Past • 17 August 2021

OC. c. Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company (cancer protection)

Option consommateurs has launched a class action against Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company. Desjardins is accused of adding coverage in the event of a cancer diagnosis to members' savings life insurance, and of increasing their premiums without their consent.

What is the aim of this class action ?

The class action seeks reimbursement of premiums paid for cancer protection, in addition to payment by Desjardins of damages and punitive damages.

Option consommateurs is represented by Belleau Lapointe.

Who are the members ?

Any person who purchased savings life insurance prior to June 1, 2016, to which Desjardins automatically added cancer coverage on or about June 1, 2016, and who has not filed a claim under this coverage.

Where are we now ?

Option consommateurs and Desjardins have agreed to settle this class action out of court.

The settlement agreement provides, among other things, that DFS will refund all premiums collected between June 1, 2016 and November 24, 2023 to each eligible class member who submits a valid claim and waives cancer coverage retroactively, provided the member never wanted it (less a portion of class counsel fees and the amount payable to the Fonds d'aide aux actions collectives). The claims period is underway and will end on February 22, 2024.

The settlement agreement also provides for DFS to pay $3 million to charitable organizations as indirect compensation to class members, after payment of disbursements and a portion of class counsel's fees, and to pay costs related to the agreement.

The funds have been distributed.