How can I challenge an accident claim under my name?
I live in California, and about three years ago, my ex-partner reported a incident when I scratched our car against a pole while exiting a parking garage. I was listed on his insurance policy at the time. Fortunately, no one was injured and the police were not involved, but this incident has resulted in an accident record that is significantly increasing my insurance premiums.
Is there any way to dispute or remove this from my record? I’ve read that such incidents can be cleared after three years, but now that the time has passed, I’m still facing high insurance quotes due to this claim. Any advice would be appreciated!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds really frustrating. Here are some steps you can take to dispute the accident and potentially have it removed from your record:
Contact Your Insurance Company: Start by reaching out to your current insurance provider. Explain the situation in detail, including that the claim was submitted by your ex without your consent and that there were no injuries or police involvement. Ask them how this claim is impacting your premiums and if they can offer any solutions.
Obtain Your Driving Record: Request a copy of your driving record from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This will help you confirm that the accident is still listed and provide you with an official document to refer to when disputing it.
Gather Evidence: If possible, compile any evidence you have that supports your claim, such as documentation showing that the accident was minor and that no formal report was filed. This can include photographs, repair estimates, or any correspondence with your ex or their insurance.
File a Dispute with the DMV: If your driving record accurately reflects the accident but you believe it was reported incorrectly, you can file a dispute with the DMV. You may need to provide them with supporting evidence for your claim.
Insurance Reporting Agencies: Accidents can be reported to agencies like the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE). You might also consider contacting them to dispute the incident on your record if it was inaccurately reported.
Consult a Lawyer: If the dispute process seems complicated or you feel you need professional help, consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in insurance disputes. They can give you legal insights on your situation and help advocate on your behalf.
Monitor Your Insurance Quotes: Continue to shop around for insurance quotes from different companies. Some may be more lenient than others regarding accidents. Over time, especially after three years, some insurers may begin to overlook minor incidents.
Check for Expungement Options: California has specific rules about how long certain incidents affect your insurance rates. Even if the claim remains on your record, some insurance companies might stop considering it after a certain period.
By following these steps, you’ll be taking proactive measures to dispute the accident and potentially lower your insurance costs over time. Good luck!