A FUMING driver has been stuck with a Jeep that he cannot drive after a natural disaster left it unrepairable.
His finance company claims he owed them thousands of dollars, preventing him from buying a new vehicle.
A driver, Howard Welch, hasn’t been able to get his Jeep re-titled in months[/caption]
His Jeep was flooded after Hurricane Helene[/caption]
Despite having paid off loans on his vehicle, his financing company insisted they haven’t recieved any money[/caption]
The driver, Howard Welch, is still without a vehicle after the devastating Hurricane Helene flooded his Jeep, as reported by NBC affiliate WFLA.
“The storm brought catastrophic inland flooding, extreme winds, deadly storm surge, and numerous tornadoes that devastated portions of the southeastern United States and southern Appalachians,” as stated by the National Hurricane Center.
“Helene is responsible for at least 250 fatalities in the United States (including at least 176 direct deaths), making it the
deadliest hurricane in the contiguous U.S. since Katrina in 2005,” the agency reported.
Despite not being able to drive his Jeep for the last nine months, Welch’s finance company has started sending him bills again.
Even though his insurance company, Progressive, has already paid off the loan on the Jeep, the bills keep coming.
The driver said he was sent $4,000 that he wants to use towards repairs so that he’s able to re-title the Jeep for personal use later on.
His insurance company also sent $14,903 to the finance company, Stellantis, which paid off the loan on the vehicle, as reported by WFLA.
Seven months after the check was deposited, Stellantis claimed they never received the money.
Progressive even showed Welch a copy of the check, which proved that Stellantis’ bank had already endorsed it.
“I’ve called him every week since November really trying to see what’s going on, I even helped them connected Progressive with Stellantis to see if I could connect the dots, you know, maybe they’re busy,” Welch said.
“I’ve been walking to and from work for the better part of a year now. It’s been a long time,” he added.
“I can’t buy a new vehicle right now because the line is still on my account. I can’t buy a new vehicle. I’ve been really patient with them. I’ve tried to figure it out with them, but last week was sort of the last straw.”
Drivers in this situation are often urged to verify that the insurance company has issued the check and to which address it was sent — which Welch already did.
If possible, drivers can even ask for a tracking number for the check to see its delivery status.
Car insurance tips
Here are some ways to lower monthly car insurance rates:
- Increase the deductible – this may increase the amount drivers must pay in an accident
- Ask insurance carriers for discounts
- Slow down on the road
- Keep off the cell phone behind the wheel
- Improve credit scores (in some states)
- Bundle insurance policies
Source: Liberty Mutual
If the finance company insists they haven’t received anything, drivers can ask the company to place a temporary hold on their loan payments or set up a repayment plan until they receive the insurance check.
Most importantly, drivers should maintain detailed records of all conversations, emails, and letters exchanged with both the insurance company and the finance company, noting dates, times, and the content of discussions.
Now, Welch’s finance company is asking him for $500 as well as pushing him to continue making payments on the loan.
“That’s how it’s been made clear to me.” Welch said.
“They don’t have the check. But it’s clear to me, they have the check, they’ve cashed it.”
Welch is unable to re-title his Jeep and can’t afford another vehicle due to the lien on his credit report.
Stellantis did not immediately reply to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
