How to deal with an uninsured driver
Get Your FREE Car Insurance Quote
It goes without saying that getting into a car accident is extremely upsetting and stress-inducing. When you are in an accident, and it is the other driver’s fault, you expect to be compensated for the damage of your vehicle, and if you get hurt, your hospital bills. But what happens if the motorist if uninsured? Ultimately, each state has their own laws regarding who should pay and how much. There are two different systems that pertain to this type of situation, depending on which state you live in.
In some states, there is a no-fault policy, in which you would submit a claim to your own insurance company. Even if another person caused the accident, your insurance company would pay for the damages under this system. Other states carry a tort policy, in which you must sue the other person for the cost of damages in order to be compensated financially.
Both systems have their drawbacks, and ideally, a driver should never have to be put in the situation of dealing with damage from an accident that isn’t their fault. That’s why it’s a good idea to purchase uninsured or underinsured driver protection. Those who are worried that such protection would subject them to higher car insurance quotes should rest easy. There are basically two scenarios that could play out if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver, depending on which state you live in.
If you live in a no-fault state, you will be required to file a claim with your own insurance provider, even if the damages and injuries are not your fault. If you have missed work as a result of the accident, you may also file a lost wages claim, in order to be fully compensated. You will still have to pay the deductible; however, the claim will not raise the rates of any auto insurance quotes you may receive after the accident.
On the other hand, if you live in a tort state then someone must be found to be at fault. If the other driver is proven to be at fault, then you must file a claim and pay a deductible to your insurance company, but in order to be awarded payment for any injuries, lost wages or damage, you must sue the uninsured driver. This will not raise your car insurance quotes, though it can be a stressful situation to say the least.
If you are a regular driver, or even a part-time driver, it makes sense to have uninsured and underinsured motorist protection as well as regular coverage. Whether you live in a no-fault state or a tort state, it’s a good investment.
In some states, there is a no-fault policy, in which you would submit a claim to your own insurance company. Even if another person caused the accident, your insurance company would pay for the damages under this system. Other states carry a tort policy, in which you must sue the other person for the cost of damages in order to be compensated financially.
Both systems have their drawbacks, and ideally, a driver should never have to be put in the situation of dealing with damage from an accident that isn’t their fault. That’s why it’s a good idea to purchase uninsured or underinsured driver protection. Those who are worried that such protection would subject them to higher car insurance quotes should rest easy. There are basically two scenarios that could play out if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver, depending on which state you live in.
If you live in a no-fault state, you will be required to file a claim with your own insurance provider, even if the damages and injuries are not your fault. If you have missed work as a result of the accident, you may also file a lost wages claim, in order to be fully compensated. You will still have to pay the deductible; however, the claim will not raise the rates of any auto insurance quotes you may receive after the accident.
On the other hand, if you live in a tort state then someone must be found to be at fault. If the other driver is proven to be at fault, then you must file a claim and pay a deductible to your insurance company, but in order to be awarded payment for any injuries, lost wages or damage, you must sue the uninsured driver. This will not raise your car insurance quotes, though it can be a stressful situation to say the least.
If you are a regular driver, or even a part-time driver, it makes sense to have uninsured and underinsured motorist protection as well as regular coverage. Whether you live in a no-fault state or a tort state, it’s a good investment.
Trackback URL for this post:
http://www.savetodayautoinsurance.com/trackback/528