jcp@brl-tgr.ARPA (Joe Pistritto <jcp>) (03/03/85)
An interesting problem has befallen me. My regular insurance company dropped my coverage after I had two accidents in the last year. After checking with a few insurance agents, I found out that I could only be covered by my state's auto insurance pool for high risk drivers. The premium almost floored me, $2500/year... but I paid it. Then I get a call from the agent who wrote the insurance, saying the state notified him that they would be charging an extra $600 because they had classified my vehicle (a 4 cylinder Jeep Cherokee), as a high performance vehicle, and because I lived close enough to Baltimore City that they were going to charge me the city rate for my insurance. Now then, I signed an agreement when I paid the original money, and now they turn around and raise the rate (note, I've only had the policy 3 weeks now). Is this legal? I intend to go through whatever appeal process they have, there is one, but this really stinks. I mean, a contract IS a contract isn't it. Of course, I suppose the government can always feel free to screw people, but don't states at least have to honor contracts??? Really pissed off, Joe Pistritto
woods@hao.UUCP (Greg Woods) (03/06/85)
Firstly, I am 100% convinced that auto insurance is a total rip-off. In
theory, it is designed to minimize the overall cost of accidents for *all*
drivers. In practice, it seems designed to maximize profit for the insurance
companies. Have you ever compared rates between the various "top-line" or
between so-called "sub-standard" companies? There is virtually no difference
in rates and coverages offered, except for these two categories, which are
based on whether the company is willing to insure "high-risk" drivers or not.
The only real difference would seem to be the service offered by your local
agent, and even that may vary tremendously between one agent and another for
the same company.
<enter flame mode>
Secondly, as one in the "high-risk" category, I really resent being called
a "bad" driver. In my case, I had one alcohol-related accident over three years
ago, and they are still calling me a "high risk". It's bullshit. My record has
been completely spotless since then, which is more than I can say for a lot
of people I know who are not so classified. Many of my friends drive much more
aggressively and (in my opinion) unsafely than I do as well. I'd consider it
much more of a risk to ride with some of *them* than with *me*, yet it's I who
ends up paying out the ass. Their ratings are just an excuse to blatantly rip
me off.
<exit flame mode>
There. That felt great!
--Greg
--
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