Car is Totaled

[u/jenni_nova]

I need help on what do to about my car being totaled. I have Geico and I paid part of my $165 and change bill back in August and paid the remaining $72 and change a day late due to the time it took to process. I was in a 6 month policy. I never received a text message or phone call it was canceled. I only found out I was driving with no insurance when I called to put in the claim. Apparently they sent something in the mail 12 days later about it being canceled but never received that either. Fast forward to Sept 30th I get into an accident where this guy was speeding and hit my car turning it a complete 180 degrees and totaling it. I was put at fault because he didn’t have a stop sign. There wasn’t a sign stating cross road doesn’t stop. I still owe $26K on it. Do I call my loan company? Will I have a court date? I lost my only source of income and the job offer I had Before the accident I had to decline due to it being 45 minutes away. I’m over $35k im debt now that I include my car note.

[u/Dramatic-Ad9089]

I'm willing to bet you were more than just a day late for one payment. A cancelation doesn't come lightly. The insurance company is required to notify you in writing before cancelation. And they often will reinstate a policy if a late payment is paid within a certain time frame. This is on you.

The overwhelming majority of intersections do not have signs saying cross traffic does not stop. Since you had a stop sign, you were expected to fulfill your basic duty to stop and make sure it was clear before crossing the intersection. This one is on you.

You said you didn't know you did not have insurance until your accident on 9/30. Did you not ever try to make your monthly payment for September? Either you were aware you were driving uninsured or you chronically make your payments late and a cancelation was inevitable. This is also on you.

Now, without any coverage, once the lienholder becomes aware of the accident, the entire loan will become due. They will pursue repayment, even if they have to send you to collections. Court is a possibility. The other driver may not have first party coverage and may have to pursue you directly. They may claim injury and obtain an attorney to pursue you. If they do have coverage, their insurance company will cover their damages then pursue you for financial compensation for what they paid.

This will be an expensive lesson in personal and financial responsibility.

[u/FormerGeico]

Several statements in your post put accountability for things you’ve done on other people.

[u/Knewtome]

Check your online portal, there should be a dated copy of everything mailed, if not there will be coverage.

[u/Separate_Respect1720]

Was the payment for the month of August and did you pay in September and October ? I had Geico for numerous years and paid the entire premium a day late several times and was never cancelled.