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About Claims Guy
Expertise
I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer......I can answer questions related to any aspect of Automobile insurance claims and coverages. I can provide an inside look at how insurers operate. I always treat my customers fairly and want to help make sure you are treated fairly. However, please keep in mind that being treated fairly according to the law does not guarantee that you will get what you want. I can also answer some questions regarding Homeowner's and other types of insurance claims. I have handled all types of auto insurance claims and coverages. I am NOT an automotive repair expert but can give advice re how insurers handle complex repair issues. Please keep in mind that every state has its own set of laws pertaining to rules of the road, liability, and insurance. No one is an expert on every state. I am most familiar with laws in Maryland, DC, West Virginia, and Virginia, but will attempt to answer questions for other states.

Experience
I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer.

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Finance and have completed the AIC and CPCU designations.

You are here: Experts > Autos > Auto Insurance > Auto Insurance Claims > Lapse

Auto Insurance Claims - Lapse

Expert: Claims Guy - 11/8/2009

Question
Hi,
I was in a wreck where an uninsured motorist hit and totaled my truck. I was not at fault but had to file on my insurance because the party at fault had no insurance. Since my vehicle was totaled I had no other vehicle to drive and also my foot was fractured and I was on crutches. 2 months later I go to get insurance and find out my insurance has thripled because they said I lapsed . I don't understand how this could be if they totaled my truck and I notified them I had no vehicle but of course they have no record of my call. So now I am wondering can I have the lapse removed from my record because they totaled my vehicle and now say I lapsed last month when my truck was declared a total in aug.

Answer
I'm a little confused by the question. You seem to be saying they tripled your premium because it lapsed? I've never heard of this before. The lapse simply means you did not pay. The policy goes out of force and that should be it. It should not increase premiums.

Are you saying they want you to pay for the back months while the policy was out of force? Unless you had a 2nd accident, this would be pointless - you don't need any coverage for that.

They should simply start a new policy when you get a replacement vehicle. If they won't do this, they are unreasonable, and I would shop for a new insurance company.

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