by skatergirltitus36 » Wed May 27, 2009 06:22 am
Here is the short version...
My car is an older one, paid off, and basically a pain in my behind. From January to the end of April it was broken down, during which time I allowed the insurance to lapse.
The day I got my car fixed I received a letter from the BMV (Ohio) stating the I had to provide proof of insurance for a day BEFORE the car was repiared and was not insured.
They're threatening to throw the book at me, impound my car, suspend my license for 90 days to 2 years, etc, etc, etc. .... I have nothing on my record....what can they do to me???
So far i have sent a letter from my mechanic ( a friend fixed it, he WAS an assistant manager at a local garage) and sent new insurance cards but that wasn't sufficient.
HELP!
My car is an older one, paid off, and basically a pain in my behind. From January to the end of April it was broken down, during which time I allowed the insurance to lapse.
The day I got my car fixed I received a letter from the BMV (Ohio) stating the I had to provide proof of insurance for a day BEFORE the car was repiared and was not insured.
They're threatening to throw the book at me, impound my car, suspend my license for 90 days to 2 years, etc, etc, etc. .... I have nothing on my record....what can they do to me???
So far i have sent a letter from my mechanic ( a friend fixed it, he WAS an assistant manager at a local garage) and sent new insurance cards but that wasn't sufficient.
HELP!
Posted: Wed May 27, 2009 11:30 am Post Subject:
I don't understand exactly what the problem is...are they saying in Ohio, you must have this vehicle insured prior to it going to the shop? Is the assumption you drove it to the shop? Do they sourse the regulation/law in the letter they sent you? If so please type it here...so we can get a better understanding of what the issue is
Posted: Wed May 27, 2009 11:39 am Post Subject:
The problem is that the vehicle was license for use (registered) on public roads and did not have insurance as required. If it has valid tags, it's required to have insurance.
OP, I'd recommend that you call the DMV (there should be a number on the letter) and speak to them directly about the issue. You can explain the situation and ask them what you need to do to correct the situation.
Posted: Wed May 27, 2009 11:44 am Post Subject:
I'm not sure if one can let the policy lapse when the car is in the bodyshop. I think that you need to maintain the coverage on it even then. The OP allowed the policy to lapse and the insurer reported her to the state DMV.
Posted: Wed May 27, 2009 12:38 pm Post Subject:
Karen, don't think it was in a body shop
From January to the end of April it was broken down, during which time I allowed the insurance to lapse
nope...to thisThe OP allowed the policy to lapse and the insurer reported her to the state DMV.
appears it was a random pull....Random proof of insurance on a broken down uninsured car...
Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 04:44 am Post Subject:
Dear skatergirltitus36,
The day I got my car fixed I received a letter from the BMV (Ohio) stating the I had to provide proof of insurance for a day BEFORE the car was repiared and was not insured.
I'm a bit confused over here. Could you please try and explain a bit more? Also, I don't have a clear idea of how long your car stayed uninsured.
Steven
Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 05:45 am Post Subject:
Also, I don't have a clear idea of how long your car stayed uninsured.
From January to the end of April it was broken down
I'm guessing about 4 months.Most carriers are required to report when policies lapse. If another carrier does not report insurance and the person still has an active tag, the "man" makes you prove that you had insurance during that time.
Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 11:13 am Post Subject: insurance
Years ago, I dropped my 'old' Insurance company and started getting Insurance at another. The 'old' one had sent in some kind of letter, to the DMV, stating I "no longer carried Insurance with them." The DMV sent ME a letter, stating for me to prove I had Auto coverage on my vehicle. I had 15 days, in which, to send this proof.
Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 05:37 am Post Subject:
In my State registered owners must carry continuous liability coverage of 15/30/10 at all times. If you have a lapse in coverage due to the vehicle being worked on by your mechanic & if the mechanic provides proper documentation (receipts for parts, labor, etc) you can try to fill out an affidavit of dormant vehicle at your DMV and attach proof that the vehicle was not operable due to being garaged for repairs. With proof our DMV will knock the fine down to 50.00. Otherwise your registration is suspended and a fine of 250.00 must be paid to clear the suspension. (I do not know what the DMV law is in Ohio or what the fine would be) It can't hurt to try. If this happens again in the future turn your plates in temporarily to the DMV until your vehicle is repaired if the vehicle is going to be down for a lengthy period of time. This avoids all fines and suspensions (at least it does in my state). After the vehicle is repaired you can get your plates back. Cheaper than the fine and headache of trying to resolve a suspended registration.
Good Luck.
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