A Montérégie resident, Érick Chatel, set his home on fire twice in an attempt to claim a $532,000 insurance payout that would alleviate his substantial debts. However, the court ruled against him, and he is now liable for over $85,000 to his insurer.
Background on Financial Struggles
Chatel’s financial troubles began in early 2022. At that time, he was grappling with debts exceeding $60,000. His only source of income was minimal payments from employment insurance.
Incidents Leading to the Court Case
On March 2, 2022, a bailiff representing Desjardins Financial was demanding immediate payment of $22,766 from Chatel. Just days later, two fires occurred at his Sorel-Tracy home.
- The first fire ignited on March 10, causing partial damage.
- The second, more devastating blaze completely destroyed the house.
Local firefighters battled the flames for over seven hours. The cause of the fires was initially undetermined, prompting an investigation by the Sûreté du Québec.
Insurance Claim Denied
After the flames were extinguished, Chatel filed a claim for $532,000. However, Desjardins rejected the claim, suspecting foul play.
Evidence of Arson
Investigators uncovered that Chatel lied about his whereabouts on the days of the fires. Furthermore, gas cans and a ready-to-use Molotov cocktail were found in his shed. An engineering report revealed three fire sources, contradicting Chatel’s assertion that an electrical panel caused the fire.
Legal Consequences
The court determined that Chatel acted in bad faith regarding his insurance contract. As a result, he must repay over $85,000 to Desjardins, which had already covered his mortgage balance and provided relocation assistance following the fire.
Additionally, Chatel is responsible for more than $6,466 in expert fees incurred during the trial.
This case highlights the severe consequences of attempting insurance fraud and the strict scrutiny that such claims undergo in the judicial system.
