Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. Finding out the other driver doesn’t have insurance can make the situation even more overwhelming.
You may wonder who’s going to pay for the damage, whether your insurance will help, and if you’ll be left paying the bill yourself.
While every accident is different, understanding what happens next can help you stay calm and make informed decisions if you’re ever in this situation.
Let’s take a closer look at what you should do if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.
How Common Are Uninsured Drivers?
Although Ohio requires drivers to carry liability insurance, not everyone follows the law. Some drivers allow their policies to lapse, while others choose to drive without insurance altogether.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, millions of drivers across the United States are uninsured, making it more common than many people realize to be involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have coverage.
What Should You Do Immediately After the Accident?
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, your first priority should always be safety.
If possible:
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Move your vehicle to a safe location if it’s safe to do so.
- Call 911 if anyone is injured.
- Contact local law enforcement.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Take photos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, and accident scene.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses.
Even if the other driver admits fault, documenting the accident is extremely important. A police report, photographs, and witness statements can make the claims process much smoother and help establish what happened.
The more information you can gather at the scene, the easier it will be for your insurance company to investigate the accident and process your claim.
Who Pays for the Damage?
One of the first questions most drivers ask is, “Who’s going to pay for my vehicle?”
The answer depends on several factors, including the circumstances of the accident and the coverages included in your own auto insurance policy.
This is one reason it’s so important to choose the right amount of protection—not simply the minimum coverage required by law.
If you’re unsure whether your current policy provides enough protection, our article How Much Auto Insurance Do I Need? can help you better understand your options.
Will You Have to Pay Your Deductible?
Depending on your policy and the circumstances of the claim, you may still be responsible for paying your deductible before your insurance company helps cover repairs.
That’s why it’s important to choose a deductible that fits your financial situation.
If you’ve been thinking about increasing your deductible to lower your premium, our article Should I Raise My Deductible? explains the advantages and potential drawbacks before you make that decision.
Can You Recover Money From the Other Driver?
In some situations, you may have the legal right to pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver.
However, even if you win a judgment, collecting money can be difficult if the driver has limited financial resources.
That’s why many drivers choose insurance coverage that helps protect them from situations involving uninsured motorists rather than relying solely on another driver’s ability to pay.
Will Filing a Claim Affect Your Insurance Rates?
Many drivers worry they’ll be penalized for an accident they didn’t cause.
The answer depends on your insurance company, your claims history, state regulations, and several other factors.
Our article Will Filing a Claim Raise My Rates? explains what insurance companies typically consider when determining future premiums.
Why It’s Important to Review Your Coverage Before an Accident Happens
Most people don’t think about uninsured drivers until they’re involved in an accident.
Unfortunately, that’s also the worst time to discover you don’t have the protection you expected.
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, reviewing your auto insurance policy regularly can help ensure your coverage continues to match your needs as your life changes.
The Bottom Line
Being hit by an uninsured driver can be frustrating and stressful, but it doesn’t always mean you’re out of options.
Knowing what steps to take after an accident and understanding your insurance before something happens can help you navigate the situation with greater confidence.
If you’re unsure whether your current policy provides the protection you want, an auto insurance review can help you better understand your coverage and identify any gaps before you need to file a claim.
At McKinnon Insurance, we’re committed to helping Ohio drivers prepare for the unexpected and make informed insurance decisions that protect what matters most.
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