One thing I learned the hard way: if you ever get hit by someone without insurance, call your own insurance company ASAP and ask about uninsured motorist coverage. I didn’t even realize I had it until my agent mentioned it. It saved me a ton of hassle (and money). Anyone else have tips for making these claims less of a headache?
Man, you nailed it—uninsured motorist coverage is like that secret superhero you didn’t know you had. I’ve seen folks skip calling their own insurance because they assume “no other driver’s insurance = I’m outta luck.” Not true! One tip: keep a notebook or use your phone to jot down everything right after the accident. Details get fuzzy fast, especially when adrenaline’s pumping. And don’t be shy about bugging your adjuster with questions... they’re used to it, trust me.
I’ve seen folks skip calling their own insurance because they assume “no other driver’s insurance = I’m outta luck.” Not true!
Yeah, totally agree about jotting stuff down fast. I always thought if the other driver had no insurance, you were just screwed. Didn’t realize your own policy could step in like that. Still kinda confusing how claims work though... does it make your rates go up?
Title: What to do when the other driver has no insurance
Yeah, it’s wild how many people don’t realize their own insurance can actually help out in those situations. I used to think the same thing—if the other person didn’t have coverage, I’d just be eating ramen for a month to pay for repairs. Turns out, that’s what uninsured motorist coverage is for (assuming you’ve got it). It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but man, when you do, it’s a lifesaver.
About your rates going up… that’s the million-dollar question, right? From what I’ve seen and heard, it really depends on your state and your insurance company’s policies. Some places have laws that say your rates can’t go up if you weren’t at fault, but others aren’t so forgiving. I had a fender bender a couple years back—other driver took off, no info, nothing. Filed under my uninsured motorist, and my premium didn’t budge. But my buddy in another state had his go up after something similar. Super frustrating.
Honestly, I get why people hesitate to call their own insurer. You worry about getting dinged for something that wasn’t even your fault. But skipping the call can end up costing way more in the long run. I’d rather deal with a possible rate hike than pay thousands out of pocket. Plus, if you don’t report it right away, some companies will use that as an excuse to deny your claim later… which is just brutal.
It’s all kind of a gamble, but I’d say jot down everything at the scene, call your insurance, and let them sort it out. That’s what you’re paying for, after all. And if you’re worried about rates, maybe shop around at renewal time—sometimes loyalty doesn’t pay off as much as we think.
Insurance is confusing on purpose, I swear. But at least there are a few safety nets if you know where to look.
Title: What to do when the other driver has no insurance
That’s a good point about jotting everything down at the scene. I once had a guy rear-end me in a rental car, and he tried to bail before I could even get his info. Luckily, I snapped a photo of his plate and the damage. My insurance handled it, but it took weeks of back and forth. Felt like a part-time job. Honestly, keeping receipts and every scrap of paperwork helped when they started asking for “proof” later. It’s a pain, but better than paying out of pocket for someone else’s mistake.
