ComplaintsforGerber Life Insurance Company

• Initial Complaint

  01/15/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I RECENTLY ORDERED THE LEAST EXPENSIVE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY GERBER OFFERED FOR MY BELOVED 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER *********!! I DO NOT HAVE THE EXACT AMOUNT THE POLICY COST BUT IT WAS DEFINITELY BETWEEN $50 AND $60!! INSTEAD OF GIVING ME THAT POLICY GERBER CHARGED MY BETWEEN $110 AND $120 FOR A DIFFERENT POLICY WHICH I DID NOT ORDER. THAT CHARGE CREATED AN OVERDRAFT CHARGE OF $36 IN MY PNC ACCOUNT. WHEN I CALLED GERBER THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES SAID IT WOULD TAKE 23 DAYS TO ISSUE A REFUND AND THEY WOULD NOT GUARANTEE THE REFUND WOULD INCLUDE THE OVERDRAFT AMOUNT THEY CAUSED. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND I WANT A FULL REFUND INCLUDING OVERDRAFT ASAP!! THANKS VERY MUCH!!

  Business response

  01/24/2022

  Your inquiry on behalf of Mr. ********* has been received and reviewed. We appreciate the opportunity to address the consumer's concerns presented to your office.
  
  The application submitted via our website for coverage was for insuring Mr. ********* and was in alignment with quotes provided based on information input within the website. Since the coverage which was applied for does not appear to be the coverage intended to purchase and the request for cancellation of this policy was received during the free Examination Period provided by the policy, we have complied with your request. We have sent Mr. ********* a letter providing more details than can be provided here.
  
  If you have further questions, please direct your correspondence to the attention:
  *************************************
  Gerber Life Insurance Company's Legal/Compliance Department
  

• Initial Complaint

  11/01/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  For over a month, I have tried canceling my life insurance policies and cashing it out. Gerber has failed to issue the check to the correct address. The first check was returned to them because they sent it to an address that doesn't exist in *************** Then they reissued a check (still haven't received it), because they sent it to the same address that doesn't exist. I finally reach out to someone through their Facebook and they straightened everything out and promised that it would be over nighted- it wasn't. I still don't have the check. My bank account is negative because of them. The one check that they authorized they rejected and now I have a negative balance and a return fee charge. I want this account closed out IMMEDIATELY and I want the check overnighted.

  Business response

  11/05/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/11/05) */ Your inquiry on behalf of Mr. ********** has been received and reviewed. We appreciate the opportunity to address the consumer's concerns presented to your office. We have reached out to Mr. ********** directly concerning the refund of bank fee as well as the reissued check for the surrender. We will be following up with the customer to ensure that both checks are received. Due to checks being processed at the bank and not in-house, it would take 3-5 days for us to receive the check and then to overnight it the received date would be the same as normal processing. We strive to provide our customers with the best possible customer experience and apologize for the delay in this customer not receiving their surrender check quickly. If you have further questions, please direct your correspondence to the attention: ************************************* Gerber Life Insurance Company's Legal/Compliance Department

• Initial Complaint

  10/23/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I've been with the same insurance company since 2014, Gerber. This is the first major problem I have with them. I'm on the Auto pay program, where each month my bill is due the money is deducted from my bank account, I have two policies with this company,one of my premium pay is for $11.40,& the other is for $5.70 .My bill is due on the 3rd of each month. I get an email notification after each payment, I didn't receive one by the 6th of this month, so, I called them. I was told the payment didn't go through,so, I gave the Representative a new Debit card number, she said the payment went through,for both policies,& I will get a email notification. I didn't receive a notification in two days ,so, I called (**************)again on 10-10-21, I was told I didn't make a payment for this month. I received an email that the payment was made, but,no notification number. I need for someone at this company to either reimburse the money I spent,twice,or give me Credit for it. I'm on a fixed income, even though it's not a lot of money,but,I still have to pay it. Can someone help me please?

  Business response

  11/03/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/11/03) */ Your inquiry on behalf of Ms. ******** has been received and reviewed. We appreciate the opportunity to address the consumer's concerns presented to your office. A separate letter was sent to Ms. ******* with more details than can be provided here. As of the October 27th payments made, the policy is showing premiums paid to November 3rd. Statements regarding payments were sent via email to the policy holders on file. We have also provided a premium history to the policy holders. If payments made were not applied accurately, please provide us with the statements showing the payments being made. We can then conduct more research to ensure payments are applied correctly to the policies referenced. We strive to provide our customers with accurate and excellent customer service and hope that we can continue to provide the service you expect in the future. If you have further questions, please direct your correspondence to the attention: ************************************* Gerber Life Insurance Company's Legal/Compliance Department

• Initial Complaint

  10/13/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On September 16, 2021 I sent a premium payment for $5.70 via bill pay thru **************** I accidentally made another payment that should have went to my mortgage company to them too for $414.00. I called on the 17th to try to recover. They said they had not received it. I told *** about it and they tried to retrieve it also. Finally I called their corporate office and they said I should get it back in 3 days. Well needless to say I've called several more times but no return. Now when we have overpaid them they have returned the money in two or three days. It seems like they are trying to keep the money. I have 8 accounts with them that are All current. Would you please help me to retrieve my mortgage money for $414.00. Thanks

  Business response

  12/08/2021

  Consumer Response /* (2000, 5, 2021/10/18) */ I receive the check Saturday, October 16, 2021. Thank you so very much!

• Initial Complaint

  10/01/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Dec 15, 2020, my mom died of COVID-19. On Fri, Sept 3, 2021, I received a letter from the Ins Co stating they received my claim for processing and more information was needed. I Informed Ms. McKenzie that I did not submit a claim nor was I aware of a policy existing and that my brother is withholding all policies. I asked how did they get my address and who submitted a claim on my behalf and her response was the SSA submitted the claim. When I phone both the SSI ofc in DC their response is that they do not submit ANY claims period. I have contacted the FBI and FTC, because of FRAUD that my brother and his team with fraudulent schemes. I submitted a fax on the Sept 15th and spoke with Ms. Morgan on Sept 21st and today I spoke with Ms. Michelle who said the same as all the others. I called back to transfer me to the Fraud Dept., or provide me a direct number. If you can have them submit to you a copy of the policy and letter they mailed to the DC address. Someone is submitting claims.

  Business response

  10/13/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/10/13) */ Your inquiry on behalf of Ms. ******** has been received and reviewed. We appreciate the opportunity to address the consumer's concerns presented to your office. This claim was initiated during our normal cross-check of the Social Security Death Master File, which is a database supported by the Social Security Administration that is run against our policy database. We had a match on ******** ********'s name. Once it was determined that we had a match, we sent a letter to the address on file for ******** ********, this was sent on June 4, 2021. ******* ********'s address was obtained through a service we use to attempt to locate people who may be a beneficiary on a policy. On July 14, 2021, we sent a letter to ******* ********. This address was verified on September 3, 2021 when you contacted our company and provided us with your address. We have provided Mr. ******** with copies of the correspondence sent. If you have further questions, please direct your correspondence to the attention: [email protected] Gerber Life Insurance Company's Legal/Compliance Department Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2021/10/18) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) On the September 3, 2021, I provided my address to Ms. McKenzi at Gerber Life Insurance, for her to mail me copies of claim submitted, the policy, and their August 4th letter sent to ******** ********'s address in **. To date they have stalled and yet to send me anything and this is what led me to contact legal authority. In their response to your inquiry as noted in the last sentence they stated that "they provided to Mr. ******** with copies of the correspondence sent." Why have they not mailed to me the information that I had requested back on September 3, 2021, but keep sending me replies to my letters. They had more ample time to send me the documentations that I requested, since I was the SOLE BENEFICIARY to the policy. I am emailing copies of all documentations between Gerber Life and I to Ms. Stacy S. Ledesma and submission of this email to the legal authorities as precautionary. Why did they mail me a letter trying to intimidate me with threats, but not the information that I want to see, because the representative, Ms. Katilyn stated that the policy was a huge payout, so I received in the mail a check for $645.00 and that definitely is not considered a huge payout and I am returning it back to them as I stated in my letter, because all conversations were recorded, so it would definitely not be me falsifying about anything that I am submitting to you all. My brother has done fraudulent actions which had led me to notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the FTC, because his voice message he left on my phone stated that "He Sworn to Secrecy and he could not tell anyone anything." His whole team of schemers will be going down for his actions of FRAUD. Consumer Response /* (-5, 9, 2021/10/19) */ Good Afternoon Ms. Ledesma, I have yet to receive to date the requested information that I have been requesting from Gerber Life Insurance since September 3, 2021. I do not know if they sent me the letter dated September 24, 2021, or if Mr. ******** may have created this letter and sent it to me, because this is definitely not how a business would operate with sending me this letter with their "warning clause of trying to bully me" when my brother has done some fraudulent actions with other individuals that he has been caught with doing, so legal authorities have been notified. My request was asking that you all get from them the policy, the letter they received, and the letter they mailed in June to my mother's home address. Someone submitted the response to them and it definitely was not me, because I had no knowledge of the policy, so they had to receive a death certificate in order for them to process the claim. What was their reason for sending Mr. ******** copies of all the documentations I sent to them and why they keep going back and forth with me responding to my letters, but not sending me the information that I have been requesting or is this just a way for them to stall with trying to duplicate another policy? I also left you a voice message on your phone today, so these are the documents attached, but I do not have access as to uploading up the recordings. Thank you, Ms. ********. Business Response /* (4000, 10, 2021/10/20) */ Ms. ********, We apologize for the typo causing confusion. The package of information referred to in our last posting was sent to your attention at the address listed in the BBB Complaint. We have resent via overnight mail as of today to ensure your receipt of the information sent prior. Business Response /* (-10, 12, 2021/10/21) */ Addressing the additional concerns raised in the follow up messages provided by Ms. ********: The communications regarding the life insurance policy referenced in this inquiry has been reviewed. The premiums due on this policy were not paid since April 26, 2007. However, at the time of death of the insured, the policy was on reduced paid-up insurance for the cash value that this policy provided since April 26, 2007. A letter was sent to the insured on July 3, 2007, informing the insured that the policy premiums were not paid within the grace period and the cash value was used to purchase reduce paid-up insurance. On September 24, 2021, we sent the one named beneficiary a benefit check, which represented the reduced paid-up amount. Consumer Response /* (4200, 13, 2021/10/21) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I am writing to inform you that today I received a FEDEX envelope that was delivered from the Gerber Life Insurance Company. They provided me documents that were typed up and not from the original insurance policy. This is the reason for me to submit an additional rebuttal, because Gerber Life Insurance is trying to cover up a mistake that they made or either someone from their company is also in on the schemes of my brother and as I had stated before that I will bring them all down for their greed intentions. As I observed the documents enclosed and you had already received copies of all the letters that I had received from their company and at no time did I ever received the letter from them to my address dated "July 14, 2021, when they clearly mentioned in their letters/responses and rebuttal of my first complaint that we did not communicate until I received their letter to my address on September 3, 2021, which was the first time that I had communications with them and when I provided them my correct address information, as I had stated before, it was for them to mail to me the copy of the policy and the letter that they mailed to my mother which was dated June 4, 2021 and the information that they received as to who submitted the claim on my behalf along with a death certificate. On the recorded message that I had with the representative who did not know anything about a death muster and if they would like to hear this conversation, know that it can be provided for the legal authorities. The mistake they made when retyping up this letter is that they forgot to change the complete address information, because they removed the actual address of ********************************, ** **********. Now, when I examine all the other correspondence within this package it clearly has her actual address on "A" Street with the correct zip code. Then when Gerber Life Insurance provided me the 2 pages that mentioned Mr. ****** *. W*****, Executive Director, and Mr. William P. W****, Commissioner, please know that I stated that I need to review a copy of the original policy that had Mr. ****** ****** F******, **, Executive Director and Mr. ****** *. W*****, Superintendent of Insurance and this would reflect the actual amount of this policy. Apparently, they have gotten their selves in to deep of a hole and trying their best to submit pseudo documentations to get their selves out. As I told them prior I will definitely bring them all down and that is my promise on my deceased mother and to my family. Copy of this email is also being submitted to the legal authorities. Thank you, Ms. ******** Consumer Response /* (-5, 14, 2021/10/21) */ Good Afternoon Ms. Ledesma, I am writing to inform you that today I received a FEDEX envelope that was delivered from the Gerber Life Insurance Company. They provided me documents that were typed up and not from the original insurance policy. This is the reason for me to submit an additional rebuttal, because Gerber Life Insurance is trying to cover up a mistake that they made or either someone from their company is also in on the schemes of my brother and as I had stated before that I will bring them all down for their greed intentions. As I observed the documents enclosed and you had already received copies of all the letters that I had received from their company and at no time did I ever received the letter from them to my address dated "July 14, 2021, when they clearly mentioned in their letters/responses and rebuttal of my first complaint that we did not communicate until I received their letter to my address on September 3, 2021, which was the first time that I had communications with them and when I provided them my correct address information, as I had stated before, it was for them to mail to me the copy of the policy and the letter that they mailed to my mother which was dated June 4, 2021 and the information that they received as to who submitted the claim on my behalf along with a death certificate. On the recorded message that I had with the representative who did not know anything about a death muster and if they would like to hear this conversation, know that it can be provided for the legal authorities. The mistake they made when retyping up this letter is that they forgot to change the complete address information, because they removed the actual address of ********************************, ** **********. Now, when I examine all the other correspondence within this package it clearly has her actual address on "A" Street with the correct zip code. Then when Gerber Life Insurance provided me the 2 pages that mentioned Mr. ****** *. W*****, Executive Director, and Mr. William *. W****, Commissioner, please know that I stated that I need to review a copy of the original policy that had Mr. ****** ****** F******, **, Executive Director and Mr. ****** *. W*****, Superintendent of Insurance and this would reflect the actual amount of this policy. Apparently, they have gotten their selves in to deep of a hole and trying their best to submit pseudo documentations to get their selves out. As I told them prior I will definitely bring them all down and that is my promise on my deceased mother and to my family. Copy of this email is also being submitted to the legal authorities. Thank you, Ms. ******** Business Response /* (4000, 17, 2021/10/27) */ Addressing the additional concerns raised in the follow up messages provided by Ms. ********: The life insurance policy provided in our previous response was the full and complete version of the policy in question. This policy was provided to Ms. ******** as a duplicate policy under our normal business process and procedures. We also provided a copy of the letter we sent the insured in 2007 informing her that the policy is on Reduced Paid-Up insurance due to a stop in premium payments by the insured. The claim was initiated during our normal cross-check of the Social Security Death Master File, which is a database supported by the Social Security Administration. On September 24, 2021, we sent the beneficiary named on the policy (Ms. ********) the benefit check, which represented the full reduced insurance benefit due under this policy at the time the insured passed away. We do not have any further information to provide regarding this matter. Consumer Response /* (4200, 19, 2021/11/01) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) As I reviewed the policy from Gerber Life Insurance Company letters and the made-up policy that they sent via FedEx as a copy. I realized several pseudo statements are written in both. Ms. Tammy G****, you have yet to satisfy with making good on your responses and still have yet to provide me with the necessary information that I have requested numerous of times from Gerber Life Insurance, so yes you do have additional information that is required. I am also mailing out to you the check and highlighted mistakes in your made up correspondence, as I still await for the information that I requested below. Their letter indicates of them sending me a letter on July 14, 2021, and as I noticed on this made-up letter it has my actual address on it, but on the letter that they sent me in September has an incorrect address, but yet they stated that they used as company to locate me. Then it states that my address was verified on September 3, 2021 which it was, because I they were to send me copies of the policy, the letter, and the information that they received from someone who sent them information trying to submit a claim for the policy and yet to date they have not sent me the information. In their made-up letter it stated that the cause of death was needed to verify which would clearly indicate that a death certificate would need to be used as proof, because of items 1 through 4 is where this information if found. If no death certificate is needed, then who made the called and provided them the necessary information when clearly my letter stated that I had to provide such information and I told them each time I spoke with them that I would not provide any information until I receive the necessary documents. On their application for you - they removed the name of the Licensed Resident Agent and the date and the signature they have is definitely not of my mothers. On their Summary of General Purposes and Current Limitations of Coverage page - Mr. ****** *. W*****, Executive Director, phone number is not a real contact number and the fax number is Not In Service. When I compare their policy pages with mines there are definitely different, so as I stated in prior responses I WANT TO SEE THE ORIGINAL POLICY and not this one they quickly typed up. When Gerber Life Insurance responded to my inquiries they always used their First Class free postage, but when I received the check which came from the Gerber Life Insurance located at 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, New York, 10605 from a Wells Fargo Bank, but the postage was postmark from the Post Office on September 28, 2021, from Charlotte, North Carolina 28269 (sent to legal authorities). You speak of the Death Muster File, but on the recording conversation with your claims representative she had no clue of what that was when I asked her about it, so stop trying to act like you contacted them when she told me that Social Security submitted the claim on my behalf and when I contacted their main head quarters that too was a lie from your company. In July 2021, the address located at *********************************, ** ********** would have been in the possession of Mr. **** ****** ********, because he is the sole owner of that property, as he is renting it out to his buddy and has been doing this for several years. It was definitely no mistake of your statement indicating that you sent to Mr. ******** copies of my inquiries, because I sent him an email last week and acknowledge of receiving it along with all the threats, as he called them. Apparently, you all made a huge mistake with processing out this policy in 2020 and now you need to reify on good or inform those involved to reimburse you back the monies that is due to me and stop trying to see if I will provide you with information for you to cover up with additional schemers.

• Initial Complaint

  09/27/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Me and my child father had life insurance on each other we got it april 2019 my child father was killed in july 2 2021, i payed the insurance for over two years out my account with no problem and he was legally married they aint ask them type of questions when we got the policy and i never had insurance til then so i aint know what to expect so there giving me a hard time they ask for his obituary,death certificate i gave that to them and his death certificate states he died from a shooting so it was a homicide so there telling me i need to have his wife sign a authorization form to get his autopsy and toxicology report and thats not gonna happen she not gonna sign the form and i don't understand why would they need that when they have his death certificate stating the cause when i got my policy they aint ask was he married and this is my policy so i dont know why i need her to get my money that i payed for every month they are giving me a hard time and i need help goin about it

  Business response

  09/28/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/09/28) */ Thank you for bringing your concerns and experience to our attention. I would like the opportunity to look into this situation further and would need more information from you to do so. Please send additional information regarding the policy number that the claim has been submitted on directly to: ************************************* Gerber Life Insurance Company's Compliance Team Consumer Response /* (2000, 7, 2021/09/29) */ (The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.) Yes i will send in my policy number to the buisness so they can look it over and we can go from there as to what they response is to my problem Consumer Response /* (3000, 13, 2021/10/06) */ I didnt want it closed yet they havent help me with my issue i did do my part and sent in what i had to and they still havent respond to me Business Response /* (4000, 15, 2021/10/08) */ We received the requested information from Ms. ******* on September 29,2021. We have sent our response to Ms. ******* via certified mail on October 7, 2021. The letter of explanation provided as to why medical records are needed to complete the claim review and is due to policy. To obtain the medical records, we need the authorization from the next of kin. We are also trying to obtain the needed documentation through the police department and coroner's office. Consumer Response /* (4200, 17, 2021/10/11) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) No because i dont have a way to get a signature from next of kin so where does that go! And i told them plenty times i dont have a way to get a signature and they not giving me no resolution to go about it!

• Initial Complaint

  09/25/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a plan that was completely false advertisement. I was told by a sales associate that when I purchased this plan that gerber would match my amount and my kids woulda each receive a 25,000.00 check that could be used for college, cars or any necessities they will need. 11 months later and I have found out through social media that what my kids have was just a life insurance plan. I feel taken advantage of by gerber and that they false advertised so that I could purchase a plan. I am looking for a full refund of my payments from the past 11 months. I am a single mother and used the little extra cash i had to what I thought would benefit my kids and now am completely devastated and need a refund so that I can put that money down towards a new college plan for both of my children. I had been with them since 9/2020 and they are telling me no refunds even tho I was completely lied to by their sales rep. After asking her multiple times and her reassuring me.

  Business response

  10/07/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/10/07) */ Your inquiry on behalf of ****** ***** has been received and reviewed. We appreciate the opportunity to address the concerns raised by Ms. *****. Gerber Life has sent a separate detailed letter to Ms. ***** providing a copy of the marketing material provided and the completed application that was received. The policies were issued, based off of the application received and were provided to Ms. ***** containing full policy provisions and a 30-Day Right to Examine. This provision is to provide sufficient time to review the policies and to decide if the coverage met Ms. *****'s needs and expectations. We did not receive the request for cancellation during the provision period and coverage was provided while the policies remained in force. Due to coverage being provided, we are unable to issue a refund of all premiums paid on the policies. Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2021/10/08) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) Please go back and review the phone call between the sales rep and myself. You will hear complete false advertisement and she said she was reading it herself. I listened to one of your sales rep in complete confidence and reviewed evehrhing with her and that is why I signed immediately without reviewing the agreement. Due to ur rep false advertising just to get a sale. I would like a refund for as much possible if you can not do the full refund. Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2021/10/12) */ Please provide the phone number that the initial call was made to/from. All conversations were reviewed under the number provided in complaint and in our file. The application submitted for coverage was based off mailed material and currently we can not identify that contact was made to one of our agents to review coverage options prior to application being received and policies being issued. We would be glad to look into your concerns further but are in need of more information to do so. Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2021/10/13) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) The phone number that I called from is ************ please review the call Consumer Response /* (-5, 13, 2021/10/13) */ ***Document Attached*** Attached is the phone record before I signed the agreement Consumer Response /* (-5, 14, 2021/10/13) */ ***Document Attached*** I was even referring my family to the gerber plan as told by me from your own rep. These were ur reps exact words to me as well. Business Response /* (4000, 15, 2021/10/20) */ The communications regarding the two life insurance policies referenced in this inquiry have been reviewed. Gerber Life did not misrepresent any information or documents regarding the policies that were applied for and premiums paid on. During the one telephone call made to Gerber Life prior to mailing in the life insurance application to us, the call center associate provided verification that we were a "legit" company and where the application should be sent. There was not a discussion regarding policy coverage, options, or suitability at that time. In addition, the life insurance policies mailed to this customer provided all of the policy provisions including under what circumstances the benefits would be paid and that they are Whole Life policies. Upon receipt of the policies, the customer was given 30 days to review them during which time if they are not satisfied, they could have returned them for a full premium refund only during that 30-day period. The customer did not contact us within 30 days and coverage was provided from the effective date of the policies until the recent cancellation of these life insurance policies.

• Initial Complaint

  09/07/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have contact Gerber life insurance several times and in several ways for the last 5 years to stop mailings to *************************************. But nothing works. These mailing bring up a lot a nightmareish memory 's. I can not seem to get them to stop. Can you help or do I need to file a a complaint through the court system ?

  Business response

  09/13/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/09/13) */ Dear Mr.***** To comply with your request, we will not be providing a separate response directly to you addressing the concern raised here but have provided our response only through the BBB website. Our records show that you contacted us on June 10th, 2021 to have your address removed from our mailing system but were unable to provide an updated address for items to be mailed to. Due to this, required notices were still being sent to the address and to the person(s) on file. I apologize for this occurring. At this time, I have ensured that your address has been removed from our system and have verified that you are on our internal Do Not Mail list. Due to our mailing campaigns being completed over the course for several months, you may still receive some items until the mailing campaigns catch up with system information. Gerber Life Insurance takes these matters seriously and I thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2021/09/14) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I will see if I get any mailings after a 6 month period. Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2021/09/22) */ The correspondence has been received and reviewed. However, a response from Gerber Life at this point is not applicable. Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2021/09/23) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I have heard all this before. And 6 months later I start receiving letters, Bill's, payment,notices,additional coverage propaganda ect... Business Response /* (4000, 13, 2021/09/27) */ Mr.***** and his address has been added to our Do Not Mail list which does not expire. An additional response from Gerber Life at this point is not applicable.

• Initial Complaint

  08/31/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am a single mother, I have only one smart and wonderful child who I always encouraged to learn as much as you can while education is free because when you grow up; college cost a lot of money that I no longer have because I am permanently disabled now and can no longer work. In doing my due diligence as soon as I was awarded my unemployment insurance benefits and backpay; I saw an email from the 'Gerber Life Partners' on 02/05/15 asking "Is your child's financial future secure?" and I contacted the company 1 day after getting my award letter from my attorney on 09/06/17. I received 22 from the urgent type messages from the Gerber company saying secure your 'Grow Up' plan benefits by giving them my checking info. It was supposed to be a "FREE QUOTE"?. The plan was supposed give my son the option to cash out on his 18th birthday or let it stay until he was 21 and the plan would double from $50,000 to $100,00. She said because of his age (13) my monthly premium will be $55.62 monthly

  Business response

  09/07/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/09/07) */ Your inquiry on behalf of Ms. ****** has been received and reviewed. We appreciate the opportunity to address the concerns of Ms. ******. The policy was issued and provided on October 4, 2017 which contained the full policy provisions and a 30-Day Right to Examine. The request for refund is being received outside of that provision period. The money paid for this policy provided life insurance protection during the time that the policy was in force. If the death of the insured had occurred while coverage was in force and the claim was approved, the appropriate benefit amount would have been paid to the beneficiary. For that reason, we are unable to provide a refund of premiums paid. Gerber Life has sent a separate detailed letter to Ms. ******. We have included with the letter a surrender form, if she chooses to take that option.

  Business response

  09/07/2021

  Your inquiry on behalf of **************** has been received and reviewed. We appreciate the opportunity to address the concerns of ****************.
  
  The policy was issued and provided on October 4, 2017 which contained the full policy provisions and a 30-Day Right to Examine. The request for refund is being received outside of that provision period. The money paid for this policy provided life insurance protection during the time that the policy was in force. If the death of the insured had occurred while coverage was in force and the claim was approved, the appropriate benefit amount would have been paid to the beneficiary. For that reason, we are unable to provide a refund of premiums paid.
  
  Gerber Life has sent a separate detailed letter to ****************. We have included with the letter a surrender form, if she chooses to take that option.
  

  Customer response

  05/27/2022

   
  Complaint: 16712060
  
  I am rejecting this response because: 

  On Saturday, September 02, 2017 I was contacted by an attorney firm with the results of my determination hearing for social security disability insurance. I had been a married single mother and my only child was about to start high school. I had all my calendars and planners (even till this date) getting ready for the first week of school and hoping for a miracle because I also need uniforms for this School. Without any support from the other parent, family and friends I had been depressed and seeing a psychiatrist and was diagnosed for bi-polar 2 and depression; all I knew was I was having a nervous breakdown. Bills were piling up and the home I am in was falling apart and in foreclosure and to top it all my son was still excelling in school. I was granted my SSI/DISB benefits and back pay. I was also without a vehicle and preferred a roof over our head and concerned with my son's college education. I hoped for grants and scholarships but I received an email in February 2015 from Gerber ************* regarding securing my child's financial future planning for college. The ******** ***** of ****** and ***** Services made me open an email address for employment and correspondence (******************************). It has never changed and I have never deleted any emails. Especially any emails from Gerber.

  
  

  My conversation to ******, the representative of Gerber, was simple. I asked if it is too late to start a College Plan program where my son at 14yrs old receives money on his 18th birthday and is able to go ahead and use the money for college in lieu of loans and if he does not use the money at 18 years he can allow it to double by his 21st birthday. If he wants to continue instead of cashing out on his 18th birthday so his policy can double. No monthly payment arrangements were made. No dollar amounts per month was discussed on September 2, 2017. ****** asked for my name and address, my date of birth and email address and phone number. He also asked for my son's name and date of birth. As I explained to ****** that I would be getting a lump sum starting in October 2017 sent to a prepaid card I received with the letter from Social Security. He suggested I open a checking account so I can avoid fees when I do begin a plan. I ended the call without taking any surveys or going online to begin making payments. No payments were discussed.

  
  

  Before I called Gerber back to set up any payments on the College Plan, I opened up a Chase checking account just in time for my back pay to be deposited. I gathered up my past due bills and paid the taxes on my home. Once I called Gerber back and discussed the amount to pay monthly in detail. I was still dealing with ****** because when I called they pulled my account up by my phone number ***********. I was told that the contracts will be in the mail for me to sign. I was given Gerber website www.gerberlife.com/eservice to go on to make my payments for free. I was not given options of different plans. The email and text I received immediately gave no indication of what policy it was posted to. I began making a 90 day payment plan. I paid in advance to make sure no way they can say I missed a payment or paid late. 

  
  

  In 2018 I contacted Gerber to change my name back to my maiden name. In Dec 2020 I called Gerber because it was coming close to the mature date and I read through every piece of correspondence and no details of how to get my money. The person who answered in December refused to give me any information on how to get the money on his birthday. She just said that the policy has not matured and only about $80+/- can be had. I said I don't want my money early and told her I am not borrowing money from this plan ever! She rushed me off the phone just kept saying the policy is not matured and not eligible for the full amount of $50,000 due on his 18th birthday.

  
  

  In March 2021 before my son's 18th birthday March 10, ************************************************************************ I can't get my money for college. Then she said I don't have a College Plan. She said this policy is set up for life insurance. I told her then put it on the right plan because I know what I have been paying on? She said if this was a college plan the beneficiary was supposed to be Me? and I asked because I am confused as to why she is saying I don't get money for my son's college or anything because this is a whole life insurance policy and payable upon his death. Meaning the death of my son. I told her to listen to the recorded call and she can hear all my calls and know I am telling the truth and if they did not have the College Plan Policy I wanted, why not say that instead of applying my money to the wrong plan.  She seemed sincere and said she will call back after they review the calls.

  
  

  When she called back she started asking me if I had a different phone number? I told her No. She then said after reviewing their records they don't show I called in September 2017. She now denied the call happened. Explained I never began this policy until October 3rd 2017 and it does not show I paid for whole life insurance which is death benefits for my son. Since then I asked for my full refund if they are not going to honor their agreement and payout $50,000 on 03/10/2021. I took the time and paid my cell company and retrieved the records of my phone calls from the beginning. Upon review of those calls proof of them lying will be evident. My emails and texts show I was paying GLI* , which I assumed was Gerber **************** Company. I found multiple (over 20) texts sent to me with the advertisement and solicitation of their grow up plan and also several deceitful emails saying I applied and began a grow up policy with Gerber.

  
  

  I never signed a contract and since I have discovered their deceit they have made several attempts to obtain my identification and signature. When I asked for my money back in March 2021 they mailed me an application for me to borrow $82.00 out of the $2169.64 that I have made to them in payments. I want all my money back or the $50,000 they promised me by 03/10/2021. 

  
  

  Please let me know how I can get these papers to you. I am willing to upload via pdf. or bring the copies. I was sent emails and letters all asking me to sign a insurance policy and I never signed, agreed or returned a contract. The most recent documents they sent to me on page 17 says I signed a contract on September 2, 2017 --- they do not have my signature and date of file.

  
  

  First lie they wrote is that I signed a contract on ******. I did not make any payment arrangements until October and the start state was November for all to begin. I paid in advance of the actual first due date. Second lie I have a Grow Up policy instead of a College Plan policy. Third lie they said my calls did not exist and I sent proof. Fourth lie is they said I had a 90 days tool kit sent to me so I can back out if this is not what I wanted. Nothing was ever received with that option or information. Fifth lie they are not providing any proof that I signed a whole life insurance policy. Until Covid my son had never missed a day of school, and along with perfect attendance he also has maintained a 4.0 GPA. He is now attending MSU full ride scholarship plus room and board.

  
  

  Please help me 

  
  

  Thank you in advance

  
  

  
  

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************

  Business response

  06/03/2022

  The follow up inquiry on behalf of ******************* has been received and reviewed.  We have sent a separate letter to **************** with more details than can be provided here.
  
  We have searched our records under her name, her sons name, the address provided, the email provided, the eService account, and the phone number provided but was not able to locate another application being received other than the one received via the internet for the Grow Up Plan life insurance policy. 

  Since this policy has provided life insurance protection during the time that the policy has been in force, the request for a full refund of premiums paid or $50,000 is not an option. This decision was communicated in our previous correspondence.
  
  We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance. 

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩