Stop Annoying Auto Insurance Calls For Good

If you're tired of receiving calls about your car's extended warranty, you're not alone. These calls are often scams, and there are several ways to block them. Firstly, you can change your phone settings to send unknown callers straight to voicemail or block them entirely. You can also register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry, a free service that helps stop unwanted sales calls. Additionally, you can use call-blocking apps or features provided by your phone service provider. If you continue to receive scam calls, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It's important to be cautious and not provide personal information to unknown callers.

Block numbers on your phone

If you're tired of receiving auto insurance calls, you can block numbers on your phone by following these device-specific steps:

Blocking numbers on iPhone:

• Go to "Settings" and select "Silence unknown callers". This will send all calls from unknown numbers straight to voicemail. You may still receive voicemails from these callers.
• To block a specific number that has called you, open the Phone app and tap "Recent". Find the number you want to block and tap the "Info" icon (it looks like a lowercase letter "i" in a circle). Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller" to confirm.
• To block a number from your Contacts list, go to "Settings", select "Phone", then "Blocked Contacts". Scroll to the bottom and tap "Add New". Select the contacts you want to block from the list.

Blocking numbers on Android:

• Go to your settings and click on "Block numbers". From there, you can block all unknown callers.
• To block numbers not saved as contacts: Tap "More options" (three vertical dots), then "Settings". Go to "Block numbers", enter the phone number, and tap the "Add" icon.
• To block a number from your call log: Tap the number, select "Details", and then tap "Block".
• To block a number from your Contacts app: Tap the contact you want to block, select "More", then tap "Block contact" and confirm by tapping "Block".

Blocking numbers on a Galaxy phone:

• Open the Phone app and tap "More options" (three vertical dots), then "Settings".
• Activate "Caller ID and spam protection".
• During or after a call from an unknown number, use the "Block number" or "Report number" options.

In addition to blocking numbers on your phone, you can also reduce the number of unwanted auto insurance calls by registering your number on the National Do Not Call Registry.

Change your phone's settings to send unknown callers to voicemail

If you're tired of receiving auto insurance calls, changing your phone settings to send unknown callers to voicemail is a great way to reduce the number of scam calls you receive. Here's how you can do it:

For iPhone Users:

• Go to "Settings" on your iPhone.
• Select the "Phone" option.
• Toggle on the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature. This will send all calls from unknown numbers straight to voicemail, without your phone ringing.
• Alternatively, you can use third-party apps like RoboKiller, which is designed to block spam calls and is available on the App Store.

For Android Users:

• Go to your phone's settings.
• Click on "Block Numbers".
• From there, you can block all unknown callers.

By changing your phone settings, you can effectively reduce the number of unwanted auto insurance calls and protect yourself from potential scams.

File a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

If you're tired of receiving auto insurance calls, there are several ways to block them. One way is to file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is committed to protecting consumers from unwanted calls and is taking various measures to combat illegal calls. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process of filing a complaint with the FCC:

• Recognize the Problem: Understand that the auto insurance calls you're receiving are unwanted and may be illegal. Be aware of the signs of scam calls, such as vagueness, urgency, or requests for personal information.
• Gather Information: Take note of the phone numbers from which you're receiving these calls, the frequency of the calls, and any relevant details about the conversations. Having this information will help support your complaint.
• Visit the FCC Website: Go to the FCC's Consumer Complaint Center website at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov. This website will guide you through the process of filing a complaint.
• Select the Appropriate Category: On the FCC website, choose the "phone" option and then select "unwanted calls" as the specific issue. This will ensure your complaint is directed to the right department.
• Provide Detailed Information: When filing your complaint, include as much detail as possible. Provide the phone numbers that are calling you, the dates and times of the calls, and any relevant conversation details. You can also mention if you believe the calls are scams or if they violate telemarketing rules.
• Submit Your Complaint: Follow the instructions on the FCC website to submit your complaint. The process is straightforward and does not require any complicated legal procedures or charges.
• Track Progress and Results: After submitting your complaint, you can track its progress and any actions taken by the FCC. While the FCC may not resolve individual complaints, they use the collective information to identify trends, enforce consumer protection laws, and take action against violators.
• Explore Additional Resources: The FCC website also provides consumer guides, tips, and resources to help you deal with unwanted calls. They offer suggestions for call-blocking tools, apps, and other measures to reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.
• Spread Awareness: Share your experience with others to help spread awareness about auto insurance call scams and the options available to block them. You can also encourage your phone company to offer robocall-blocking services if they don't already.
• Report Financial Losses: If you have lost money due to a scam call, be sure to contact your local law enforcement agency for assistance. They can help you address the financial implications and work with the FCC to track down the scammers.

Remember, filing a complaint with the FCC is just one step towards blocking auto insurance calls. You can also explore other methods, such as blocking unknown callers on your phone, registering for the National Do Not Call Registry, or using call-blocking apps. Combining multiple strategies will help reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.

Don't give out personal information

Giving out personal information over the phone can lead to identity theft or fraud. Scammers may pose as representatives of a car dealer, manufacturer, or insurer to trick you into revealing personal information. Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to these scams:

Be Wary of Incoming Calls

It's important to screen incoming calls and be cautious, even if the caller ID appears authentic. Criminals often use spoofing technology to disguise their identities. If you don't recognize the number, it's best not to answer and let it go to voicemail. If you do answer and the caller asks for personal information, hang up immediately.

Verify the Caller's Identity

Before providing any personal information, ensure that you are dealing directly with a legitimate company. Telephone scammers may imply that they work for a company you trust, so it's crucial to be cautious and verify their identity. Ask for the caller's name, phone number, and company details. Then, hang up and call the company directly to confirm the caller's identity.

Protect Your Sensitive Information

Never provide sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, credit card details, driver's license number, or bank account information, to unverified callers. This information can be used to defraud you or steal your identity. Keep in mind that legitimate companies will not ask for this type of sensitive information over the phone.

Be Aware of Common Scams

Scammers often create a sense of urgency by claiming that your warranty or policy is about to expire or that you need to act immediately to receive a special offer. They may also offer free warranties or rebates, which are usually too good to be true. If you feel pressured or rushed to make a decision, especially when it involves money or personal information, it's likely a scam.

Use Caution When Giving Out Personal Details

While it may be tempting to remain anonymous when receiving auto insurance quotes, keep in mind that car insurance rates are highly personalized. To get an accurate quote, you may need to provide certain personal details, such as your date of birth, driving record, vehicle information, and ZIP code. However, you can still maintain your privacy by using comparison websites or calculators that provide estimates without requiring sensitive information.

Add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry

If you're tired of receiving unwanted auto insurance calls, adding your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry can help reduce the number of telemarketing sales calls you receive. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website or Call the Toll-Free Number

Go to DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from the phone you want to register. It is important to note that you must call from the phone number you want to register. This service is provided free of charge.

Step 2: Complete the Registration Process

If you register your number through the website, you will receive an email with a confirmation link that you need to click on within 72 hours to finalize your registration. Your phone number will be added to the registry the day after you sign up, but it can take up to 31 days for the sales calls to stop.

Step 3: Check Your Registration Status

To verify that your number has been added to the registry, visit DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the registered phone number. Your number will appear on the registry the day after registration, but it may take up to 31 days for telemarketers to stop calling.

Step 4: Report Violations

Even after registering, you may still receive unwanted sales calls. In such cases, you can report these calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Include details such as the phone number that received the call, the number on your caller ID, any callback number provided, and the date and time of the call. You can use the streamlined reporting form at DoNotCall.gov if you haven't lost money due to a scam. However, if you have lost money to a phone scam or have information about the scammer, report it at ReportFraud.FTC.gov.

It's important to remember that the National Do Not Call Registry only applies to sales calls from legitimate companies that follow the law. It won't stop calls from scammers or illegal robocalls. If you receive such calls, hang up immediately and report them to the FTC. Additionally, this registry only applies to personal phone numbers, and business phone numbers or fax lines are not covered.

Frequently asked questions