by Guest » Tue Dec 30, 2008 02:54 pm
I need an advice. I insured with safeway insurance through a broker, then a few days later I went to cancel my Insurance and get my refund. they gave me an estimate on how much they are going to give back (the broker). then I went back a gain to get my refund but they claimed that I have to wait 2-3 weeks for my refund. then I called Safeway insurance to ask them. they told me that its the broker who handles these issues and they only handle the claims. I went back and told them that but they insisted that I have to wait for the insurance company because they dont know how much I should be refunded. why should I wait for my refund 2-3 weeks when they charged my friend $100 late fees for 2 days. this is obscure, what should I do, I paid the full amount in one payment. is there an agency that I can complain to or If I wanna sue them will I be able to ?
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 02:53 pm Post Subject:
First of all why would you buy a policy and cancel it a couple of days later? surely not just wanting 'proof' for licensing right?
What state are you in? If you think you have a case, contact your states Dept of Ins...frankly though, I think they are jerking you around some, I think they are also pissed that they had to do all the work for you to cancel so quickly.
Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 09:47 am Post Subject:
I have the same question as Lori, why do you want to cancel the policy? Have to get another policy yet? or is planning to drive without coverage? I'm sure that you have a reason for canceling the policy. However, if you like to file a complaint with against the insurance company you should write to the state insurance commissioner.
Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 03:05 pm Post Subject:
If you are waiting for the Agent/broker to refund your money and not Safeway, then I am guessing that this is an agency bill policy. This means (in layman's terms) that the agent is responsible for all billing for the policy, and the agent pays the premiums on all of the policies it writes in one lump sum to Safeway. This is usually advantages to the agent because they can charge all there own billing fees and financing fees. But you paid your policy in full so you didn't pay any financing fees. Most likely the agent is telling you to wait 2 to 3 weeks because he/she is waiting for the ACH transaction to happen or waiting to get there monthly statement from Safeway to see if they got there precentage of the comission for the few days. It is posible that the agent got the money back right away and is siting on it just for this reason.
If this was not an agency bill policy, then I think Safeway would send you a check directly.
I hope this helps.
Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 03:23 pm Post Subject:
First of all, I've never heard of "Safeway" insurance, but I have heard of "Safeco".
Some states are implementing a system that allows law enforcement personnel to access auto insurance information on any particular driver.
Just because you might have a proof of insurance card in your glove box does not mean that the police officer who stops you will accept just that piece of paper as adequate proof of insurance coverage.
I would be very careful if I were you.
I don't think any insurance company would charge a $100 late fee.
The insurance broker or agent has no authority to actually "cancel" any insurance coverage provided under an auto insurance policy. The agent/broker, however, can send the request to cancel to the insurance company. The "company" is responsible for refunding premiums and the company with charge you (pro-rated) for any insurance coverage actually provided.
Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 06:13 pm Post Subject: safeway
Best to stay away from this comppany, they appear t be fly by night. A guy ran into my car with the insurance 30 days ago and they are still "investigating". The rep for our contact in AZ is named Mark, he has been really snotting to both my daughter (the driver) and me. I am going to try to go through my insurance company to get my car fixed, it is getting hot in the desert and I have no a/c.
Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 06:48 pm Post Subject:
Side note - Safeway Insurance is the oldest privately owned insurance company in America, been in business since the 50s and currently operates in nine states. To my knowledge, they only sell through independent agents, therefore the reason many consumers aren't familiar with them.
I'm going to assume based on the statement that they only handle claims, that you called the phone number on your proof of insurance card, which typically is the claims number. Now, if that is the case, the claims department should have sent you over to policy customer service, unless as previously stated, you are on agency bill.
If I were in your shoes, this is what I would do. First, I would visit http://www.safewayinsurance.com/SIC/pgPolicy.aspx and get the policy customer service number for the state you were insured in. See if you get anywhere there.
Second, you have the right to file a complaint with your state insurance department, although, you may find by the time you get the answer to your complaint, you'll probably have your money back.
With regards to suing, not sure what attorney fees are in your state, however in mine, the fees would far exceed the loss of use of my money for two weeks, so I'm not sure that is an avenue worth pursuing.
Good luck to you.
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