Domingo@TCS Insurance Brokers
Tracy,#2Consumer Suggestion
Thu, April 11, 2013
The Blame for your specific situation falls on your Insurance Agent or Broker. It is that person's responsibility to let you know what you are getting yourself into. Most Agents/Brokers that work with RMIS and other Managing General Agencies, charge a hefty up front fee. The fee is allowed by the CA Department Of Insurance because these individuals should have the knowledge and experience to lead you to a good purchasing decision. If you feel that the person omitted, or kept information from you that would have led you to make a better buying decision. Than you have a right to go after that person's Errors and Omissions insurance and have them cover your claim.
RMIS and many other Managing General Agencies are good at a specific type of risk. Such as drivers with No License or low limits, drivers with many violations or with multiple accidents. That is what they go after and they could save you some money but, you give up some parts of your insurance coverage that you might not have tought about. First, you usually get a coverage that does Not include permissive use. In other words if you let others borrow your vehicle than the accident would not be covered during that time. Second, claims are handled by this MGA and it will not compare with a Name Brand insurance carrier. Which means dealing with a person that might be swamped with too many other claims at the same time. Also, they usually contract out an adjuster to go see your car. Which can lead to errors in communication and under valuing your vehicle. Third, there are many middle man when you choose to go this route. You have the agent or broker that sold you the policy. Then you might have another retail agency where this policy went through. Then you have the MGA that is handling the billing and claims and then you have the actual insurance carrier that carries the policy on their paper. Usually the carrier it self will not talk to the insured for any reason and if you try to contact them, they will just refer you back down to the MGA.
I hope this information helps you and anyone else reading.