QuestionI was insured buy Geico and many other company's over the last 45 years. I have always had rental car coverage. Upon my return to CA, I attempted to do some buisness with my long time friend a Farmers agent. My wife had had a total loss in December of 11. Copies of my Geico policy were requested, to show proof of insurance existing. I complied, but blacked out the cost portion so as to get an apple for apple quote. Farmers sent me 6 different memorandums / quotes and though I had no way of knowing it they had absolutely no provision for rental car coverage. I had a claim in March of 13, and am stuck with the $800.00 rental car charge. I have contacted the DOI whom are indigent. It seems to me to make no sense that they not be required to disclose what coverages are not included, as there could be many, with absolutely no transparency, when every other company I have talked to states it is on their dec. sheet. Is it supposed to be my responsibility to know what I do not have if it simply does not iexist? I have looked up the CIC 11580.1 but there are too many places to go. I maintain that if something is not covered it should be excluded not camouflaged in non existence. The DOI will not identify what the rules are regarding just what has to be on a Memorandum, Declaration, Quote, policy or anything regarding a solution for the business of obtaining a new policy. This opens the door for Farmers to abuse the Reg T 10s 2695.8, defamate the value of the car and take all the time they want to facilitate a well organized / orchestrated manipulation of bad faith. Most people have a car payment to make, a job to get to and are now paying the rental charge out of pocket. How do I find the requirement for this total lack of disclosure, when all other honest companies use it on their forms.
Thanks,
Answer Hello Joe,
With regards to any insurance policy, at the inception of the policy - and at each renewal - you receive a Declarations Page. This document specifies your exact coverages including the cost for each.
It is my standard practice to advise people to carefully review this important policy document each and every time it is issued. If the coverages are not what you think you purchased, it is vital that you contact either the company or the agent to correct those coverages. Coverages that you do NOT purchase would not be listed as Exclusions. The point is, you did not purchase Rental coverage, did not pay for Rental coverage, so therefore it is not excluded. It is just not a part of your policy. Hence, the importance of your reviewing the Dec Page.
Your previous coverage really has no bearing on this. To the contrary, proof of prior coverage, in my experience, is used solely to calculate your rates. That would be why Farmers requested it.
You have quoted references to Ca Law or Regulations. I'm afraid I cannot comment on that as I am neither an attorney nor an expert on Ca Law. However, speaking strictly as an insurance expert, I can not envision how you could demand Rental coverage after the fact.
Sorry for the bad news.
Jane
