Subject: Confusing Insurance Mix-Up – Need Advice on Next Steps
Hello everyone! I’m in a bit of a strange situation and could use some advice on whether to involve a lawyer and what my next steps should be.
Here’s the situation: After joining my boyfriend’s insurance plan, we discovered that our monthly premium has been overcharged by roughly $800. I haven’t had any accidents or claims in seven years, so this was unexpected.
Typically, we pay our premiums bi-annually, so it wasn’t until the following month — when we were billed again — that we realized something was off. Upon some digging, we found out that the insurance company confused me with another person who shares my first name and birthday, and this person has had three accidents in the last two years, two of which occurred in the past year.
When we contacted the insurance company about the payment being flagged as suspicious by our bank (likely due to the high amount), they advised us to continue making payments to avoid losing our benefits. They also suggested that I obtain a CLUE report from LexisNexis and send it to them. However, they mentioned that they have no way to verify that I’m not the other person.
I’m not upset with the customer service representatives who were really helpful, but this is certainly a troubling situation involving a significant amount of money that we shouldn’t be liable for.
I’m looking for advice on how to proceed. If I get my CLUE report and email it to my insurance, do you think I could get reimbursed? Should I consider involving a lawyer?
Thank you so much for any input you may have!
It sounds like a frustrating and confusing situation, and I can understand why you’re feeling apprehensive about how to move forward. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Obtain Your CLUE Report: Start by requesting your CLUE report from LexisNexis, as advised by your insurance company. This report will provide you with your accident and claims history, which is crucial in proving your standing.
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications you have with your insurance company, including dates, times, names of representatives, and what was discussed. Also, make sure to retain copies of any emails, bills, and reports you send or receive.
Communicate Clearly: Once you receive your CLUE report, email it to your insurance company as instructed. Make sure to clearly explain the situation again and emphasize that you have no claims or accidents in your history.
Ask for a Formal Review: Request a formal review of your policy based on the evidence you provide. Make sure they understand that you should not be held financially liable for the other person’s claims.
Consider a Follow-Up Call: If you don’t receive a satisfactory response in a reasonable amount of time, don’t hesitate to follow up with a phone call to ensure your case is being processed.
Escalate If Necessary: If the situation doesn’t resolve, consider asking to speak with a supervisor or a claims manager. They may have more authority to rectify the issue.
Get Legal Advice: If you still encounter resistance, it might be wise to consult with a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims. They can provide guidance on whether legal action is appropriate and what your options are.
File a Complaint: If all else fails, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner. They can investigate practices in the insurance industry and may help resolve your issue.
It’s important to remain proactive and persistent. You deserve to pay only what’s fair, and keeping all your documentation organized will help your case significantly. Good luck!