On August 29, 2005 my home and belongings washed away in the storm surge of Hurricane Katrina. Prior to the storm I had financed a computer purchase through Dell. This computer was destroyed in the storm. I now have a collection agency threatening legal action to collect for the balance of the computer plus about 2000.00 in finance charges and late fees. My federal flood insurance proceeds did not include any contents coverage at all, only structure damage and loss. I have been told by several people that items lost in natural disasters are exempt from collection action as stated by the Fair Trade Consumer Protection Act. However, I can't find information on this particular issue anywhere. Can anyone help me, provide assistance, or guidance? I have been all over the FTC website to no avail. Thank you!
Collection Agency threatening legal action for item lost in natural disaster...?agv
Acermill is correct, this would not be included. It is covered in your insurance. I have no idea why you thought not to have insurance but you made that personal choice. Now, you have to abide by the choices you made and pay the bill for the item that you purchased.
Dell would have most likely waived the extra fees under the circumstances, but you did not deal with it and it is no longer in their control. You can try talking the collection agency into waiving fines if you pay for your merchandise.
Collection Agency threatening legal action for item lost in natural disaster...?antivirus software
Such items are NOT exempt, and that's why you can't find it on the FTC website. It is not Dell's fault that Hurricane Katrina came blasting through the way it did. You are expected to carry personal insurance coverage in such an event, or be prepared to pay for the loss out of your own pocket.
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