Auto Insurance Forum

I made a payment by mail five days ago to cover my final payment for my auto insurance policy. When I called the insurance company, I was told I had been canceled.

I was told they do make considerations in certain cases, however I was denied because I have always paid late (but I was never canceled).

Is there anything I can do? I explained to them the mail may be a little delayed due to the fact that I live near "ground zero," but it did not seem to make a difference.

Tahitia, New Jersey

Dear Tahitia,

Many insurers did a give grace period for premium payments following the Sept. 11 tragedy, but those extensions have expired.

In general, insurers don't like policyholders who pay late, as they consider them bad risks.

Your next step is to shop around, and there are a lot of insurers out there. Your premium rates, though, will be higher due to the recent cancellation.

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