[dabennett63]

I was recently in a car accident in Washington state. No police were called. I had no insurance at the time because and ex took me off the policy. I did purchase insurance right after the accident. I backed into a car in my school parking lot. We exchanged information. His insurance co has contacted me and I said I would pay but I can only pay low monthly payments. The damage is 1,300. I told them I would pay 300.00 when I get my school money and make 50.00 a month payments until I get a job. They have been threatening to have my license suspended. I have no income and a single mother going to school full time. I feel as if they are being somewhat abusive in the way they keep calling and insisting I pay more than I can. I have explained to them my circumstances repeatedly but they refuse to work with me. I want to take responsibility but they are making it difficult.

[JudyKayTee]

They don't have to work with you - you were driving without insurance and caused property damage.

The people who were financially hurt by your actions want to be paid.

If they do call the Police, yes, your license could be suspended - and it's not too late to do that.

I'm a liability investigator - and your attitude rather surprises me. You had no insurance, backed into someone and think that person is being abusive in demanding that you pay for the damages now and not on your terms?

[dabennett63]

I was talking about the insurance company not the person I backed into. Abusive was too strong of a word. Harassment would better describe it. I am willing to pay, never said I wouldn't I just can't pay the amount they are demanding all at once. I am taking responsibility.

[JudyKayTee]

And, again, they legally don't have to wait to be paid. They could report you for driving uninsured, involved in an accident.

Why should the insurance company be out the money because of your bad judgment, both in driving uninsured and backing into their insured?

It sounds harsh but I deal with this on a fairly regular basis - drive uninsured and this is one of the problems you face.

IF the insurance company goes to Small Claims Court you WILL come to the attention of the Police. At the moment that company is being "kind" to you, not harassing you.

[dabennett63]

I just got a call from the insurance co and they said they sent a letter to the state of Washington to have my license suspended. If I had all the money I would pay today but I don't. I never drive without insurance but due to an extremely abusive relationship I got out of my ex took me off the policy 10 days prior to this accident. I feel horrible about this accident. The damage was really minimal.Thank God no one was hurt.

[JudyKayTee]

I don't know about Washington law... because I'm in NY BUT in NY ALL parties on the policy have to be notified of ONE party is removed from the policy.

How do I know? My ex-husband tried to pull the same trick. He not only tried to remove me, he tried to get a refund for part of the policy by removing me and my car. I was notified by the insurance company and he was advised by the Court that that was not a smart move.

Sometimes bad luck comes in bunches - you can't borrow the money from anyone?

[dabennett63]

I'm working on getting the money. I just wish the insurance co would give me more time. It's Progressive insurance that I have to pay. Funny the cost of the damage was less then 200.00 and the labor was over 1000.00. I'm really scared of having my license suspended. I have never caused an accident or even had a moving violation in my life. I'm 49 and that's a lot of driving. No one notified me that I was removed from the policy either. Thanks for your response. I appreciate your compassion.

[ScottGem]

That's not unusual, Body work is labor intensive.

I would do two things. First I would sue the ex for what the insurance carrier wants. Since he took you off the insurance without notification, he can and should be held responsible.

Second, I would write to the WA state DMV and ask that a hearing be scheduled before your license is suspended. At the hearing show that you were not aware you have been removed from the policy and immediately got insurance once you knew. Show that you have taken steps to get the money from the ex and that you are ready to pay, but can only afford so much.

[Fr_Chuck]

Yes, sorry but since police were not called you are getting off lucky, since you would have had fines, suspended license and still have to pay and most likely probation till you did pay.

But the insurance company is fully within their rights and yes they may get your drivers license suspended till it is paid in full.

[cmartinez1]

Have you asked the insurance company for any payment arraingments. Most of them are willing to set up arraingements and not suspend your license if you are paying the bill on time.

The police do not have to be called for your license to be suspended in Washington State.