How to Handle a Wreck when the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance

After the realization has set in that you have just got in a car accident, you may experience many emotions. You may experience pain, worry, and confusion. You may even feel some relief if you know that you were not at fault for the accident. At least you won’t have to worry about using your insurance coverage or paying for the damages. Whew!

But wait…what if the other person doesn’t have insurance?

Of course they have insurance, right? It is the law, after all. That is true, but that does not mean everyone follows this regulation. In fact, according to the Insurance Research Council, as many as 1 in 7 drivers do not carry the insurance required by law. That means that if you get in a car accident, there is a 14% chance that the person that hits you will not have insurance.

What does that mean for me?

Well, unless you are extremely lucky it means that you are going to have a hard time getting your medical bills or car damage paid for. That is because most people that do not have insurance do not have very many personal assets. Even if they actually have enough money to pay you, are they accountable and responsible enough to actually follow through? Considering they are already breaking the law by not having insurance in the first place, probably not.

Can’t I take legal action?

Yes, hiring a lawyer to get your expenses paid for is always an option. However, even if you win, that does not guarantee payment. Some states will garnish wages to pay for lawsuits, but oftentimes you are responsible for collecting the payment yourself. Not to mention, there is a chance that you could lose. In that case, you will end up with legal fees to pay as well.

So I am just tough out of luck?

Unfortunately, yes. That is, unless you were smart enough to add uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to your insurance before you got in the accident. This is the best way to ensure that you will be covered in an auto accident no matter what. The coverage only costs about 10 extra bucks a month and covers medical payments, car damages, and even wages lost in the event of a no-fault accident where the other driver does not have insurance. Plus, isn’t peace of mind priceless?