Car insurance is how the nation keeps car driving affordable for every motorist on the road. If we had to cover all the bodily and property damages after a crash out of our personal finances, most of us would face financial ruin. However, not everyone wants to pay for coverage. So how do you find out if someone has auto insurance coverage or not?
Finding out if someone has car insurance after an accident can require a little legwork, but it’s not too difficult. Once you have the other driver’s auto insurance coverage information, you can find out the details of their policy limits and begin your claim for compensation.
Below are ways to find out if someone has auto insurance coverage:
Ask the Other Driver for Their Insurance Information
In an ideal situation, you’ll ask the other driver for their information after an accident. Take a photo of their insurance card or write the name of their insurer and policy number. With this information, you can file a claim.
Unfortunately, about 13% of drivers do not carry auto insurance coverage nationwide. In some states, the percentage is much higher than that. There are ways you can find out if they’re uninsured or gave you false information.
Ask the Police for the Other Driver’s Insurance Information
If the other party refuses to give up their insurance information, don’t get angry. You should already call the police and have them make an accident report. But the police will compel the other driver to surrender their information or confirm that they have no car insurance coverage.
If you had to go to the hospital after your crash and cannot reach the other driver, the police should have a copy of the report with the other driver’s insurance information. This evidence is vital to your claim, so don’t be afraid to ask for it.
Ask the DMV for a Driver’s Auto Insurance Coverage
Another avenue of research is to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). They will have the information on all the insurance for every registered vehicle. However, you will need to provide a legitimate reason to have that information.
A license plate number and a police report is a good start. Depending on your area, you may need to fill out a form for the request. However, you should never give false information to the DMV.
Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
You should try not to speak to the other driver’s insurance company if they were at fault and you intend to file a claim for compensation. The at-fault driver’s insurance company is not on your side. Instead, speak to a personal injury lawyer for assistance dealing with the other driver’s insurer.
However, you should always call your own insurance company to report a car accident. If the other driver runs away or gives false information, your insurance company may also be able to help you. Ask them to run a search on the other driver’s license plate. They will find out if the car is insured and reach out to them to get the numbers you need.
What to Do in a Hit-and-Run?
Sometimes, a driver will flee an accident scene because they don’t have car insurance. Do your best to get the license plate number and other identifying features of the vehicle with a photo. Even a partial license plate is better than nothing.
Give any information you obtained about the other driver and their vehicle to the police when you make your report. They might be able to pull the driver’s insurance record for you through their computer system. You’ll also cover your own legal obligations and boost your case by sharing your side of the story.
What if the Other Driver Has No Auto Insurance Coverage?
If the other driver has no auto insurance coverage and you’ve called the police, they will cite the other driver for it. Then, you’ll need to file a claim with your own insurance company about the matter. Most policies have uninsured motorist coverage.
One trick an uninsured driver may pull is to offer you cash on the spot after a wreck. If you take that cash, it won’t matter if they have car insurance. It will appear as if you already accepted compensation, and that’s grounds to deny your claim.
Ask Your Lawyer to Find the Other Driver’s Auto Coverage Policy
If you haven’t spoken to a personal injury lawyer yet, you might want to consider it. A lawyer can find out if someone has auto insurance for you. If you sustained injuries from your accident, you don’t need the extra hassle of tracking down this information yourself.
Having a car accident lawyer on your side will also help the claims process move along smoothly. A lawyer can find the other driver’s auto coverage policy, speak to their insurance company, and fight for your best interests. By working with a lawyer, you can maximize your chances of getting compensation.
With offices and resources spread throughout California, Jacoby & Meyers Injury Lawyers is proud to assist clients in Sacramento, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and beyond.