Agency Insurance Company of Maryland, Inc.

On Sept. 14th I purchased auto insurance from Benninger Insurance Company, located on 611 Office Plaza Bartonsville, Pa 18321. My insurance agent, Robyn had been given all the details previously. I'm a new resident of the United States, passed my driving knowledge test and am scheduled for the road test on October 17th. Therefore I'm currently driving with a learner's permit. Robyn said it wouldn't be a problem to insure my new car as long as a PA licensed, 18 years or older person went in my insurance. That was taken care of and Robyn gave me the details of the company offering the lowest insurance in my case.

This company was Agency Insurance Company of Maryland, Inc (NAIC# 35173) was willing to insure my new car for $1133 for six months. My down payment was $265.20 and my monthly payments would be 216.95. After all paperwork was signed I went to the dealership to pick my new car on September 15th.

Less than a week later, on Sept. 22nd, I received a notice from the Agency Insurance Company of Maryland Inc stating that an additional premium of $695.00 had been added to my policy because of unverifiable driving record and the fact that I'm driving with a learner's permit.

So here I am with a new car in my garage and an insurance policy that almost $700 dollars later I CAN'T AFFORD. All details had been given to the agent, including a copy of my learner's permit. What right do they have to increase my premium to $1800 for 6 months when they knew from the beginning that I'm currently driving with a learner's permit? How about all the paperwork signed at the insurance office, including a schedule of payments and my total premium... isn't that a contract? And if so, aren't they breaking a contract?

AIC's employee, Vanessa, recognized her company made a mistake, but the company is not willing to insure my car for the $1133 agreed upon on September 14th. Not only they don't want to insure my car but they won't refund my $265.20 down payment. Vanessa stated that they are actually doing me a favor by not charging me a cancellation fee... are they serious???

As a consumer I feel taken advantage of. Do yourself a favor and stay away from AIC of Maryland and Benninger Insurance Company of Bartonsville, PA. If this is their welcome to their new customers I don’t even want to know how they treat you when you file a claim.

Comment On This

I am currently involved in a battle with AIC over an outstanding balance of $92 on an account I had canceled. According to them I had not built up enough equity in the policy and this is what I owe to clear the account.

According to the agent here in PA for AIC, they clain the $92 is a pro-rated amount from the date my policy is due (11-17) to the date of cancelation (12-9).

My average premium as a safe driver, homeowner, and customer of 3 years was $79 a month...and I am being charged a pro-rated rate of $92?

Secondly, They had sent me a notice that if I had not paid my premium I would be cancelled. I did not pay my premium so therefore I should be cancelled right? How can someone go into arrears on auto-insurance? Don't you just get cancelled?

Tracy (ext 3165) at AIC was not very helpful and was infact snide.

Now I have letter saying they are going to sue, attach liens and garnish my wages if I do not pay the money they say I owe on insurance I didnt even want or use!

Yeah, my man here is right...stay away from these bums. I would be more sympathetic if they were to give me an itemized account of where they arrive at this charge.