Insurance co. may 'total out' dog hit by minivan

[August 17, 2011]  PARKER, Colo. (AP) -- A Parker, Colo., woman was devastated when her dog was hit by a minivan last week and the driver's insurance company told her they'd pay for one or two trips to the vet and would then "total out" her dog.

Farmers' Insurance sent Marcia Pinkstaff a letter stating it would reimburse her for the initial trip to the veterinarian and would consider paying for a follow-up exam but nothing more.

According to KMGH-TV (http://bit.ly/mYGv1u), a spokesman for Farmers said the phrase "totaling out" is industry jargon and refers to the property damage part of a policy.

Farmers' vice president Jerry Davies says he's sorry about the circumstances because he also has a dog.

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Information from: KMGH-TV, http://www.thedenverchannel.com/

[Associated Press]

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