Auto Insurance Claims: No Insurance, attorney generals office, state attorney generals

Question
Hi, Richard.

I was involved in an auto accident mid last week. My SUV was rear-ended by another vehicle. I contacted the police, who arrived on scene half an hour later. We provided our driver's license, registration and insurance cards. I wish cops would VERIFY insurance at the scene rather than taking the person's word for it by showing "proof" of insurance. The person who hit me was cited for careless driving.  We exchanged telephone numbers and I even gave him some advice on who to contact for his ticket.

I contacted my insurance carrier, Allstate, that evening. I filed a claim and then contacted his insurance carrier, Bristol West, and filed a claim as well. Four days later, I receive a letter that the claim is still being investigated. I contacted Bristol West to question the contents of the letter. The adjuster advised me that the person who hit me did not have an active policy with them at the time of the accident. He canceled his policy in March and the accident occurred this month (April). He lied to the police officer, showed a non-valid insurance card and was apparently operating a vehicle without insurance. I contacted the police department and there was nothing they could do. They told me to call my insurance company. UM coverage no longer exists in Florida but is there any way I can go after this guy? My deductible is $500 and I certainly would like to be reimbursed. Please let me know what I can do, if anything can even be done.

Thank you for your time.

Rebeca

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

If you have the contact info for the at-fault driver, send him a letter telling him that the insurance info he gave was cancelled and tell him to provide you with valid insurance information within 5 days or you will contact the state attorney generals office. If he responds with correct info you are good to go. If not you should file a complaint with the Attorney generals office. You can also  contact the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. There is a form you can file to inform them of the accident with no insurance. They will revoke his drivers license and registration of his vehicle.

In the mean time if you have collision coverage on your policy you can make the claim and get your vehicle repaired even though you would have to pay your deductible.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh