Expert: Bennie719 - 3/31/2008

Question
Had accident 2/18/08 making left--considered legally wrong. I'm still convinced that the other driver COULD have avoided hitting me--he came out of another lane; pulled to my front end rather than towards my rear; never braked and accelerated as I accelerated to get out of his way. It was really strange.

Having said that I was still given the citation. Never been uninsured by Geico for 34 years; never had an accident--not even fender bender.  Because of relocating; the notices for my January policy renewal were returned to Geico.  They admit they received them--and therefore know I didn't. They had my email address--and I've recently found out that they even had my NEW address but still failed to notify me.  (I might add that my new address is much less prestigeous than my former one.  Could this be a factor??) They have refused to honor my claim--haven't even gone to check damage to the car.  I am in a pickle--not ever having had to deal with an accident before.  The car is at the body shop where it was leased from.  I understand that because I leased through the bank--that there was no "gap" insurance.  I am still making payments on the lease.  I am living on retirement and have no way to even rent a car--much less hire a lawyer.  I have to get a lift now to even go the grocery store.

I've enlisted the help of the insurance commisioner--but it's more than 4 weeks now and I'm still waiting for their response.  Is there a time limit for me to be more proactive?  What do I do now??  How can they be so rigid and insensitive to my plight as a long time customer?  It's really disheartening and a dissapointment.  What can I do?

Answer
Hi Toni,
I'm sorry to learn of your predicament.  It normally takes the office of the insurance commissioner at least 30 days or more to investigate your complaint.  If they find that Geico fulfilled all their legal obligations by sending your bill, they will not force Geico to cover the claim.  One of the factors in their decision will be your responsibility to make a change of address at the post office, which would have meant that all your mail would have been forwarded without interruption.  Also, since you are aware that you have a payment due every 30 days, they will consider the fact that you could have gone into the office of any Geico agent and made a payment.
In my opinion, your moving to a different neighborhood has no bearing.
I don't see an easy solution to your problem.  Please write me again after the insurance commissioner renders his decision on your complaint.
Good luck,
Bennie