How To Find Out If Someone Has Auto Insurance Coverage
November 29, 2024 Posted In Car Accidents
After a car accident, determining whether the other party has auto insurance coverage is crucial for handling Beaumont car accident claims and recovering compensation. California law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover damages or injuries they may cause. However, not every driver complies with this requirement, making it important to take the right steps to confirm the other party’s coverage.
Exchange Information at the Scene
The easiest way to find out if someone has auto insurance is to ask them at the scene. Ask that they provide their proof of insurance, which is usually in the form of an insurance card or digital insurance document. Take a photo of this information or write it down. If the other driver refuses to provide their insurance details or claims not to have coverage, document this behavior.
California law requires drivers involved in an accident to exchange basic information, including:
- Full name and contact details.
- Driver’s license number.
- Vehicle registration information.
- Insurance details, including the company name and policy number.
Involve Law Enforcement
After any accident, call law enforcement, especially if there is significant property damage, injuries, or a dispute over fault. Police officers will often document insurance information from both parties and include it in the accident report.
To obtain this report, contact the law enforcement agency that responded to the scene, such as the California Highway Patrol or local police department. This report can be critical for verifying the other driver’s insurance coverage.
File a Report with the DMV
In California, if an accident results in more than $1,000 in property damage, bodily injury, or death, you must file a Traffic Accident Report (SR-1) with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days. This report requires you to include your insurance information as well as the other driver’s details.
The DMV may contact the other driver to verify their insurance coverage. If the other party fails to provide proof of insurance, they risk penalties such as license suspension.
Contact the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
If you obtained the other party’s insurance details, reach out to their insurance company directly to verify the coverage and initiate a claim. This process is much easier with the help of a Beaumont personal injury lawyer. An injury lawyer knows insurance company tactics for devaluing claims and can communicate with them on your behalf. Provide the insurer with:
The date and location of the accident.
The other driver’s name and policy number (if available).
The insurance company will confirm whether the policy was active at the time of the accident. However, be very careful with what you say to their insurer and do not agree to a recorded statement. Anything you say may unintentionally hurt your claim later.
Use Your Insurance Provider’s Assistance
Your own auto insurance company may be able to assist in verifying the other party’s insurance coverage. Depending on your coverage, you can file a claim with your insurer regardless of fault, then they may contact the other driver’s insurance provider to confirm coverage details.
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, your insurance company may activate your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you have it, to help cover your damages.
Hire an Attorney
If you encounter difficulties in verifying the other party’s insurance coverage or recovering compensation, hiring a Beaumont uninsured accident attorney can be invaluable. An experienced attorney can:
- Investigate the other party’s insurance status.
- File a claim or lawsuit on your behalf.
- Help recover damages through alternative means, such as garnishing wages if the other party is uninsured.
Attorneys also have access to legal tools, such as subpoenas, that can compel disclosure of insurance information.