Involved in an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?

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It's your worst nightmare. You're driving down the road and some guy backs out his driveway into the side of your car. Maybe he runs a red light. Maybe he's drunk and swerves into oncoming traffic. No matter what the scenario, when you begin to gather information to provide the police and your auto insurance carrier you find out that you've been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Now what?

Reporting the Accident

The first thing you need to do is call the police. Don't leave the scene of the accident. Don't agree to let the other person pay for your damages. Call the police and let them file a report. The other driver will get in trouble for driving an uninsured vehicle but doing so is against the law and the consequences are not something you should feel guilty about in any way, shape, or form.

After you talk to the police you'll need to call your auto insurance carrier to report the claim. Your claims adjuster will open a file for you and will review your policy to see what coverage options you have available. Some states require you to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If you live in one of those states, you're in luck. Other states don't require you to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage but offer it as an option. If this is the case in your state, buy it.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is a special form of liability coverage that will pay for your medical bills or property damage in the event you are in an accident with a driver who has no insurance. Filing a claim under this coverage will ensure you are not marked "at fault" for the accident but will ensure you're able to get back on the road again as well.

Here's the catch, though. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver you must have a police report for good reason. If you don't have one you can't prove that another driver or vehicle was involved (like in the case of a hit and run). If that happens, your insurance carrier may refuse to pay for your damages under your uninsured motorist coverage limit.

Always remain calm when on the accident scene, whether you are involved with an accident with an uninsured driver or not. The police and your claims adjuster will do their best to walk you through the process of reporting the accident and you'll be as good as new before you know it!

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