Challenges with California Car Insurance
Hello everyone,
I recently relocated to California, and I’m facing some problems securing car insurance with Geico and Costco. According to their records, I have:
- a 6-month suspension
- an at-fault accident
- a lending loss
The strange part is that I’m not aware of any issues that would warrant this. The only problems I’ve experienced are forgetting to return a license plate to New York when I moved (which I have since resolved by paying the fine) and having my catalytic converter stolen while I lived in Arizona, which resulted in damage to my vehicle.
Both the New York and Arizona DMVs show that my driving record is clean, with no issues. Is there something I’m missing here?
I could opt for a more lenient insurer, but that would significantly increase my insurance premiums.
I appreciate any insights or advice! Thanks!
It sounds like you’re dealing with some frustrating challenges in your car insurance search after moving to California. Here are a few suggestions to help you navigate the situation:
Contact the Insurance Companies Directly: Reach out to Geico and Costco directly to inquire about the specific reasons for the issues showing up on their end. Sometimes, there can be errors in the system or miscommunications that can be clarified.
Check Your Driving Records: Even though you mentioned that your NY and AZ DMV records are clear, consider checking if there are any discrepancies or errors on your record that might not have been updated. You might want to obtain a copy of your driving history from both states to ensure everything is accurate.
Look Into Your Credit Report: Sometimes, insurers consider credit history when evaluating risk. It might be worth checking your credit report for any inconsistencies that might be impacting your insurance quotes.
Ask About Underwriting Guidelines: Different insurers can have varying criteria for accepting clients, so it might help to ask other car insurance providers what their underwriting guidelines are. This can give you a better sense of which companies might be more lenient.
Consider a Broker: Insurance brokers can help you find options tailored to your situation. They often have insights into which companies are more lenient for drivers with unique records and could potentially save you money.
File a Complaint: If you truly believe there is an error or miscommunication leading to these issues, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department. They might be able to help resolve discrepancies.
Explore Non-owner Insurance: If your main concern is just getting on the road temporarily, consider looking into non-owner car insurance, which can sometimes be cheaper until you resolve these issues.
Make sure to document all your communications and stay persistent in resolving the discrepancies. Good luck!