What if I am involved in a car crash with an uninsured driver?
Uninsured motorist insurance coverage pays for damages caused by a driver with no insurance. Perhaps that driver never bought insurance, but it may be that the driver's insurance simply expired. More commonly, the accident may include a driver who lacks enough insurance to cover the claims. That's where underinsured coverage helps.
Protect yourself first by checking to see if you have uninsured/underinsured coverage on your policy, as your state may not require it. You can always add uninsured coverage.
If you're in an accident, make sure you get contact information from the other driver, including insurance information, and give it to your own insurance company.
In the case of an underinsured driver, first you are compensated from the other driver’s insurance company within their policy limits, and then, if there are still damages, you make a claim with your own insurance company for the balance. If there is no insurance at all, your insurance company may require a signed statement from the uninsured driver stating that he or she has no insurance. Then you may make a claim with your own company for all of your damages.
Uninsured and underinsured coverage may put you at odds with your own insurance company, especially if you disagree on whose fault the accident was or the extent of your injuries. The company may reduce your compensation if it decides you were at fault, even in a minor way. If you are in conflict with your insurance company, talk with a car accident attorney experienced in uninsured or underinsured claims. |
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