Subject: California Car Insurance Troubles
Hello everyone,
I recently relocated to California, and I’m facing some challenges while trying to secure car insurance. Both Geico and Costco have denied coverage based on their records, which indicate that I have:
- A 6-month suspension
- An at-fault accident
- A lending loss
The problem is, I’m not aware of any of these issues. The only two incidents I can think of are failing to return a license plate in New York (which I’ve already paid the fine for) and having my catalytic converter stolen in Arizona, which caused some damage to my vehicle.
My records with the NY and AZ DMVs are clean, with no reported issues. Is there something I might be missing?
I’ve found some insurers with more lenient policies, but their quotes would triple my current insurance costs.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
It sounds frustrating to deal with unexpected issues when trying to secure car insurance in California. Here are a few steps you could take to resolve this situation:
Request a Copy of Your Driving Record: Contact the DMV in New York, Arizona, and California to obtain a complete driving record. This will help you verify what insurers see on their end and may reveal errors or outdated information.
Check for Errors: If you notice any discrepancies or errors in your driving record, you can dispute these with the DMV to have them corrected.
Clear Up Misunderstandings: The terms “lending loss” or “suspension” could indicate something that’s not necessarily related to your driving behavior. Reach out to the insurance companies directly to get clarification on why they list those issues. It could be that they received incorrect information from a third party.
Consider a Broker: An insurance broker might have access to more options and could help you find a policy that’s more affordable and better suited to your situation without tripling your costs.
Investigate Non-Standard Insurers: Some insurance companies specialize in high-risk drivers. They might offer competitive rates before your record is fully cleared.
Keep Documentation Handy: Since you mentioned clearing fines and a clean record in other states, having documentation supporting your case can help when negotiating with insurers.
Ask for Re-evaluation: Some insurers may be willing to re-evaluate your risk profile if you can provide evidence that the issues listed don’t pertain to you or have been resolved.
Navigating car insurance can be tricky, especially after a move. Stay persistent and thorough in your approach, and hopefully, you’ll find a solution that works for you!