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“I’ve heard so many stories over the last number of days and weeks that folks are feeling like they’re being treated unfairly by those insurance companies,” Chahal said.
“There’s a lot of work that other orders of government can do to support residents in this time of need.”
But Mayor Naheed Nenshi said Monday that, so far, the province has responded with “nothing.”
“Right now, these are not ordinary times and for the government to say, ‘Listen, if you didn’t have insurance, it’s not our problem’ . . . it’s not fair. It’s not right,” he said.
Nenshi said he counts himself among those who were underinsured and now have to pay for some repairs out of pocket. But while he can shoulder that cost, others have few options during the current economic downturn.
“Ultimately, I’d like to see a program that is based on financial need.”
Premier Jason Kenney said in August that his government would be willing to step in and “read the riot act” to insurance companies who aren’t following through on their obligations, but they can’t offer additional financial help because “the province cannot become everyone’s insurance company.”
Next door to the house Chahal surveyed, Louie Adriano’s son’s car is parked outside, riddled with dents. The back window is missing, leaving rain running into the exterior.
Adriano said the vehicle hasn’t been moved since the hailstorm. His son didn’t have comprehensive car insurance, and said even if he did, it likely wouldn’t have covered the hail damage. Now the car needs thousands more in repairs than it’s worth.
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