When the other driver has no insurance

It is one of the worst things to hear after a crash: the other driver has no insurance, or far too little to cover what happened. It does not always mean there is nowhere to turn.

Coverage on your own policy

Many auto policies include uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. It is coverage you bought, and it can apply when the driver at fault cannot pay. Some states require it; in others, drivers can turn it down in writing.

How to check

• Find the declarations page of your policy, the summary sheet that lists your coverages.
• Look for lines for uninsured or underinsured motorist, bodily injury and property damage.
• Check whether anyone else in your household has a policy that might also apply.
• Ask your insurer in writing for a full copy of the policy, not only the summary.

Hit-and-run crashes

If the other driver drove off, report it to the police quickly. Uninsured motorist coverage may apply to a hit-and-run, but policies often require a prompt police report.

A UM or UIM claim is a claim against your own insurer, which makes it unlike most others. The company you pay is now the one deciding what to pay you.

Written by the Crash Next Law team. General information, not legal advice.