insurance," a FSRA spokesperson told CTV News Toronto.
"With respect to auto insurance rating territories and postal code changes by Canada Post, the bulletin issued in 2006 still remains current. FSRA's expectation is that insurers are adjusting their systems to ensure that customers are being rated based on the territory they live in and not the territory their postal code puts them in. If errors do occur, it is the Insurer’s responsibility to ensure that the error is amended and that their customers are being treated fairly and being charged the correct premium."
Neale is insured with Intact Insurance and a spokesperson told CTV News Toronto, "At Intact, we work to ensure that automobile insurance meets the needs of customers. Automobile insurance premiums are based on a risk profile and usage that is determined by a combination of factors including type of vehicle and safety rating, driving record, mileage, where the car is driven, where you live, age of driver, type of coverage and the deductible."
"We encourage customers to work with their broker if they have questions or concerns about their premiums. Intact has been working closely with the customer and the customer’s broker to address their concerns," added the Intact spokesperson.
In the end, Neale was given a refund of almost $300 for his Porsche policy and now should not see increases on his other vehicle’s premiums moving forward.
Neale said everyone should know if your postal code changes, but you didn't move, there is no reason for your car insurance rates to go up and if they do you should complain and have them reduced to what they were before.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bloc Leader Blanchet starting talks with other parties about bringing down Trudeau's Liberal gov't
Bloc Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet says he will be sending a letter to other opposition party leaders to initiate talks about bringing down Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority Liberal government.
Ontario to provide taxpayers with $200 rebate
The Ontario government will give each taxpayer a $200 rebate. Premier Doug Ford made the announcement Tuesday and said the rebate will also extend to families with children, with an additional $200 per eligible child.
'Elaborate encampment' with solar panels and mini-power grid dismantled by Edmonton police
Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has dismantled one of the ‘most elaborate encampments’ officers have ever seen.
An analyst weathered threats after his non-partisan forecast claimed a Harris win
An American presidential historian is maintaining his previous prediction of a Kamala Harris presidency as the U.S. election hits the one-week mark.
12-year-old girl among teenage suspects charged in 'suspicious' Ontario house fire
Four teenagers, including a 12-year-old girl, are facing charges after police say they set an Oshawa, Ont. home on fire while the residents were inside.
Canadian identical twins go head-to-head for the first time in NFL history
For identical twins Sydney and Chase Brown, football has always been an expression of their brotherly love and a shared family experience.
Police say British teen accused of fatally stabbing 3 girls also made poison and had a terror manual
The teenager accused in a stabbing rampage that killed three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in England has been charged with producing the deadly poison ricin and now faces a terror offense for possessing a jihadi training manual, police said Tuesday.
Only 2 races too close to call on Sask. election night, despite close finish
The Saskatchewan Party secured its fifth straight majority government Monday, with only two constituencies too close for CTV News to call as night turned to morning.
Lost Chopin music uncovered in 'thrilling' discovery
A curator at a museum in New York City has discovered a previously unknown waltz written by Frederic Chopin, the first time that a new piece of work by the Polish composer has been found in nearly 100 years.