liability insurance vehicle claims
Can my auto insurance refuse coverage because of a single missing payment?
<p>I was in a fender bender. No damage to my truck, but my bumper pushed in the handle of her minivan. We both have the same insurance company.</p>

<p>The day after I reported the accident, I received a letter that I wasn't covered for "non-payment" (I had moved and they sent the bill to my old address so I missed the due date). I payed my premium over the phone, but now I have a void where i am not covered (when the accident was). I still have the same policy number, the company still says I'm a Diamond Member (9 yrs) and previously, if i was late, they would "retro" the coverage. I've started receiving bills from a collection agency; it seems the woman I hit is going to town with her claim.</p>

<p>Are they allowed to not cover this? Was I actually "uninsured" at the time? The collection agency is threatening me with notifying the police as well. Am I looking at jail time for this?</p>

<p>First, read what closetnoc wrote in the comments relating to collections. For a collector to make a false claim about a police action against you is against federal law.</p>

<p>As for the insurance contract, <strong>no</strong> you are not covered if you did not pay your premium. It's your responsibility to make sure your premium is paid on time if you want the insurance company to be responsible for your liability in an auto accident. Your insurance contract probably also required you to notify the insurance company of your move.</p>
