My car insurance agent died. How long can the agency continue to do business in his name?

Question

I had an insurance agent named "Joe". He was always friendly when I came in to pay my bill. For several months I went in to make a payment and Joe was not there. I would ask about him and they would say he was off today. Finally I went in and asked about Joe and they stated that Joe died last week. I had not seen Joe in over a year. My receipt even that day had Joe's signature on it. Can they do this?

Answer 1

It depends whether the business is a sole proprietorship, a limited liability corporation, a partnership, or a legally incorporated business.

Answer 2

If he was the licensed agent, bonded under the company, his name will be on all of your records until he's replaced.  I'd expect to get a notification about the new agent sometime soon.

If you get anything dated after this with a signature inferring he's doing business from the beyond, contact the corporate office.  If nothing happens quickly thereafter, I'd contact the Better Business Bureau or a local consumer group or reporter to investigate.

Answer 3

There is something fishy with the fact that his name is on it. I'd inquire about that and ask them straight up if the man died how he signed your receipt. However, if they are a licensed agent of that company I don't see how it would invalidate it but it is strange that they used his signature.  It's worth looking into.

Answer 4

If someone else bought the name from his estate, they can use his name forever. You think Colonel Sanders is still alive?

If you want some more information, I would check out...

http://insurance.123thebest.info/

Take care.

Answer 5

Joe had a license with an Insurance Broker most likely and even though it was in his name the real Governing entity was the Broker. Same with Real Estate Agents.

Sorry to hear that but nothing else has changed and they will most likely re-assign a new agent to you. Then you will have to decide if you want to do buisiness with that person.

Answer 6

Yes.  Depending on how the agency was set up, and which state you are in, the person who took your money ALSO was licensed to sell insurance in your state.  

Likely over the next few months, you'll either find the agency has been given/sold to a new agent, or you'll be transferred to a new agency with the same company.

Answer 7

Easy question,no.Not solvable question,no.Check out this information,your answer might be here.http://car-insurance.online-tips.info/ca...

Answer 8

Check with your State insurance commissioner.  In California go to www.insurance.ca.gov    If this agent works for a big company and works exclusively for that company, then that company will allow some heirs to buy the agency but some companies will just take the agents business and split it among the other agents in the area.  If the agent is a independent broker, then in most states only licensed agents that take over the business.   Independent and exclusive agents are different.  It is important to know that and to check with the insurance commissioner in your state.