Four years ago, I landed in the ER with a raging fever. The doctors almost gave up, but I made it through the night. I was told to forget about returning to work, the infection had damaged my left inner ear, and scarred my lungs. My medical insurance benefits were exhausted the first few days in the hospital. I had some savings, but by the time social security kicked in, after 7 months without income, my savings account was empty.
I have an almost perfect 50 year driving record. All of a sudden, my auto insurance premiums shot sky high. I finally got my agent to admit that the increase was due to my battered credit rating. I doubt I'll ever live long enough to pay off all those bills. I only drive 4 or 5 thousand miles a year, but the insurance premiums I would have to pay just simply make driving each mile a ridiculous expense. I bought a motorscooter, to hell with being robbed.
several years ago, I was out of work for a while and accidentally let my car insurance lapse (I had it with allstate)..when I went in to renew, the agent told me that due to my credit score (out of work AND after a divorce), he was unable to sell me insurance..I asked him why not and he said people with a low credit score we prone to fraud (having their car stolen, burning it, whatever)..I reminded him I was an allstate customer for 24 years with only 3 claims (most expensive one was $500)..he said it didn't matter..
long story short, I got a job finally, moved to texas and went to see an allstate agent..she said georgia was ridiculous since I was a good customer for a LONG time so she sold me a new policy..when I moved back to georgia, my old agent (who had the policy transferred to him and was the one who couldn't/wouldn't renew my policy) immediately called and tried to sell me more coverage...I thought it was truly funny..