Dear Claudienne

At about 9.30 am on July 28,2010, my 1998 Toyota Caldino motor car was hit by a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus at the intersection of King Street and Barry Street downtown Kingston. I am insured with Advantage General Insurance Company through a broker. I reported the accident to my insurance company and submitted the police report and other documents. I also went to the JUTC accident investigator at the Spanish Town Depot and informed him of the accident. However, up to now the JUTC has not reported the accident to their insurance company.

Could you kindly assist me to have the JUTC deal with this matter.

CF

Dear CF

The Legal department of the JUTC informed us that the accident investigator had not yet submitted a report for them to send to the insurance company.

Since we spoke to the JUTC, the corporate communications manager wrote Tell Claudienne the following:

“Unfortunately, due to a combination of circumstances, including a number of logistical factors, the internal accident report on the particular collision is only just being completed. This is something the company wishes to apologise for, as such an inordinate delay in the process is not acceptable, and we are endeavouring to remove such potential glitches in the future.

“The accident report is now slated for submission to our insurance company, but it is to be noted that the recommendation from the internal investigation points to the third party (you) as having been at fault in respect of the collision.”

Please check with your broker.

Good luck.

Dear Claudienne

I live in Port Antonio. On December 9, 2010, I entered into a water supply contract with the National Water Commission (NWC). I received the first bill in January for $7,184.47 and it was indicated that the meter was read. The second bill dated February 11, 2011 was estimated and the amount due was $13,510.09.

Could you please look into the matter for me because right now I am fretting that my third bill will be between $26,000 to $30,000. I don’t want to lose my supply of water. I am willing to pay but this estimated bill is too much.

Kindly look into this matter for me.

LM

Dear LM

The NWC has informed us that your meter has now been read and an adjustment made on your March bill. It was explained to Tell Claudienne that the adjustment has resulted in your account being credited $5,378.99.

However, the NWC said that the Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR) allows the company to send a consumer three estimated bills in succession. If the consumer is sent a fourth successive estimated bill, the NWC is required to pay a penalty fee to the customer’s account.

Good luck.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 936-9436 or write to: Tell Claudienne c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail: edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.