Court Sides With The Personal in Dispute Over 14-Hour Psychological Assessment
A Canadian court has ruled in favour of The Personal insurance company in a dispute involving a claimant who sought funding for a 14-hour psychological assessment. The decision highlights the judiciary's careful scrutiny of extensive psychological testing in auto insurance claims.
What happened
A Canadian court has ruled against a driver who was seeking coverage for a 14-hour psychological assessment as part of an insurance dispute with The Personal. The decision underscores how courts are scrutinizing requests for unusually lengthy psychological evaluations in motor vehicle claims.
What it means for consumers
Policyholders pursuing psychological injury claims should expect insurers and courts to carefully evaluate the necessity and scope of requested assessments. Claimants working with their legal representatives may need to justify why a standard evaluation would not suffice before courts will approve more extensive testing.
What it means for premiums
No direct premium change has been announced.
Coverage considerations
This ruling reinforces that policyholders are entitled to reasonable and proportionate assessment costs, not necessarily the most extensive or expensive evaluations available. Insurers may use such decisions to push back on costly assessment requests, while claimants may face additional hurdles in demonstrating the medical necessity of extended psychological testing. The outcome could shape how both sides approach documentation and expert evidence in future claims involving psychological injuries.