What happens if I'm hit by an uninsured driver?

Asked by: Orin Funk  |  Last update: May 26, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (44 votes)

Uninsured motorist coverage provides protection if you get into an accident with someone who doesn't have insurance. If you have it, your insurance provider will step in and help cover costs for bodily injuries to you and your passengers.

Can you sue an uninsured driver in Pennsylvania?

You may be able to sue the uninsured driver for both economic and non-economic damages if you have uninsured motorist coverage on your policy. Pennsylvania has a minimum coverage limit of $30,000 per accident for uninsured motorist policies, while maximums vary by policyholder and insurance company.

Will my insurance go up if I get hit by an uninsured driver?

However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.

Do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?

While insurance companies may pursue uninsured drivers to recover claim costs, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Uninsured drivers involved in accidents should seek legal counsel promptly to protect their rights and explore possible compensation avenues.

What happens if someone hits you and they don't have insurance in NY?

Drivers who get into a car accident without insurance in New York may face penalties, such as having to pay fines or facing driver's license suspension. If you were injured by an uninsured driver, your no-fault insurance can cover certain economic damages such as medical bills and some lost wages.

What to do if you're hit by an uninsured driver?

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What happens when someone not on your insurance gets in an accident?

Insurance follows the vehicle, so if someone else drives your car and gets into an accident, your insurance will handle the claim. This is known as permissive use — your policy covers the damage, not theirs.

Do I need to make an insurance claim if I hit someone?

In CA, you have to file an SR 1 within 10 days if the accident caused damage exceeding $1000. Sometimes insurance handles this for you, but if not, you'd have to. And if you don't, they can suspend your license when the other person files a claim and submits said form.

Is it worth suing an uninsured driver?

Suing the uninsured driver might not be worth it unless they are financially capable of satisfying a judgment. After a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact a car accident lawyer about your legal options.

Am I covered against uninsured drivers?

If you cause an accident and you have a comprehensive Car Insurance policy, the cost of repairing both your car and the uninsured driver's car is covered. If you only have third-party insurance, you'll have to pay for any repairs to your own car yourself, but the uninsured driver's car will still be covered.

What happens if I hit a car but no damage?

* Exchange information: Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. * Document the incident: Take photos of both vehicles, even if there's no visible damage. * Report the incident: If required by law in your area, report the incident to the police.

What is the deductible for being hit by an uninsured driver?

The amount of your UMPD deductible will vary based on your state. It usually falls in between $100-$1,000. Note that some states may have a separate deductible for hit-and-run claims. You may not have the option to choose your deductible amount for UMPD coverage.

Does someone hitting you make your insurance go up?

Rate increases will go up even more if there are injuries and property damage. If you are not at fault, however, the rate increase is less severe. On average, drivers who are not at fault will only have their rates go up by about 4%.

Do uninsured motorist claims go against you?

If you have an accident that is not your fault and then make a UM/UIM claim for that accident, you are within the two events allowed under this code section. The insurance company cannot raise premiums, cancel coverage or refuse to renew your policy.

What is considered an uninsured driver?

An uninsured motorist is someone without auto insurance. Chances are about one in seven drivers in the U.S. is uninsured, according to a 2011 estimate by the Insurance Research Council. Uninsured motorist coverage helps you pay for damages caused by a driver who doesn't have car insurance.

What happens if someone who isn t on your insurance crashes your car in pa?

If someone wrecks your car and they are not on your insurance, you may still be able to file a claim with your insurance company. This is because your insurance follows your car, not the driver.

What is the penalty in Pennsylvania for driving without insurance?

A minimum of $300 fine for driving uninsured. A three-month suspension of your vehicle registration.

How do I protect myself from uninsured drivers?

One of the best ways to protect yourself from uninsured and underinsured drivers is to be sure you have enough of the right coverage, including uninsured and underinsured coverage, and high enough limits yourself.

Can I sue if I didn't have insurance?

The fact that you don't have car insurance doesn't mean you are automatically responsible for the accident. Sure, it's against the law to drive without insurance, but you can still sue when you're injured by another driver in most states.

What happens to uninsured drivers involved in accidents?

If the uninsured driver is found to be at fault for a collision, they may be held personally responsible for payment of any damages. If they cannot afford to pay for repairs, then the vehicle owner may have to pay out of pocket.

Is it worth suing someone with no money?

Essentially, you might think suing someone with no money is futile, but that's not the case. The law protects your rights and allows you to seek compensation if someone causes you harm or loss, regardless of their financial status.

Do I call my insurance if I'm not at fault?

Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involves injuries or property damage. It is a common myth that you needn't contact your insurance company if you aren't at fault.

Is it better to use your insurance or theirs?

After a car accident, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim, and not deal with the other driver's insurer. Except in rare circumstances, it is not wise to contact them. Your insurance company represents you, and the other driver's insurance company represents them.

Do insurance companies sue uninsured drivers?

Insurance companies have the right to pursue compensation from an uninsured driver through subrogation. However, the company only seeks reimbursement for the amount paid through your coverage. Unfortunately, this can leave victims of car accidents without the compensation necessary to recover fully.

Am I liable if someone else drives my car?

Usually, a car insurance policy covers the vehicle itself, not the person driving it, and that means the liability coverage (which is required by California law) should cover the friend. California is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for an accident is the one whose insurance will be the primary ...