Auto insurance is a requirement in California, not an option. While many of us would never dream of getting behind the wheel of a car without valid insurance, many motorists on the roads continue to drive without any form of coverage. If you're involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, your auto insurance in Antioch, CA may be able to help cover expenses relating to the crash. To know how to handle the situation, read on.
Get Their Information
Assuming the uninsured (or underinsured) driver stopped after the accident, ask for their information. You won't use it in quite the same way you would for other claims, but it could come in handy when you talk to your insurance company. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, your insurance company will want the other driver's information.
Don't Take Cash
A driver with no insurance may offer cash to make the problem go away. It's important that you don't accept cash at the scene of the accident. There is no real way to know the cost of the damage to your vehicle until a mechanic inspects it. If anyone in your vehicle is injured, medical costs need to be accounted for, too.
Call the Police
Always call the police to file a full report even if the driver didn't stop or they have asked you not to. Having a police report on file will help your auto insurance claim.
Document the Damage
Be sure to document the accident by taking photos of the damage, the location of the accident, and write down facts about the event. If there were any eyewitnesses, gather their information, too.
Inform Your Insurer
As long as you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance, you can file a claim as you normally would. If the driver has no insurance your policy will pay for the damages and your medical expenses from the accident. If the driver has some but not enough coverage, your policy will pick up the costs their insurance won't cover. For more information on how to handle a hit and run accident, click here.
Do you have the right insurance to protect your vehicle and finances? Contact the team at Jack Stone Insurance Agency to secure reliable and affordable auto insurance (open the link in a new tab). We are here to help.
