From ... Robert Reich
I just got a call from my father’s auto insurer, telling me he’s behind on his payment. I explained he died in February.
“He still needs to pay for the last two months,” said the man from the insurance company.
“But he can’t pay. He’s deceased,” I said.
“He owes $348.62, for the period April 24 to June 24,” he said.
“But he didn’t drive then. He died in February. No one has driven his car since he died.”
“Well, someone has to pay or his insurance will be cancelled, and it will hurt his credit rating.”
“I’m sure he’d be okay if it’s cancelled,” I said. “And I don’t think he cares about his credit rating.”
“Are you trying to be smart with me?” asked the man from the insurance company.
“No, I’m just trying to tell you that my father is deceased and he doesn’t need car insurance.”
“Have you cancelled his car registration?”
“No, I haven’t got around to that.”
“Well, you should. If he’s deceased, he shouldn’t have a registration.”
“I understand.”
“Nobody’s supposed to have a registration if they’re not paying their auto insurance.”
“Right.”
“So, are you going to pay the insurance that’s due?”
“I wasn’t planning to.”
“Then it’s an illegal car.”
“But it won’t be on the road.”
“Still illegal.”
“Sorry.”
“That could be a problem for him.”
“He’s no longer with us.”
“I know. You made that clear. I’m referring to his estate.”
“I don’t see how.”
“Well, let’s say the state of Florida imposes a penalty for having a car registered in his name but no insurance. And let’s say that penalty holds up any legal proceedings in resolving …”
“May I ask you a personal question?”
“Personal?”
“Who do you support for President?
“For President?”
“I don’t mean to pry.”
[chuckling] “Oh, no problem,” he said.
“You have a favorite candidate?” I asked.
“As a matter of fact, I do,” he said.
“And who is it?”
“That Trump fella.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, Trump. Good man. No bullshit.”
