From: savoia@sw.stratus.com (Rick Savoia)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Auto Insurance Question
Date: 3 Sep 92 17:41:03 GMT
Organization: Stratus Computer, Inc.

In article <92247.110219MARK@wvnvm.wvnet.edu>, MARK@wvnvm.wvnet.edu writes:
> Unfortunately my wife and I have had 3 accidents in the past 3 years.  Needless
> to say we pay $145/month since we are considered high risk.  The accidents
> are as follows.
> 
>                        1) I slid on some ice and hit a curb, no other cars
>                           were involved.
>                           I was traveling about 5 mph making a left turn
>                           Front wheel and lower control
>                           arm was replaced.  cost $350
	
	You never should have reported this one.  If your deductible is
	$200 or $300 dollars then the resulting hassle isn't worth what
	you got from the insurance company.  

> 
>                        2) Wife hit protected poles you somtimes see around
>                           Gas pumps: Cost $300

	Same thing for this one. I have a $500 deductible.  I just have to 
	suck it up if the repair bill comes in under that amount.


> 
>                        3) Wife was run off the road by another driver.  To
>                           avoid not running off road, she would have had to
>                           hit the other drivers car head on. cost: $550
>                           Police were not notified since she was in a very
>                           rural area, and other driver did not stop
>                           We even elected to put in a partial claim to our
>                           insurance for fear of a rate increase even though
>                           it was not our fault.

	You're big mistake here was not informing the police.  By doing so, 
	you would have let it be known that another driver was involved and
	your wife would have eventually been listed as not at fault.
> 
>       As a result of the above, We were not-renewed by Erie Insurance Co.
>       after being insured by them for almost 4 yrs.  Presently have high
>       risk insurance with Alstate Indemnity Co.

	I'd say something is seriously wrong here.  I don't know what insurance
	laws are like in your state, but I know I could get in three accidents
	like those (which are really fender-benders in comparison to others)
	in Massachusetts and not be dropped by my insurance company.  I'd really
	check into that first one.  It should be an 'accident' or act-of-God.
	After all, isn't that what you are paying insurance for?  In case
	an accident happens?  I've never agreed that we should be forced to 
	pay for unavoidable accidents.  My mother slipped on some ice and 
	hit a telephone pole at 25 mph.  Her insurance company declared it 
	her fault, I believe.  What else do they expect in the winter?  

	Massachusetts has the reputation as having some of the worst insurance
	rates.  Personally, I think the insurance companies are running the 
	biggest scam ever.  I can understand that in the age of litigation
	like we are in today, that they need to keep themselves in business,
	but stupid things like:  Getting a speeding ticket means your insurance
	goes up for the next two years (by the time you gain back the safe-driver
	point), and paying the ticket.  In effect, you are fined twice.   
	Before this system, they had the surcharge system.  That was a great one.
	You get a ticket, you pay the ticket.  A surcharge is then attached to 
	your insurance.  I spent a whole day one time trying to find out where 
	that surcharge went to.  No luck.  I have no idea if the state gets it,
	if the insurance company does, and if so, did it benefit other drivers?
	It's not much different from what we have now.

	As far as your case, Mark, I'd do some checking with the state and see
	what their laws are.  It seems ridiculous that for $1200 in accidents,
	you are put in a 'unsafe driver' category.  Three car-totaling accidents,
	maybe, but not for this.


Rick
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