Frustrated: Onlia Won’t Cancel My Insurance Policy
I’m currently facing a frustrating situation with my insurance provider, Onlia. For the past few months, they’ve been unresponsive to my questions and my requests to change my account. I live in Ontario, Canada, and hold both auto and home insurance policies with them.
As my concerns mounted—especially after hearing similar complaints from others on Reddit—I decided to cancel my policy. However, despite numerous attempts, I’ve been unable to do so. I’ve submitted multiple support tickets and tried calling, but after hours of waiting on hold, no one ever answers. To my dismay, I found out yesterday that another monthly payment was deducted from my account, as they ignored my cancellation instructions.
Given this frustrating situation, what options do I have for canceling my policy without running into legal issues? Can I stop payments to Onlia through my bank and then proceed to purchase a policy from another provider? I feel powerless, especially as the company continues to withdraw payments while I have no assurance that they will support me when I really need it.
I’m really sorry to hear about your frustrating experience with Onlia. It sounds incredibly stressful to deal with a company that isn’t responsive when you’re trying to make important changes like canceling an insurance policy.
Here are some steps you might consider:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all your communications with Onlia, including dates, times, and contents of your messages or calls. This can be helpful if you need to escalate the issue.
Contact Customer Service Again: Try reaching out through different channels—such as social media, email, or even their chat service, if available. Sometimes, companies respond quicker through these avenues.
Written Request: Consider sending a formal letter requesting cancellation of your policy. Send it via registered mail to ensure it’s received. Include all necessary details like your policy number and personal information. This provides proof that you made an official request.
Bank Involvement: Contact your bank and ask about stopping future payments. They can usually help set up a stop payment on future transactions, especially if you explain the situation. However, consult with them about the legal implications of doing this, as your policy may still be considered active until officially canceled.
Regulatory Bodies: Since you’re in Ontario, you may want to contact the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). They can provide guidance on your situation and may assist in resolving issues with your insurance provider.
Consumer Protection: You can also reach out to the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services or the Consumer Protection Ontario helpline. They can offer advice on your rights and possible actions.
Switching Policies: If you decide to move ahead and purchase a new policy, just be cautious. Ensure that your cancellation with Onlia is finalized to avoid any overlap or issues with coverage.
Legal Advice: If you feel comfortable, consulting a lawyer who specializes in consumer rights or insurance policies could also provide you clarity on how to handle the situation without complications.
It’s understandable to feel helpless, but you do have options. Hopefully, these steps will help you get the resolution you need. Good luck!