Are You Covered if The Person You’re in an Accident with Doesn’t Have Liability Insurance?
So, how easy is it to get into an uninsured motorist situation? Here’s an example:
You are on your way to the movies. You are in the right lane, stopped, and signaling your intention to make that turn. You are next in line and you stop to make sure you can proceed. Suddenly, the driver behind you rear-ends you.
That person has no auto insurance. It’s that easy. The Insurance Research Council reports that 1 in 8 drivers is uninsured. While collision coverage can help cover the damages to your vehicle from the accident, it doesn’t help with medical bills due to injuries that this accident could have caused.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works
Uninsured motorist insurance coverage helps cover damages caused by a driver who doesn’t have automobile insurance; this includes injuries. If someone is injured and/or, the vehicle is damaged in the accident, uninsured motorist coverage will help pay for costs, up to the limits in your policy.
What it’s Like to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim
At the scene of the accident, you want to make you consider the following:
- Call the police
- Exchange information, though- some states require drivers to not communicate until the police arrive. In an uninsured motorist situation, the other driver doesn’t have insurance coverage so- you’ll be documenting contact and vehicle information.
- Take photos of the damages and the scene if possible- keeping in mind that some states require you to wait for the police to arrive.
- Report the accident to your insurance agent/ insurance carrier.
Filing the claim is similar to any other insurance claim filing. You’ll start by providing the details of the accident and the damages to your vehicle, along with any injuries. Then, you’ll provide the other person’s contact and vehicle information.
Since the other driver doesn’t have insurance coverage- the claim you file with your carrier- will be an uninsured motorist claim. In some states, a police report is required so, make sure to call the police from the scene of the accident.
If You Don’t Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage- Then What?
If there is no uninsured motorist coverage, taking the at-fault driver to court and suing is an option. The process could take time and money, and doesn’t also result in a settlement. Many times, people are stuck paying out of pocket for damages and injuries. Collision insurance coverage could be used to help fix your vehicle though.
Next Steps
The safest way to drive is by being completely covered. Uninsured motorist insurance coverage provides peace of mind. Contacting an insurance agent is a great way to start the conversation to ensure that you are completely protected.
