What Happens if You're in an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?

Being in a car accident is stressful enough, but discovering that the other driver is uninsured can add another layer of complication. Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself in this situation, including the steps to take and how to protect yourself financially.

Step 1: Ensure Everyone’s Safety
As with any accident, the first priority is safety. Check yourself and others for injuries and call emergency services if needed. Move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so and exchange information with the other driver.

Step 2: Gather Evidence
Even if the other driver is uninsured, you’ll need documentation for your insurance company. Take these steps:

• Photograph the scene: Capture images of the damage, license plates, and any relevant road conditions.
• Get witness statements: If bystanders saw the accident, ask for their contact information.
• File a police report: This is especially important when dealing with an uninsured driver. A police report can be crucial for insurance claims.

​Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the accident. If you have the right type of coverage, your insurance can step in to cover damages even when the other driver is uninsured.

Insurance Coverage Options for Uninsured Drivers

Here’s how your policy might help in this situation:

1. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)
   • This coverage is specifically designed to protect you in accidents involving uninsured drivers.
   • It typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
2. Collision Coverage
   • If you have collision insurance, it can cover the cost of repairing your vehicle regardless of who is at fault.
   • However, you’ll still need to pay your deductible.
3. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
   • These options can help cover medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault.

What If You Don’t Have the Right Coverage?

If you don’t have uninsured motorist or collision coverage, recovering costs can be challenging. You may need to:

• Sue the uninsured driver: While this is an option, it’s often impractical. Many uninsured drivers lack the assets to cover damages.
• Absorb the costs: Unfortunately, without appropriate coverage, you might have to pay for repairs and medical expenses out of pocket.

How to Protect Yourself Moving Forward

To avoid financial stress in the future, consider these steps:

1. Review Your Insurance Policy
   • Ensure you have uninsured motorist coverage and understand your policy limits.
2. Increase Coverage if Needed
   • If your current policy lacks sufficient protection, consider adding collision, UM, or MedPay coverage.
3. Stay Informed
   • Be aware of your state’s insurance requirements. Some states mandate uninsured motorist coverage.
4. Drive Defensively
   • Reducing your chances of an accident can save you from dealing with these complications altogether.​

Final Thoughts
Being in an accident with an uninsured driver is a frustrating experience, but having the right insurance coverage can make a significant difference. By preparing ahead of time and knowing what steps to take, you can protect yourself financially and focus on recovering from the incident. Contact us for a free insurance checkup.

Mars Tag & Insurance Agency