Got rear ended by someone without insurance coverage?

[k3n]

I consulted with someone & showed them pictures of the damage, & they concluded it will cost at least $1500.

Liberty Mutual also claimed they would cover car rental costs, while it's being fixed.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Meh, $250 isn't bad. Considering it's going to be at least 4 times that to repair the damage.

Insurance can be a real PITB. People without insurance make it even more so.

At least you weren't physically injured, look on hte bright side

 

[BoomerD]

I consulted with someone & showed them pictures of the damage, & they concluded it will cost at least $1500.

Liberty Mutual also claimed they would cover car rental costs, while it's being fixed.

Showed them pictures? Is the car driveable? If so, find a quality body shop and get a real estimate.

 

[jolancer]

Mechanic? No...auto body shop. Totally different type of work.
IIRC, Liberty Mutual has a group of "preferred body shops" that they will refer you to. Just be sure to insist on original equipment parts if they have to replace anything. Even used parts are usually better than the aftermarket "OEM" crap that some shops use to save money.

Some one correct me if im wrong, cause BoomerD that last statement sounded like you miss-understood or worded it backward.... "OEM" is "Original Equipment from Manufacturer", so for example if they use an OEM part its the same one the car manufacturer uses or substitues. as apposed to a different branded aftermarket part.

I'm not familiar with the specifics of insurance, and not sure how much the laws change state to state as others mentioned.... but here in NY, they won't allow you to discontinue insurance coverage without returning your plates to the DMV, and I'm not sure how it works(personally i dont usually care) but I would assume that means if someone stops paying insurance or cancels there policy, there insurance carrier would inform the DMV to have revoke there registration??... They may not, but i dont see the point in enforcing the insurance rule before registering, and after unregistering, if they don't inform them....

But anyway as others have said, you probably won't beable to get anything out of the person at fault(Usually not always true tho) but you could at least report them.... cause if they are still driving around and there X insurance co did not report to the DMV, I guess they will bable to continue driving.... However if they are reported, any cop that pulls up next to or behind them will run there plates, and they won't know there uninsurred but they will know they are Unregistered(I dont know if un-registration is forced though) and they will find out there uninsured after pulling them over, and impound the car.

And as others have pointed out, $250 is cheaper thatn $600 or $1500, heck its cheaper than $251.... as long as they don't raise your rate in regaurd to it.

 

[k3n]

Here are pictures
http://i.imgur.com/UbzkjWs.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/VSXh4Eq.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/YtJJ0XP.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/yjw7dcr.jpg

 

[pcgeek11]

I'll try to get an estimate amount by a trusted mechanic. But can I at least file a complaint with the cops, to make sure this uninsured driver gets fined/or off the streets.

BTW, the driver literally lied to me... TWICE. Gave me the wrong insurance information, & second, claimed the vehicle was owned by his employer/company, when it was owned by a Geico customer, that I'm guessing was his girlfriend (different surnames). Had I not taken the cars plate number, this would have been much more difficult indeed.

You don't have a police report?

 

[k3n]

If no one's injured, or drives off, they're not required to show up, or so I'm told by the insurance company.

 

[Raduque]

Payment plans. Garnished wages. It can happen.

Go fuck yourself. I hope you get sued someday and your wages get garnished.

 

[BoomerD]

Here are pictures
http://i.imgur.com/UbzkjWs.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/VSXh4Eq.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/YtJJ0XP.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/yjw7dcr.jpg

Not terrible...but it's gonna be expensive to repair. Definitely gonna be at least $1500...probably much more.

Some one correct me if im wrong, cause BoomerD that last statement sounded like you miss-understood or worded it backward.... "OEM" is "Original Equipment from Manufacturer", so for example if they use an OEM part its the same one the car manufacturer uses or substitues. as apposed to a different branded aftermarket part.

Which explains why I said "OEM" in my post. Lots of the aftermarket auto parts are labeled "OEM" because they're SUPPOSED to be an exact fit for the original parts...but rarely do...and are often sub-standard in quality. (BTW, "OEM" means Original Equipment Manufacturer...but nowadays can have two meanings:

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/oem.asp

Definition of 'Original Equipment Manufacturer - OEM'
1. The original definition: a company whose products are used as components in another company's product. The OEM will generally work closely with the company that sells the finished product (often called a "value-added reseller" or VAR) and customize the designs based on the VAR's needs.

2. The more recent definition: a company that buys a product and incorporates or re-brands it into a new product under its own name.

Investopedia explains 'Original Equipment Manufacturer - OEM'
There isn't a typo here; the two definitions do contradict each other. This term has become very confusing since it now can be used in both contexts. OEM sometimes means the company that sells the component to the the VAR, and other times it refers to the VAR who is acquiring a product from an OEM. The reason for this is that "OEM" (the abbreviation) is sometimes used as a verb instead of a noun. For example, a manufacturer might say that it is going to OEM a new product, meaning it is going to produce a new product based on components bought from an OEM.

The term is most often used in the computer industry, where products such as Windows will be referred to as OEM. A company like Dell Computers will incorporate the Windows operating software into its computers and sell the computers to its customers with the Windows product installed.

I'm not familiar with the specifics of insurance, and not sure how much the laws change state to state as others mentioned.... but here in NY, they won't allow you to discontinue insurance coverage without returning your plates to the DMV, and I'm not sure how it works(personally i dont usually care) but I would assume that means if someone stops paying insurance or cancels there policy, there insurance carrier would inform the DMV to have revoke there registration??... They may not, but i dont see the point in enforcing the insurance rule before registering, and after unregistering, if they don't inform them....

Yet, if the vehicle owner is on "monthly payment plans" and stops making payments, their insurance lapses and gets cancelled...and they keep driving. Yes, when they go to renew their license at the end of the period, they will again have to have proof of insurance, but it's NOT uncommon to get insurance on a monthly plan to prove you have insurance...then let it lapse.

 

[Zodiark1593]

Call them and ask if he wants to pay out of pocket or sue him

This x1000, If only to make the dude think thrice before going without insurance. A lawsuit will probably stick in his mind for awhile.

 

[who?]

The lawyers will want money in advance if the defendant has no insurance and they will advise you that even if you win you may not see any money from them. Many lawyers may tell you it's not worth the trouble. Pay your insurance company and be glad they're willing to back date the coverage.
Even if somebody has insurance if they loan their car to someone who isn't on the policy it won't be covered.Here in Fayetteville Arkansas the dead womans' mother had to tell the hospital there was no money because the intoxicated woman borrowed the Miata from her boss.A Miata offset head-on with a Corolla on the freeway. The Corolla passenger died at the scene. The Corolla driver died days later after life support was disconnected. The Miata driver lived to be rolled into court and off to prison.

 

[jolancer]

Payment plans. Garnished wages. It can happen.

Go fuck yourself. I hope you get sued someday and your wages get garnished.

I realize this isn't directed at me, but man IDK if you realize or not but theres plenty of people who deserve to have there wages garnished if not a bullet to the brain. Granted there has to be ppl at the other end of the spectrum getting sued for just being unlucky, rong place wrong time etc... however if you don't realize theres plenty who deserve it, then your one of the lucky ones who hasn't been scammed or been wronged by others yet

Which explains why I said "OEM" in my post. Lots of the aftermarket auto parts are labeled "OEM" because they're SUPPOSED to be an exact fit for the original parts...but rarely do...and are often sub-standard in quality. (BTW, "OEM" means Original Equipment Manufacturer...but nowadays can have two meanings:

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/oem.asp

Sorry dude, if that really happens. I have not bought parts often enough to notice if that really happens. If your lookin for actually OEM i always would just say go to the dealers parts department and let them tell you which part's they actually use.

Yet, if the vehicle owner is on "monthly payment plans" and stops making payments, their insurance lapses and gets cancelled...and they keep driving. Yes, when they go to renew their license at the end of the period, they will again have to have proof of insurance, but it's NOT uncommon to get insurance on a monthly plan to prove you have insurance...then let it lapse.

I think what BoomerD said there is proof enough you will probably not get anything if you go after the guy yourself... If he has done the above already, means he has no credit or bad credit and doesn't give a sh*t who try's to sue him. people like that usually have it figured out so creditors can't garnish there wages and shit... probably doesn't have a real job... gets paid under the table, or something worse idk im not one of them...

honestly though i almost think the insurance companies and there game is worse than some of those who drive without it. would it not make more sense to have those liable for damages by the court of law rather than insurance companies? Then no one would have to pay for insurance if they chose, but would have to pay one way or another if they did f*ck up someone else's property.

I know this won't apply to everyone, especialy those who indulge with fancy toys but... i for one have already payed the insurance co. more than what my car is worth, and never had an accident or anything.

 

[k3n]

What insurance policy would you all recommend for a 25 year old male living in maryland? I hope to switch after moving out of my mom's basement.

I'm looking at State Farm.

 

[EagleKeeper]

What insurance policy would you all recommend for a 25 year old male living in maryland? I hope to switch after moving out of my mom's basement.

I'm looking at State Farm.

Shop around for the price and coverage.
You have a choice of 15-20 different carriers.

If you can bundle policies, it will save you some money. (Life/Renters/Auto).
Where you move to will also have some impact on price. Capital Heights/Baltimore will be more expensive than Waldorf/Fredrick (as examples)

 

[Raduque]

I realize this isn't directed at me, but man IDK if you realize or not but theres plenty of people who deserve to have there wages garnished if not a bullet to the brain. Granted there has to be ppl at the other end of the spectrum getting sued for just being unlucky, rong place wrong time etc... however if you don't realize theres plenty who deserve it, then your one of the lucky ones who hasn't been scammed or been wronged by others yet

I got sued because I bumped into a taxi at 10mph in traffic. My insurance company told them to go pound sand.

Nobody deserves to have their money stolen by court order except maybe back taxes and child support. Thankfully in Texas, nobody can steal my money via garnishment except the federal government for taxes or child support.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Should I pay my insurance, Liberty Mutual, $250 for "uninsured motors coverage" for Maryland residents. Since they believe I'm not at fault, for being rear ended, they said I qualified for the "uninsured motors coverage", but still require I pay $250. They said would "try" to recover the money by going after the person who rear-ended me, but there is no guarantee of success.

Had this happen to me 2.5 years ago. We opted to pay our uninsured motorist deductible. Got it back from the issuance company 2 years later when they sued the uninsured motorist for their expenses. Was worth it in our case because our car needed almost 5k in repairs and was not driveable. Thus, we were not willing to wait for the complaint process to complete.

 

[k3n]

Had this happen to me 2.5 years ago. We opted to pay our uninsured motorist deductible. Got it back from the issuance company 2 years later when they sued the uninsured motorist for their expenses. Was worth it in our case because our car needed almost 5k in repairs and was not driveable. Thus, we were not willing to wait for the complaint process to complete.

Intersting, my insurance company claimed they would provide me with a rental car while they have it fixed. So I think paying $250 would be the wisest course. Good thing i haven't contacted the motorist about any of this... Hopefully he gets sued up the butt.

 

[mikeford]

Let the insurance company do its work, they will be MUCH better than you at collecting if its possible. Get your car fixed and go on with life.

 

[jolancer]

I would note though, might be a good idea to report his plate numbers(since you said you had them) to the police as an uninsured motorist... IF the guy has not offered to cover the damages.

As others have pointed out, prices and coverage vary by location. I'm in the State of NY, and few years older than you, but my expeirence shopping for quotes here hasn't changed at all for me for ~10yrs... I've always been with
- Geico ,
cause they were the cheapest by far. The only others that came close price wise for me where...
- Amica ,and
- AllState
Granted very likely may differ in your state, and other variables.. but if your cheap, maybe a place to start... coverage wise i have no experience there.

a few notes however...

threw Gieco online, i can manipulate any policy option and they will display the pemium price change and give the option to Discard, Save Quot, or Apply. I don't know how any of the other carriers sites work, but if they are setup similarly, it should be easy for you to get estimates or change policy options even after applying.

There are standard things that will affect your cost across the board, like Driving record, Type of vehicle distance driven etc, Credit history... If Standard things like that Do not work in your favor, what I mention next may not work, but if they do... what I noticed is you may get a better cheaper quote from a carrier if they have local branches in your area and you go get aquainted and talk to a local Agent and get the quote directly from them... Depending on the agent.. After they run all your info, if they like what they see.. they may bend or twist discounts to make it cheaper for you, If they want you of course cause they think your reliable. As long as they know your shopping around for quotes....

...which also reminds me, sounds strange but this actually happened.. I applied for a quote from a local Agent, that lady treated me pretty standard and gave me a pretty standard estamite, which i though was pretty normal not bad... untill compared to what i was paying at Geico, then it looked awfaul lol. So I thanked her for the quote she sent a copy to my email and i left.. 6mon~1yr later not sure exctly when, was awhile.. I got an email with an updated quote tho i didn't ask for it, this one tho was drastically cheaper coming much closer to my current premium... So even if you don't need your own policy just yet, maybe a good idea to shop around for quotes premptively anyhow.

 

[Midwayman]

I got sued because I bumped into a taxi at 10mph in traffic. My insurance company told them to go pound sand.

Nobody deserves to have their money stolen by court order except maybe back taxes and child support. Thankfully in Texas, nobody can steal my money via garnishment except the federal government for taxes or child support.

People who have legal judgements entered against them and refuse to live up to their responsibilities deserve to have their wages garnished. FWIW your complaint should be against your insurance.

 

[ThinClient]

Hopefully he gets sued up the butt.

"Sir, we have some paperwork for you to sign. Trouble is, you're going to have to ... uh ... reach, a little, to sign it."

:biggrin: