I insured my rottie in January 04, gave the company my bank info to transfer the full year payment. I received the policy in the mail. Received no further correspondence from the insurance company until I received a renewal notice in Dec 04. I responded with an additional dog to insure. I was told payment was never transferred by the insurance co. therefore my dog was never insured. Now, he must be re-enrolled and needs vet records to do this. I drew attention to a BB size cyst on my dogs flank during his last routine visit. The vet saw no reason to investigate this further but recorded it on his record that went to the insurance company. They no will not re-enroll my dog without a biopsy. I have contacted the CEO of this company with this issue. I know there are many experienced folks on this board that may steer me in the right direction. The easy way would be to get a new insurer but I have taken this up as a crusade to get them to do the right thing. I have not mentioned the name of the insurer but I certainly will if I feel that others on this site would be treated in the same manner.

Sounds like you have a case. Take it up with your state insurance commisioner.

Did you check it the bank ever withdrew the money?

Maggie,
I had a withdrawal at the same time that was just about the same amount also to insurance, my wife took that for the pet insurance payment. My argument with them is that I gave them the authorization for payment, received a policy and never heard anything else from them. I would think that it is incumbent upon them to inform me of non-payment and not wait until the end of the year. What if my dog suffered a serious problem during the year? Why send me a renewal for something I never had. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

That is crazy! I don't know anything about insurance law or anything, but if they sent you a 'renewal' doesn't that mean that you have something to renew? And don't they have to inform you if they intend to cancel a policy? Of course, now they are saying you never had the policy because you didn't pay, but you gave them the ability to take the money from your account and it is their fault if someone didn't do it. I would keep fighting it! Just my .02 but I hate insurance anyway. It is something I for one have never used and if I did use it then they would penalize me for it by raising my rates. But what if something had happened and you thought you were covered and surprise, you're not. They had the obligation to inform you that you were not covered and they owe you an explanation as to what happened. Jennie

Thanks Jennie,
Wish you were the person I am trying to use some logic with. Gives me a little more positive input that I am within my rights to fight this company.......

Unless you are absolutely sure and have the transaction to prove it, you might not have a case. What if the bank tried to withdrawal and the funds were not available, the onus would be on you to follow up.

Most times, policy renewals and any other memberships with a time limit imposed will have a computer generated response at the conclusion of the agreement.

Insurance companies can be a pain in butt, but once again, the onus is upon the owner to follow up and read the entire policy and the fine print. After surviving a Cat 5 Hurricane, many residents where I live learned the hard way. I am fortunate and thankful, good insurance companies for home and auto!(Of course all renewals are now double in price!)

But who knows, contact a lawyer, they always have answers!