PA: DMV never got my proof of insurance

[Tessian]

Pennsylvania

I originally bought the car from a coworker, and at that time AAA was faxed my proof of insurance and all was well... well about 2 months ago I switched insurance providers and of course the DMV wanted proof. So I sent them the required information over a week before the postmarked due date.

Today in the mail I received a notice from the DMV that they either "never received it or the information was inadequate" and now they want me to send back my plates and registration for a 3 month suspension. What the hell is all this?

Obviously I can't be without a car for 3 months... there's mention of appealing the suspension to your local county but that sounds horribly complex and I'd still lose under a "he said / they said" argument. What can I do? I definitely sent it to them... and there seems to be no middle ground in terms of giving me another chance to show insurance that I definitely have. Worst case, would I even be able to just sell the car and buy another anyway? Would rather not but I'm really frustrated and afraid here.

Any advice or tips are welcomed, thanks,

[moburkes]

Why would you fax proof of insurance to AAA? Who the hell are they?

Have you CALLED the DMV to ask if they received the information, and if it simply crossed in the mail?

(I edited the last question. I thought you were in MD.)

[Tessian]

Originally Posted by moburkes

Why would you fax proof of insurance to AAA? Who the hell are they?

That was just at time of purchase-- AAA handled the title change and my insurance at the time faxed them PoI to give to the state.

Have you CALLED the DMV to ask if they received the information, and if it simply crossed in the mail?

I'm not sure what you mean by "crossed in the mail" but this letter pretty much says "no, we never got it" I tried calling them after receiving the letter but with most government numbers it was busy.

I'm wondering if I can appeal the suspension in County court and then I'd just have to show proof of insurance there and all would be well? Much like if you give a cop an expired insurance card at a stop?

Anyone have experience with this and small claims county court?

[moburkes]

I still don't get the AAA thing.

Go back to your OLD policy. Find the exact cancellation date. Post it here.

Look at your NEW policy. Find the effective date. Post it here.

[Tessian]

The American Automative Association has nothing to do with this... I just mentioned them to mention how I proved insurance when I bought the car originally (go into their office and they'll do the title transfer for you).

I changed insurance policies... when I dropped Geico they notified the state. The state then mailed me saying "Geico said they dropped you-- prove you switched insurance by mailing it in to us by this date" and I did. Now they say they didn't get it and want to suspend my registration.

[moburkes]

If you answer my questions, I can attempt to help you. If you don't, I cannot.

[Tessian]

Sorry, I'm trying to look up the old policy but it's been over 2 months...

Effective date on my new insurance was 7/27 (states so on my insurance card). The latest letter from the state says that Geico notified them on 7/27 that they dropped me.

Edit-- is it worth noting or even caring that the letter from the state is dating 9/16? (and I received it on the 14th)

[moburkes]

Originally Posted by Tessian

Sorry, I'm trying to look up the old policy but it's been over 2 months...

Effective date on my new insurance was 7/27 (states so on my insurance card). The latest letter from the state says that Geico notified them on 7/27 that they dropped me.

Edit-- is it worth noting or even caring that the letter from the state is dating 9/16? (and I received it on the 14th)

No. You'll need to find the GEICO policy.

[Tessian]

Found it-- Geico notified me my policy would end on that same day they told the state (7/27)

[fairisfair]

Take the notice of cancellation from Geico and a Policy from your current insurance company to MVD to prove that there was no lapse in insurance.

[moburkes]

I'm not sure that that will work, fair, but it certainly is a start. Also, contact the new insurance company. Tell them that the state of PA hasn't received proof of insurance from them, and, because of that, your license is being suspended. Ask how they will fix that. Then post back.

[fairisfair]

Originally Posted by moburkes

I'm not sure that that will work, fair, but it certainly is a start. Also, contact the new insurance company. Tell them that the state of PA hasn't received proof of insurance from them, and, because of that, your license is being suspended. Ask how they will fix that. Then post back.

It worked for me when the DMV claimed that there was no insurance on my daughter's car, just a few months ago, and suspended the registration, regardless of the fact that I had sent in a copy at their request. Turns out instead of a renewal, the data entry clerk had input the inusrance date as a cancellation.

[Tessian]

Thanks for the help guys. I really do appreciate it

Obviously I have to wait until Monday to try to call Progressive... but fairisfair-- what do you mean by MVD? Do you mean you went to your local DMV location and presented it to them? There's a DMV test center right down the street but I doubt that's what you mean.

I want to resolve this as painlessly as possible... It sounds like then that as long as I can prove there was no lapse in my insurance (which there wasn't) then I should be able to get this suspension lifted... will I have to appeal it in county court or is there a better way?

[moburkes]

Progressive is open 24/7/365.

Fair - I didn't say that it wouldn't work, I said that it might not work. I don't remember the reporting requirements for PA, but, in most cases, it takes moments for an insurance company to straighten something out, that would take a consumer days.

Yes, she meant going to the local place where you register your vehicle.

[fairisfair]

Originally Posted by moburkes

Progressive is open 24/7/365.

Fair - I didn't say that it wouldn't work, I said that it might not work. I don't remember the reporting requirements for PA, but, in most cases, it takes moments for an insurance company to straighten something out, that would take a consumer days.

Yes, she meant going to the local place where you register your vehicle.

and I didn't say that it would work, I just said that it worked for me.

The AT THEIR REQUEST was directed at the DMV who seems unable to find their butts with both hands. Even when they request the paperwork ,it never seems to get appropriately applied.