Jay
Phoenix,#2Consumer Suggestion
Thu, May 22, 2003
Alicia's problem is endemic to this industry, and to a lot of companies on debit billing. Once you get it started, it is tough to stop. Alicia needs to file a complaint with the insurance commissioner. If she has all the documentation she says she has, she has a solid case. Insurance companies are at great risk when they (1) violate their policies, or (2) screw around with customers money. This WILL sort itself out but it will take time. In Arizona, most banks will place a stop payment on an electronic funds transfer for only a few dollars. Here, your stop stays in effect for 6 months, so the problem will have gone away by then. Note that you can't "cancel" this electronic transfer. It must be done by the insurance company. That's a very big weakness in "the system". You can blame that one on the banking lobby and Congress.