Auto Insurance Claims: Claim for Out of State Hail Damage, florida insurance company, texas license plates

Question
My car was just pummeled by a crazy hail storm in Texas where I attend college and have lived for the past 3 years. But, my car is registered and insured (in my name) in my home state of Florida and I am curious how this will impact my claim given that they do not know I live in Texas.

When I first moved to Texas, I got Texas insurance but when I tried to register my car again in Florida, they said I needed to have Florida insurance. So, I switched my insurance back to Florida, and signed several papers stating that I was in Florida the majority of the time.

How problematic is it that I have not updated my garaging address with my insurance company? I still have a Florida driver's license and have not really tried making myself a Texas resident.

I am worried about the claim being denied. Several of my friends had their cars totaled out today because of the hail and my guess is that my car would qualify for that too.

Thanks!  

Answer
Hi Dani,
Irregardless of how you consider your resident status, the state of Texas considers you a legal resident of Texas since you spend over 50% of your time there.

On that basis, you are legally required to have a Texas drivers license, Texas license plates on your car and an insurance policy issued through a company licensed to do business in Texas.

The only exceptions to this law is for military personnel.

In the eyes of your Florida insurance company, You have committed
FRAUD by obtaining insurance with the understanding that your car was
garaged in Florida over 50% of the time.  For this reason, they have the right to deny your claim in it's entirety.

Most people who misrepresent their garaging address do it to purposely
secure lower rates.  It appears that was not your reason.

If the rate that you are paying based on the Florida address is near equal to, or slightly higher than The Texas rate, there is a strong possibility that your Florida company will honor the claim.

My advise is that you make an open and honest report to your insurance company and hope that they will cover the loss.

As soon as this claim is resolved, you need to secure a Texas drivers license, Texas plates for your car and Texas insurance.

I hope that you find this information to be helpful.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area