When two supervisors of a relatively new agent failed to inform a client that they were uninsured, despite being aware of the situation for months, the Insurance Council of British Columbia says they did not serve the client and did not place the client’s interests ahead of others.
“Council questioned why the licensee would direct the former licensee to remedy the situation in May 2021 when it became known that the policy in question had been outstanding since the end of September 2020. Additionally, the licensee did not communicate with the complainant until July 2021, when there was a wildfire situation in the area where the property required insurance. As the licensee was in a senior management position, one would expect that he would’ve rectified the situation himself. Council notes that placing insurance coverage is one of the fundamental aspects of a licensee’s role,” states the intended decision issued by the regulator in the case involving Jason David Wallace.
Lack of communication
Similar statements are found in the intended decision published for the junior agent’s direct supervisor, Donalee Joy Kelly. “When the licensee became aware that the policy was not in place, he should have notified the complainant of the situation. The lack of communication with the complainant is not in line with the usual practice of dealing with clients.”
In separate decisions, both Kelly and Wallace were fined $3,000 each, assessed costs in the amount of $1,031.25 each and both were ordered to complete coursework including the Council Rules Course for general insurance and adjusters and the Nominee Responsibilities and Best Practice Course for General Insurance and Adjuster Nominees and Applicants.
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