QUESTION
Does our car have insurance coverage if we were delayed paying the insurance?
Asked on Mar 29th, 2013 on Personal Injury - Michigan
More details to this question:
Our car was parked outside our house when another car came and hit it. Our insurance payment was due on March 25 but we didn't pay it till the 28th. Our car was hit on the 27th. Does our car have coverage? Our insurance paper says it expired on march 7th. We have full coverage.
11 ANSWERS
Ronald A. Steinberg
It probably does have the coverage. There is usually a "grace period."
Answered on Apr 01st, 2013 at 3:17 AM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Los Angeles, CA
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Robert M. Klein
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It would appear as though you do not have insurance coverage in place at the time of the incident. However, I would suggest setting up a consultation with a lawyer familiar with insurance coverage issues to get an opinion.
Answered on Apr 01st, 2013 at 2:52 AM
Send the check now and see if it clears. You also need to check the policy language and solve the discrepancy between the payment being due on March 25 and the March expiration.
Answered on Apr 01st, 2013 at 2:05 AM
Monica Cecilia Castillo-Barraza
Talk to your agent. Some companies work with their customers when situations like these arise.
Answered on Apr 01st, 2013 at 12:26 AM
Automobile Negligence Attorney serving Orlando, FL
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Kelaher Law Offices, P.A.
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If your insurance paper says the insurance expired on March 7, then it was in full force and effect on the date of the accident.
Answered on Apr 01st, 2013 at 12:17 AM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Madison, WI
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Richard B. Jacobson & Associates, LLC
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This is a very good question. Most policies of insurance are retroactively in effect if you make the late payment within 30 days after expiration. But you should read the policy with care, and contact the insurance company directly to ask them. Good Luck.
Answered on Apr 01st, 2013 at 12:16 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Anderson, SC
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The David F. Stoddard Law Firm
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I would have to read your insurance contract and any notices sent to you. Most insurance contracts have grace periods. Normally, it would not be cancelled if you pay three days late. However, if it was due on or before the 7th, and on the 7th a notice was sent that it is cancelled and could be reinstated if paid by the 25th, then you probably have no coverage.
Answered on Apr 01st, 2013 at 12:14 AM
James Eugene Hasser
It depends on the payment terms of your policy. You'll have to read it and see, but it sounds like you may have a problem. Sometimes you can get around that by the language of the policy. Some have grace periods. I would talk with your agent first. Agents are typically on your side and will tell you what they know about the policy payment terms. If you get no where with that, talk with a lawyer familiar with bad faith insurance claims. I am curious as to when you reported the wreck and when they decided the policy expired. I am also curious as to whether they accepted your premium and cashed the check. Finally, I would find it very interesting if have you been late before and they've accepted your check.All things to think about.
Answered on Mar 31st, 2013 at 11:56 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Charlotte, NC
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Paul Whitfield and Associates P.A.
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You don't have any coverage one minute after the bill becomes overdue and unpaid.
Answered on Mar 31st, 2013 at 11:53 PM
bankruptcy Attorney serving Meriden, CT
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Law Office of William E. Carter, LLC
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If your insurance coverage lapsed or expired and you did not renew the policy within the time frames specified you probably do not have coverage during the lapse period.
Answered on Mar 31st, 2013 at 10:57 PM
Auto Attorney serving Bloomfield Hills, MI
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Gregory M. Janks, P.C.
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Michigan auto insurers need to follow the Michigan statute re: cancellation of policies. You should look @ the statute MCL 500.3020 and see if the insurer followed all the terms thereof in whatever Notices they sent you. If they did, unless they have a "grace period" for payment of premiums, or unless they will honor your claim if you've now paid your premium, you could be without coverage. However, if they did not follow the statutorily required tasks, the cancellation would be invalid. If they did not rescind the cancellation after you point out any errors they made, you could turn the matter over to the State Insurance Commissioner's office.
Answered on Mar 31st, 2013 at 9:18 PM