A crash can become even more stressful when you learn the other driver has no insurance. You may wonder who will pay for your medical care, vehicle damage or other losses, especially when the person who caused the crash cannot turn to an insurance company for coverage. The good news is that another driver’s lack of insurance does not necessarily leave you without options.
Here are the steps you can take to understand your coverage and protect your claim.
Confirm the other driver’s insurance status
First, confirm that the other driver actually lacked insurance when the crash occurred. Ask for the driver’s insurance information and keep a copy of anything they provide. If the information seems outdated or incomplete, ask your insurer to help verify the driver’s coverage before treating the accident as an uninsured-driver claim.
Review your uninsured motorist coverage
Check your own auto policy for uninsured motorist coverage. Indiana generally requires auto liability policies to include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage unless you reject it in writing. This coverage can allow you to seek compensation from your own insurer after a qualifying crash involving an uninsured driver.
Review your policy to understand the coverage limits and types of losses it addresses. If the language leaves you unsure about what applies, ask your insurer to explain the relevant provisions.
Document the accident and your losses
Keep records that show what happened and how the crash affected you. Gather and preserve:
- The accident report and photographs from the scene
- Medical records and bills
- Vehicle repair estimates and other property damage records
- Records of lost income or other accident-related expenses
Keeping these records together can help you provide complete information when you submit your claim.
Understand how your claim will be handled
Ask your insurer what you need to do to submit and support your claim. Find out:
- What information or records you need to provide
- Whether your insurer needs additional information about the accident or your injuries
- What happens after you submit the requested information
- How you can check the status of your claim
Keep copies of your claim-related correspondence and note important details from conversations with your insurer. This gives you a record of what you submitted, what your insurer requested and what you can expect next.
Protect your right to compensation after an accident
An uninsured-driver claim can involve questions about your policy, your losses and the circumstances of the crash. If you are unsure about your coverage or have questions about how your claim should proceed, consider reviewing your policy and claim records with an attorney. Legal assistance can help you understand your options and determine what steps make sense for your situation.