1
out of 5
POSTED: | BY: Naomiloves Coupons
PRICE GOUGING
In 2017, I became a policyholder under the provision of pet insurance for my Yorkshire Terrier, opting for the plan with unlimited coverage, a 90% reimbursement rate, and an annual deductible of $150. Year by year, I have endured an increasing premium payment, averaging an 8% increase annually straight from 2017 through 2022. Please see the detailed analysis below:
2017: $434.52
2018: $456.51 (5% increase)
2019: $519.57 (12% increase)
2020: $597.32 (13% increase)
2021: $649.12 (8% increase)
2022: $732.21 (11% increase)
2023: $1,064.28 (31% increase)
2024: $1,775.92 (40% increase)
The subsequent years showed an alarming increase after Petplan attempted to modify my coverage in 2022. A proposed restriction on my annual cover to $5K was introduced, coupled with a reduced reimbursement rate of 80% and an increased deductible of $500.
I called in to discuss my plan on 02/01/24 at 12:39 PM and spoke with Jordan. His tone and manner were cold, callous, and very condescending. He talked down to me and made me feel bad for choosing to provide my pet with the highest level of coverage from the beginning. He offered unreasonable downgrades and suggested I cancel my service. Refusing such alterations, I faced an undeserved punishment of increasing rates by 30% and 40% in the years 2023 and 2024, respectively. Essentially, feeling strong-armed into reducing my coverage or canceling my policy.
According to the "Healthy Paws Cost of Pet Care Report" by Canine Journal, the average annual cost of pet insurance in New Jersey for a dog with unlimited coverage is $672. When compared with the $1775.92 price tag Petplan has levied upon me, this constitutes a 59% increase, which is preposterous. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has regulations in place requiring insurance companies to publicly explain any rate increase of 15% or more before its implementation, which Petplan is unable to do.
I do not have a history of filing claims. My pet has all his annual check-ups, necessary vaccinations, and preventative care, and raising my rates this high with no just cause appears deceptive. PetPlan is not basing my rates on the actual cost of insurance in NJ, my car, homeowners and medical insurance did not increase by 59% over the 2 years. Petplan's inability to provide a reasonable justification for this egregious 59% rate increase is an unethical practice of price gouging.
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