Complaint Review: A.I.S Auto Insurance Specialist

Our Auto Insurance was about to expire and we decided to get several quotes and view our options. Our Carrier had just had rate increases and we wanted to shop thier rates. We called several and found AIS to be about 100.00 less than the others. We had heard several local radio personalities touting AIS so we decided to give them a try. My girlfriend went in to the Mission Viejo office with all our information and proceeded to accept the bid they gave us.

We gave them 3 checks for a total of 1000.00. When she was leaving they pointed out that we had to get letters from all carriers we had been with in the past 5 years or the rates would increase. They placed the burden of verification on our shoulders and we had to do the leg work.

We asked if we could just provide the policies we saved and were told no. That night we contacted one of our carriers and they weren't sure if they could even provide what we requested. At that point I realized that the 100.00 we were saving was not worth our time and decided to cancel. The following morning I personally called and was told I must fax a request to cancel. I faxed to the number given and called to verify they had received it. I had to pay 60.00 to place a stop payment on the checks and at that point I thought all was done. 3 weeks later I receive a demanding letter wanting the processing fee and a service charge for a total of 85.00. I called them and was at first told because my girlfriend went in to the office only she could cancel.

I asked if they had a record of the cancellation and they said yes. They admitted they had cancelled it in the computer. I used the data they provided me that the policy was cancelled within 3 business days and we did not owe them a dime.

I also pointed out that of all the signed documents not one mentioned there was no 3 day cooling off period. We had 72 hours to cancel and they told me no way. The lady told me if we didn't pay they would mess up our credit. So basically these people can screw up my credit and hold me hostage over 85.00.

I figured I would end my dealings with this company and pay the fee rather than the hassle of them messing up my credit. I tried to give the woman on the phone my credit card # but because of some policy she refused to take it. Claimed I had to sign a wavier for the card transaction. She knew I would charge it back and cost them more than I was worth. I waited for the " wavier" and it didn't come. The next contact I had was with some collection company in Minnesota threating my credit if I didn't pay in 30 days. What a joke.

I paid them and they took my credit card with no waiver. AIS is a bait and switch company. They will lure you in with the lowest quote and then require things and if you dont comply raise your rate.

My girlfriend and I both have over 700 credits scores. I have not had a ticket in 15 years and she had 1 ticket 8 years ago. Both are cars are 2000 or newer. I am not some tweeker who lied or hid my past to get a lower quote. I wish local L.A radio host on KFI and other stations would stop touting this company.

Also to the president of AIS in the Cerritos office if you would like I will come down and you can give me back my 85.00 and we can part ways. I expect that won't happen but I can ensure that for every person I share this experience with, that person will tell another 10 people and that will cost AIS money.

By the way I happen to be the General Manager of a large Automotive facility and I have direct access to alot of people with cars.

Eric
Anaheim, California
U.S.A.