I recently backed out of a parking space. I did look both directions, I just took my foot off the break did not apply the gas, rolled about 4 feet and hit the left rear fender of a car that was behind me. When turning in the accident report I found out that my insurance had been cancelled in Sept of 2005.for non-payment. I have been insured with the same company for about 40 years. Only one other accident. Last year I hit some black ice and skidded into a barrier. No other car was involved. Damage to my car ended up around $3000.oo Has anyone had the same situation happen to them?
2006-09-23 22:43:12 · 13 answers · asked by redhatlady 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
The bad news: you are personally liable for property damage caused by your negligence. Without insurance, you must pay out of pocket. Having liability cancelled a year ago, implying that you just "found out" will likely not fly with the other driver or with the police (i.e. were you cited for no liability?).
The good news: chances are, if the damage is minimal (from your description) you would have had to pay the insurance deductible anyway, thereby not involving insurance.
More importantly, from a legal perspective, the other driver's case would be considered a bad case and not appealing to most attorneys: minimal damages, no personal injuries, no liability insurance coverage. Believe me, most attorneys would pass this case up.
You have two options: (1) wait for the other driver to make demand and then settle for what you can pay out of pocket (get a good inspection of the vehicle damage first), or (2) even though it is ethically-challenged, has some tough ramifications for you and other driver, and deserves serious reflection, simply refuse to pay for the damages.
Your situation should serve as a reminder that we all need uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. Good luck!
2006-09-23 23:31:41 · answer #1 · answered by AJGLaw 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean you just found out? Didn't you get a bill? If you were cancelled for non-payment then they would have sent you a letter stating this. If you never got the letter you would have recieved letters from them wanting you to get reinsured with their company. What kind of company lets a 40 year customer go without trying to get them back? I think you need to see an attorney about your insurance company not sending you a letter. I feel they should have. Did you pay the bill? Call your bank and see if the check was recieved. They should be able to check back a year. If they accepted payment they may still have to cover you?
I do believe this can happen because I was driving on expired tags one time for 6 months. I honestly thought I had paid and got new tags until one day a highway patrol officer stopped me. I was shocked that I had gone that long without knowing.
2006-09-24 05:57:19 · answer #2 · answered by Busy Lady 2010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has anyone had the same thing happen to them? Do you mean are any of us so stupid we don't know our insurance coverage has been suspended for over a year due to non payment? I very much doubt it. And before you start crying you didn't know, and they didn't tell you, obviously you knew when the bill came due and there was no bill that something was wrong. Consider yourself lucky the state didn't pull your license for not having insurance. They do that in Oklahoma, if you don't keep your insurance up, if it is canceled for non payment, your license is suspended. The next time you are stopped you are arrested and your vehicle is towed.
2006-09-28 03:44:55 · answer #3 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm curious as to how you would not know that your policy cancelled for non-payment that long ago. Premiums are regular payments, so you had to realize that the payments weren't being made.
Anyway, that has not happened to me, probably because I work for an insurance company, and have heard it all and seen it all when policies cancel and there's no coverage for accidents. There is nothing you can do about it unless you have proof that you paid the premiums. The other person will use his/her insurance and they will decide whether to pursue you directly for reimbursement. Please make sure to get insurance now ASAP!
2006-09-24 08:00:55 · answer #4 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How can you have not known your insurance had been canceled? Your into a bad one. Have you checked with MVA to see what type of state fine you have. You better it's probably more then your damage to your car.
2006-09-24 06:26:56 · answer #5 · answered by purrfectsandcastle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Come on, you knew your insurance had been canceled for "non-payment". You, shuld have notice when the bills come to your house. The Insurance company should have send you bills for non-payments!!
2006-09-24 05:48:19 · answer #6 · answered by alfonso 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give me a break.
If your memory is so bad that you can't remember your insurance hasn't been paid for a YEAR, you have no business driving anyway!
If you're driving uninsured on purpose, the full penalty described in the law should be applied.
2006-09-24 05:52:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The insurance company by law has to inform you that your insurance has been cancelled and for what reason.
2006-09-24 16:49:13 · answer #8 · answered by diamond_joe1979 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BooHoo.....you have been driving without insurance for a year, just pay the man for the damages.
2006-09-24 11:05:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must not read your mail and not be aware of when your car insurance payments are due. Since you have been a customer for 40 yrs, (which means you are grown) you must be aware of car ins payment.
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Sounds like to me you are going to have ot suck up and pay for the damages and get some car insurance while you are it.
2006-09-24 16:34:17 · answer #10 · answered by Seeking 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋