I was involved in a MV accident last year. It was so minor that the other driver and I agreed to take care of it separately and not involve the insurance. I moved a few months later and never found out that he filed a police report and made a claim saying that I was at fault and his insurance company sent it to a collections agency. Since we didn’t involve the police, there is no way to prove otherwise.
I just learned that my license is suspended and have been calling to make arrangements to pay and get my license back. The collection agency was extremely rude to me and wouldn’t budge. Can they refuse to work with me at all and not collect on a debt? They are blaming me for waiting all this time when I really had no idea this was happening. What can I do to move forward?
they will do anything say anything to get you to pay its nothing personal they make a commission on what they collect
All you need to do is call your insurance company and file a claim. Even though it happened last year, it’s not to late to report it to the insurance. If you were at fault, they will pay the claim.
If you want to just pay it on your own, you can negotiate w/ the bill collectors or just send them a little bit of money at a time. I’m sure they won’t send it back, but document everything and do not send them a personal check, only use money orders and record the serial numbers.
If you had insurance at the time of the accident report this to them to see if they can help.
I own a subrogation recovery company that handles claims against uninsured people for insurance companies. We are not a collection agency but I will throw out some questions and info for you to consider. The collection agency can refuse to work with you but that is just stupid.
What state did the accident happen in?
What year did it happen in?
Have you contacted the Dept of Transportation or Dept of Motor Vehicles in your state? In some states the collection agency has to accept monthly payments if you offer them.
Now on to what actions you should take if not already done.
1. Send a letter to the collection agency, preferably by certified mail, asking them for documents proving the claim. Ask for photos of the damages, copy of the repair estimate or invoice and a copy of any checks the insurance company issued. You have a right to this documentation.
2. AFTER, you receive the documentation decide if you can afford to pay the whole thing off at once or if you monthly payments are the best for you. It’s quicker and easier if you can make a lump sum payment to close the whole mess. Let’s say you owe $3000.00, if you have or can get the money within 30 days offer them something in $1800 to $2200 range. Paying in a lump sum will free your license up.
3. If you can’t do a lump sum like above, call or email them and offer to make monthly payments. If they decline that offer you need to send them another written letter outlining your offer. Again, preferably
sent by certified mail.
In most states you can get your license back on a conditional basis as long as your monthly payments are current.
Good Luck
They do not have to offer you a payment plan. However, if that is the only way you can afford to pay, what are they going to do?
get copy of police report and amend it/and file with police and then turn it over to your insurance co and let them do their job/when you have accident get police report/no matter what/get the cops