What To Do if You're Hit by an Uninsured Driver

rear end car accident

Despite strict laws in most states about the minimum coverage required for an auto policy, some drivers choose to drive without any insurance at all. What happens when an uninsured driver hits you, and you're not at fault? This article explains the process you should follow to handle such a circumstance:
 

Call for help

Call 911 immediately after the accident and provide information regarding the location of the incident so the operator can dispatch help to your site. Check if anyone is injured while waiting for the police to arrive.

 

The police officer will help determine who may be at fault and will write a report. Once all the information has been recorded, ask where and how you can obtain a copy of the report. They're typically available at the police station within two days of the collision. A copy of the report is needed when filing a claim with your insurance company.
 

Gather information

Inspect your vehicle. Was there any damage? It's important to take pictures of the damage caused to your vehicle for insurance purposes.

 

Exchange information with the other driver, including their cell phone number, address, license plate number, VIN number, and details of the incident. The more information you can provide to your insurance company, the better. If you can, get the names of any witnesses to the accident.
 

File an insurance claim

Your next step is to contact your auto insurance company and file a claim. Inform your agent that you were hit by an uninsured driver and that you intend to file an uninsured claim.

 

Some insurance companies have strict policies about notifying them of potential uninsured claims and only give 30 days from the time of the collision for you to file an insurance claim. Don't delay the process and start as soon as possible, even if the at-fault driver refuses to provide their information.

 

The insurance company needs to conduct an investigation to verify all the information provided is accurate. This is why having the police report comes in handy, to help accelerate the process.

 

Tort vs. No-fault

It's important to know whether you're in a tort liability state or a no-fault one when you're hit by an uninsured driver.

 

In a no-fault state, each driver pays for their own damages and injuries up to a specified amount, regardless of who may be at-fault. You take care of yourself and the other driver does the same. This may make it more complicated to sue an at-fault driver but, at the same time, gives you peace of mind that your insurance helps to cover you even though you're not the one at fault.

 

Driving Without Insurance Coverage

According to a study conducted by the Insurance Information Institute in 2017, 13% of motorists were uninsured. What this means is that one in eight drivers is behind the wheel without the proper car insurance.

 

If you're in a tort liability state, you may wish to consider adding Uninsured Motorist Coverage to your auto policy. Some states require you to have it to help pay for car repairs, property damage, and medical bills when an uninsured driver is at-fault.

 

Having the right policy in place is essential to ensure your safety on the road. Infinity Insurance offers affordable auto insurance options that meet your budget and needs. Call one of our friendly agents today at 1-800-INFINITY to learn more or visit our website to receive a quote in minutes.

The materials available in the Knowledge Center are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact legal counsel to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use of this website or any of the links contained within the website do not create representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.