The driver was 15 with a learner's permit. The insurance just went out two weeks ago. We contacted the father of the kid who hit us, and he told us a sob story, and said he didn't know what else to say. This vehicle is how we get our kids to school, and my wife to work. Why should I have insurance if nothing happens to people without it?
2007-09-26 05:52:19 · 12 answers · asked by abrotherskeeper 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
if you have collision coverage, you insurance company will handle; you will have a deductible, but the insurance company will then have an vested interest to go after the father for reimbursement;
i disagree about if you have collision but dont need uninsured property damage; this is a case where umpd comes into play; in most states where allowed, the deductible is usually much less or sometimes none;
ie; 500 ded collision;
200 or 0 for umpd;
if you dont have umpd nor collision, your insurance company wont get involved since they will have paid nothing; you can contact small claims court about filing suit, but even if you prevail, that is no guarantee you will get your money;
with a father allowing a 15 yo kid with a learners permit to drive an uninsured auto, is unlikely to have any assets to collect;
if your insurance company cant step in, call the police and see if they can help or make suggestions;
also call the BMV and report this to them; they may make it provisional that the father pays restitution before allowing the 15 yo to ever get a valid drivers license in the future;
if all else fails, seek advice from an attorney; but the attorney may tell you all above and you are back to zero;
good luck;
2007-09-26 07:45:39 · answer #1 · answered by lucy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you contact the police to file a report? That is the first step. Then give them a set time to try to pay for the damage. If nothing happens take them to small claims court. I get so mad when I hear of people not having insurnce. I carry insurance and keep my truck looking good and running good. Then there are idiots that drive around like fools. What half wit would allow a kid with a learners permit to drive uninsured?! The parents face a heavy fine if you reported the accident to the police, they will be required to get insurance and when they do it will be through the roof now. But, it's their own fault.
2007-09-26 13:04:46 · answer #2 · answered by hoppykit 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hiya:
Usually? Something DOES happen to someone if they don't have insurance and are responsible for an accident.
Depending on the state you are in ? There are lots of things that can happen. Where I live? The person's license is suspended until they make retribution. In some states, you can get liens or garnishments.
Hopefully you carry collision coverage and have filed a claim with your insurance company. If you have - they will do the leg work on pursuing the at fault party.
Hopefully no one was injured, either.
Best o'luck to you!
~jifr!
PS - Regular ol' uninsured motorist coverage (UM) only comes into effect if someone was injured. Some states have Uninsured Motorist Property damage (UMPD) but if you carry collision coverage you don't need the UMPD.
2007-09-26 13:02:07 · answer #3 · answered by Jifr 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You carry insurance to cover you in the event something happens. Your insurance would fix your car, and would subrogate against the other driver. You would pay your deductible, and it would be paid back if your company managed to collect.
So why haven't you put in a claim with your insurance company yet? Or do you not have collision and uninsured motorist cover?
2007-09-26 22:05:13 · answer #4 · answered by Fred C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1st of all , How did a 15 year old get a learners permit? The father is responsible for his sons actions, and I believe that a small claims law suit should be filed to cover repair costs plus legal fees that you occur
2007-09-26 13:08:41 · answer #5 · answered by sprayman007 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how can you say nothing happens to people without it? You are free to sue them right now and they would owe all damages out of pocket... is that nothing?
What if instead of someone nice like you.. they hit a family who all required extensive surgeries and their vehicle totalled. What if this family got a lawyer who sued the at fault uninsured party for 500 thousand dollars?
See what they are putting themselves in the position to happen?
2007-09-26 17:02:40 · answer #6 · answered by la428282 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello, ask the other driver to compensate your wife as much as they can because if you took the matter to court they would be forced to pay much more, it is wise for them to settle out of court.
If you and the guilty party went to court the guilty party would lose even if he is underage; and then the judge would force his legal guardians to pay for all the damages.
Whatever you decide is up to you.
Good luck to you with what ever decision you make
2007-09-26 13:45:44 · answer #7 · answered by dymps 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most places you'll be helped by your insurance company,please let the police handle it the best way possible its a sad fact it was his fault but still he had no insurance so...your in the clear and he will be fined and you should have your car fixed with no problem.All drivers pay for their mistakes...
2007-09-26 13:10:20 · answer #8 · answered by who 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My state requires that us to have uninsured motorist insurance. I would let my insurance company take care of it.
2007-09-26 13:01:11 · answer #9 · answered by John 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have full coverage yours should cover it> And uninsured motorist>Get estimates and file a Small claims>
2007-09-26 13:03:13 · answer #10 · answered by 45 auto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋