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Auto Insurance Claims/Still file a claim?

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Expert: - 9/10/2010


Question
Hello, last year about this time my motor went out on my car. I knew this lady that told me she had a shop and she could haven't towed there for her cousins to work on my car. well since she had it towed I haven't seen my car, I stopped paying the carnote but continued to pay my insurance until May of this year. Now I'm being sued by my car company for the car. I have to find the car but no help from the lady that hadit towed to this unknown location. I'm going to report it stolen today from last years date of 9-25-09 when she picked it up. Can I still file on my insurance will they still pay even tho it's not covered now, but it was covered then?? Can I call and file a claim for a previous time period? what should I do?  

Answer
You can still file a claim.  As long as the policy was in force on the day it was stolen, there is coverage.

The insurer will be very suspicious and will probably assign this to their fraud investigations unit.  I'm not sure whether they will pay the claim.

In the future, you should report such an incident immediately to both the police and your insurance company.

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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. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

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. I am not an attorney an cannot provide legal advice. My advice will be my opinion based on my experience.

Organizations
CPCU Society. Adjusters license in multiple states. International Association of Specal Investigators

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

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