Question
I got a letter from the insurance company saying I owe money. It is my ex- girlfriend's debt. What should I?
This was for her automobile insurance policy back in 2004. The amount owing is $554.00. I have no way of contacting her; I can't even find her on facebook. We didn't end on good terms (and it's because of stuff like this!) She hadn't paid the auto debt for 5 years, and it's only now that the insurance co. is coming round to bug me. They say that I was registered as the primary driver and owner of the vehicle, which isn't true. I haven't owned a car since 2001 (can't stand them). I don't remember signing the policy, but they do have my driver's license number. Do I have any options? thanks for the responses so far. Another thing to consider is that it took the insurance company 5 years to figure out that I am somehow associated with this debt, even though i have had a residential policy with them for years. Also, i got no calls from any collection agents about this even though it had gone to collections for a few years - and is now back with TD. Doesn't it seem like the insurance co. is grasping at straws to find a payee? I am going to demand documentation and proof before i pay it. The insurance co. says they don't require a signature to open a new policy. WTF? They only require it for closing a policy. So how can they prove that it was really me who signed up for it? Like I said, I don't remember signing up for it, but this was back in 2004.
5 months ago - 4 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
The burden of proof is on the insurance company. If they cannot prove you had a contract with them they have no claim. Regardless to whether or not they have your information, you owe them nothing unless they can prove it. Anybody can get information on individuals to make it sound legitimate. Collectors use any scare tactics they can to get people to pay. Scare tactics work for people who don't know their rights and this is what they count on. I would suggest writing a letter to them demanding proof and give them at least 10 days to provide it. Tell them if they do not provide the proof within that time frame and continue to harass you, let them know you will file a lawsuit for harassment. Companies hate the word "harassment" and they tend to shy away if they feel the individual is serious. Also, if this happened back in 2004 and they didn't resolve the problem within a year, the statute of limitations has run out. They have one year to discover any accounting errors and to notify the other party. If not within that one year time frame, that's their problem. On another note, I cannot understand how you would owe for car insurance. I'm no expert on property and casualty insurance, but from my experience, car insurance is usually paid in advance or on a monthly basis. If the payment is not made, the insurance company cancels the policy. In doing so, they have lost nothing. I don't know of any insurance company that will allow you to be insured if the payment has not been made. I can guarantee you if you were one day late in making a payment beyond the grace period and had an accident a day after the payment was due, they would deny the claim.
by mob442
5 months ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
pay it and ask or sue your former gf for the amount it is probably that u signed the policy (ask to see it if u wish), and u are liable for the debt
by T E- 5 months ago
have them submit you proof. you state not owning a auto since 2001, but they show you as the registered owner/driver for 2004. they tracked you due to your drivers license and since you and most likely them, cant find her also. could it be that she "fraudulently" put you as the owner/driver of this policy? you should have had to sign something, say an application? can you get copies of this to prove this is not your signature? who owned the auto? was it financed? what name is on the title? good luck
by lucy- 5 months ago
Ask them to send you a copy. Perhaps she put you on the paperwork and it's also possible that she falsified your signature and also could have put in your drivers lic. number. But asking for a copy is your first step.
by Chaoscleaner- 5 months ago
Well, SOMEONE told the insurance company that you were the owner of the car - that would make you the first named insured on the policy, and responsible for any debts owed on that policy. Maybe you bought the insurance in your name to save her money? It doesn't matter if you remember signing the policy or not. SOMEONE gave them your info and name, and that's not something they'd make up. If there WAS a policy in your name, with you as first named insured, then you have no options - you owe the money, they'll sue you for it, and get the judgement.
by mbrcatz- 5 months ago
Eh. Yeah, it sounds like they are grabbing at straws. But if they weren't paid premiuims for 5yrs, how did you not get canceled? Ask for them to prove. Also, call your agent- no the insurer and see what they say.
by Jason H- 5 months ago