OMG,, car insurance company ordeal,,,,,
Find a Conversation
OMG,, car insurance company ordeal,,,,,
| Fri, 11-11-2005 - 1:48am |
I have been in a bind financially lately,, just bills that are too high, and I'm trying to do a re-fi on my new house I got last year but my credit scores are too low. Anyhow, I'm working on paying some balances down and taking care of a couple of collection accounts so I can remedy this situation. I know, its my fault, clearly. Well I let my car insurance lapse for 2 months due to my money situation and damn gas prices. Well this makes me nervous since I have a 2003 car that I am financing on but I have been really careful driving,, and I have a garage now so atleast my car wont get stolen if its parked at my house. Well, I called my insurance company, A-Plus (formerly CA Casualty) and I verified all my info with them, nothing had changed, etc and I was prepared to get reinstated today since I got paid and so on. Well, you wouldn't believe what they wanted. They said I am considered a new customer, fair enough I said. After 60 days, you have to re-qualify for the rate, etc. Well because I had a two month lapse (First time it EVER happened), I am a much higher risk, even though I am very low risk. I work for a police dept(I should know better, I know), flawless driving record, home owner with garage and I carpool to work alot. They more than DOUBLED my rate. And to make matters worse, they said I had to pay my entire year premium upfront to get reinstated. I practically fell out of my chair. I wanted to cry at my desk at work. I don't have that money right now and that is ricidulous. I guess this is a common practice with insurance companies,, when you let your policy lapse and want to re-start it, they gouge you terribly. 7 years with this insurance company and this is what I get. Well in a panic, I called Geico (not my favorite since they all basically suck) and the insurance agent took all my info,, and got me a policy put together,, and I am only paying about $10 a month more than I did with my other company. I had to fork out a little bit of money today since they break the premiums up in 4-payments for a 6 month period, and I wont get billed the last 2 months so that's ok. But I am also not insured for nearly as much as I was with A-Plus. I guess it was a big mistake letting my car insurance lapse with my old company. The good news is, I could always increase my policy and the rate was still affordable, and once I get my refi and get my car paid off,, I think I'm going to just get liability. But I am covered now, and I am so angry with A-Plus for trying to get me to pay that much money for another policy. I am glad I called someone else but I am still a little frustrated. The Geico guy said my rate will more than likely go down once I stay with them. Well, just a word to the wise.. if you have a good and affordable car insurance plan, stick with it. I can't imagine paying $250 or $300 a month for car insurance though I know some people do.This story had a somewhat happy ending I guess,, could be worse. I could of gotten into an accident or had my vehicle stolen during the lapse in coverage. I am grateful nothing happened but my co-worker's daughter wasn't so lucky. Her daughter wrecked her car last week that she was co-signed for. And yup, no insurance and the guy she hit is furious,, and it looks like he didnt have any insurance either. So it is not worth the risk people. If you own a place like me, you can get sued and lose alot. Thanks for letting me vent-K

Anyhow, I am glad you have insurance again, it must give you a sense of peace. Insurance is right up there as far as priorities when paying the bills...the only other one that is more important is the rent/mortgage payment, IMHO.
I am so glad that it worked out for you...i worry about my brother because he is doing the same thing. I told him it is nuts, but I am just his big sister, what do i know?
Heather
OMG, I am SOOOO sorry that happened to you. What a rip-off! I'm glad it had a pseudo-happy ending, and I'm also REALLY glad you posted about it. Who knew? We can all learn from your expensive mistake--thank you.
Blessings,
Heather