Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, especially when you exchange insurance information with the other driver and discover they don’t have any. Knowing what your auto insurance in NH covers in this situation can help you understand your options and what steps to take next.
An accident with an uninsured driver can leave you wondering who will pay for the damage to your vehicle, how your medical expenses will be handled, and what you should do next. While you may feel overwhelmed, knowing what to do can help you protect yourself and make the process easier.
This week, our team at Morin Insurance is offering some insight on what to do when you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
What Does It Mean to Be Uninsured?
Some drivers may decide that skipping car insurance will save them money each month. Though avoiding a monthly insurance payment may seem like a way to cut costs, it can create major financial problems after an accident.
If an uninsured driver causes an accident, you could be left managing vehicle repairs, medical expenses, property damage, etc. Depending on your policy, your own insurance may cover you in this situation.
The most important thing is to avoid making the situation more complicated. After an accident, never agree to keep the police or insurance companies out of the situation because the other driver offers you cash or makes a verbal promise to pay for the damage.
Even if the other driver seems honest and offers to cover your expenses, there is no guarantee they’ll keep their word. This is why properly documenting the accident and notifying the appropriate parties can help protect you.
What Should You Do After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver?
Your first priority after any accident should be making sure everyone is safe. Once you have addressed any immediate safety concerns, collect the necessary information about the accident and the other driver.
If the other driver does not have insurance, document that information clearly. Avoid accepting an informal agreement to settle the matter between the two of you.
Instead, contact your insurance company and report the accident. Be sure to tell them that the other driver is uninsured.
Your insurance company can explain what coverage may apply to your situation and what steps you need to take next.
If you need a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately following an accident, check out our other blog for more information.
How Can Uninsured Motorist Coverage Help?
One important type of coverage to understand is Uninsured Motorist Coverage, also known as UM coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage is designed to provide protection when you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance. The coverage available to you depends on your policy, so it is important to understand what it includes before an accident happens.
Depending on your coverage, other parts of your auto insurance policy may also help with certain expenses following an accident.
For example, collision coverage may help cover damage to your vehicle. Personal Injury Protection may help cover medical costs, depending on your policy and circumstances.
Having the right coverage in place before an accident happens can make a major difference when you suddenly find yourself dealing with an uninsured driver.
Can You Take Legal Action Against an Uninsured Driver?
You may also consider taking legal action against the uninsured driver, particularly if you have suffered personal injuries as a result of the accident.
You can file a personal injury lawsuit against an uninsured driver. However, even if you win a lawsuit, collecting what you are owed can be difficult if the other driver has no personal assets or funds.
This is another reason why having appropriate insurance coverage can be so valuable. Rather than relying entirely on an uninsured driver to have the financial resources to compensate you, your own insurance coverage may provide protection when you need it.
Protect Yourself With the Right Auto Insurance In NH
Most drivers don’t expect an accident. Unfortunately, you cannot control whether another driver has the proper insurance coverage. What you can control is how you protect yourself.
The right auto insurance NH policy can give you greater peace of mind while driving. At Morin’s Insurance, we provide quality, personal customer service and work to keep our customers informed about policy issues and upcoming renewal periods.
Don’t simply take our word for it. Explore our client testimonials to hear what customers have to express regarding their experience with us.
If you have questions about your coverage or want to make sure you have the protection you need, we’re here to help.
Find out more with Morin’s Insurance, located in Alton Bay, NH. Get a quote online and become insured with us today!
Have further questions? Email info@morinagency.com or call (603) 875-1200.
