I’m in NJ. My policy just renewed and I thought my payment was due 5/12. Turns out it was due 5/7. On the way home tonight I hit a deer. Damage to my car is relatively minor as far as I can tell. There is a broken panel but air bags did not deploy.
I will be making a payment ASAP but will it be covered? I already called it in to my insurer and the person on the phone didn’t say my policy was expired or anything like that.
It isn’t the job of the first reporting unit to decide coverage, but I liability adjuster (me).
I wouldn’t be too worried. At least with my company we’d send it a payment failure notice. Then we’d send a “pay before this day or you’re canceled.” Then we’d cancel.
You may still be in a sort of grace period. But each company is different.
Just, for the love of God, do not try to change the date of the accident. You’ll just make everyone’s life more difficult.
I think I overlooked something. Did you forget to renew or did you forget to pay your monthly bill?
This is definitely a question you’ll want to ask your rep.
No I wouldn’t think of changing the date of the accident. Although if it was 10 minutes earlier it would have been on 5/8 and not 5/9. I will call them in the AM to make one change to the claim. When I was asked if there was any prior damage I said no, but now that I recall the plug that covers the tow hook had popped out of the front panel and fell off at some point. I guess that could be considered prior damage and will let the adjuster know. I just forgot because of the shock from the whole situation.
I received the renewal in the mail and didn’t make the 1st payment.
When I view my info online it shows
Billing and Payment Information
Last Payment Received $132.60 received 12/19/2013
Past Due Amount $215.00 Due Immediately
Next Payment $128.00 due 5/26/2014
Current Balance $1,239.60
Yeah, just let them know. They probably won’t even care. The thing we’re looking for is if you’re trying to get the old damage taken care of with this loss.
Let me know what you find out.
That would be Insurance Fraud and I have no desire for that. Although the part that is damaged now is on the same panel that had the prior damage. (Drivers Side now VS Passenger side from before) so I don’t know what they will say.
Oh and Payment is made now with a time stamp of 00:32 (CDT) The payment statement I have does say
“New Jersey regulations require that the Company inform you that should you fail to pay either the total amount due or the installment amount due that appears below on this notice on or before 12:01 A.M> of the due date you will automatically be placed om the installment payment plan and your account will be considered in arrears”
There’s usually a grace period with billing. I would just double check with the billing department and see if your policy is considering to be continuous or if they show a gap.
Ok so here is the final information.
The insurance was still valid so the repair is covered. I made my payment so all is will with my world. The estimate came to 908 and change to replace the bumper cover. I was honest about the pre-existing damage but it doesn’t matter because the prior damage was to the bumper cover so it is moot. Thursday I will be leaving my baby for repair. My deductible was 500 and since it falls under comprehensive I don’t foresee an increase in my rates.