Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 1/31/2010

Question
I read one of your answers about Insurance Surcharge Appeals and the likelyhood of winning on an appeal based on weather conditions.  While I agree with you comments about accepting the risks of driving in adverse weather, what about adverse road conditions?  In my situation I was driving to work several hours after snowfall had ended and most roads I drove on were fine until I literally crossed a townline and the road went from no worries to did they even plow/salt/sand these things?  How do you think an appeal would go based on that?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Mathew,

I would have to say that my opinion would be the same. The insurance companies position will be that you should know that in a snow storm some roads will be clear while others may not be. That the quality and frequency of snow plowing, salting and sanding will vary from one road to the next and will be different from county to county.

I'm not saying that it is right, I'm just saying what they will likely say and unfortunately I believe the law will back them up. But if you feel you have unjustly had your rates increased, then file the appeal. The worst that can happen is that you lose but there is always the possibility that you may win.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh