Hi! You don't know me but I could very well be your daughter, your sister, your wife, or your friend. I am an honest person with an otherwise perfect driving record who is now unjustly facing auto insurance fraud accusations.
In October I purchased my first car - a little red 1998 Honda Civic - and first solo insurance policy. Barely 4 months later in March, the car was stolen from the parking lot of my job. I did everything you are supposed to do following a theft. Ie. Call the police, contact insurance company Thankfully for me, a coworker volunteered to drive me the 35 miles home that night. The car was recovered the day after it was stolen in a drug and crime ridden area of Irvington, NJ. It had been badly burned, after some of its parts had been removed.
NJCURE took possession of the car and started their own investigation and paperwork. Three months later, in May, I received a letter stating my claim had been denied. It didn't state why, all it suggested was that I write an appeal. Which I did.
In late June when I didnt get a response to my appeal, I contacted the NJ Dept of Banking and Insurance. They launched their own investigation.
I didn't have reliable transportation to work for the month of May, was often late and lost my job at the end of the school year. Not having a car severely limited my job prospects. I haven't worked since July because the numerous jobs I have applied to require a car/reliable transportation. I haven't been able to pay bills, I was 2 months behind in my rent and risked eviction, and I am up to my eyeballs in debt from living off my credit cards. All because NJCURE wont pay my claim.
In August, I sent another letter to the insurance company - demanding an explanation, a new claim adjuster, and access to my file. I received a rude letter, reprimanding me, and essentially putting me in my place as a "helpless consumer".
I called to speak to my represenative at the NJDOBI and he told me there was nothing he can do because NJCURE had recently sent my file to the state prosecutor to investigate as insurance fraud. When I asked this represenative of the state, what can an innocent people do to protect themselves - he said NOTHING. You are at the mercy of the insurance company.
Apparently, the insurance company can and will accuse you of fraud when they dont want to pay your claim. I have been warned to anticipate being arrested, going to court, and having the insurance company try to pressure me, and humilate me into confessing to a crime I did not do.
The craziest part is, that even if they paid maximum value for my car, I still would have owed over $2,000 on my car note. A car note, I still have to make payments on because I have 48 more months worth of payments, and can't afford another car because I'm still paying for one that doesn't work.
The bottom line is money. And the fact they dont want to give you any. If you are a female, young, low/moderate income, and minority - you are more at risk.insurance companies think they can bully you. Dont let them!
Save yourself time, money, aggrevation, and sanity - by STAYING AWAY FROM NJCURE. Please learn from my mistake, the couple of dollars you save with this company costs you customer service and satisfation. Pay the extra money, and go elsewhere.
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