The president of a St. John’s-based insurance company sent a hard-hitting email to all of its auto insurance clients across Newfoundland and Labrador, bluntly saying that his company wants nothing to do with those who do not observe proper speed limits.
Wedgwood Insurance president Tom Hickey’s letter discussed the “carnage” happening on the province’s highways and the loss of life from accidents, which money cannot buy back.
“Forget the insurance type of stuff, we’ve had the calls from clients who have been struck by people who are speeding, who have had people killed or injured, and it’s a burden people shouldn’t have to bear because it’s so completely needless,” Hickey said in his letter, which was also reposted on Twitter.
Search and compare product listings for Auto Insurance from specialty market providers here
Hickey told
CBC that he was prompted to write the letter after seeing a tweet about speeding drivers from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary the previous week.
His letter references the recent series of fatal accidents in the province and the difficult calls the company has taken over the years from the surviving families of the victims.
While there are many factors that can influence accidents, speed remains a perennial element in most collisions.
“So here is our message to you drivers doing 144 km/h: We don’t want your business,” he wrote.
When asked if his company would drop clients caught speeding Hickey said that the industry has to offer coverage and quotes because insurance is mandatory. He, however, promised that he would do everything within the rules to ensure excessive speeders are transferred to the Facility Association – where insurance is offered at higher premiums to those rejected by the private market.
“In cases where people meet the criteria to go to Facility, we’re going to make sure they go there. We’re not going to be looking for accommodations,” Hickey remarked.
CBC reported that the response to his email has been overwhelmingly positive, with Hickey noting that he has been flooded with messages since sending the stern warning.
Related stories:
Speed-limiter legislation reduces Ontario’s at-fault truck collisions
MPI collaborates with volunteers to advocate safe speed limits
