Most of our readers know that all drivers in America are required to have car insurance. While the levels or details of car insurance may vary by state, it is a requirement in Minnesota and every other state. Why? Well, everyone knows that car accidents happen every day, and most will involve at least damage to the vehicles involved, while some will also involve injuries. Those costs will need to be covered.
However, even though all drivers are required to have car insurance, that doesn’t mean that all drivers follow the law. There are some motorists who take the risk of driving without a valid insurance policy. Then, when an uninsured motorist causes an accident, what does the other motorist in the incident do?
Well, the good news – that some drivers may not even realize – is that that those drivers who are properly insured may have an “uninsured motorist” section in their own insurance policy. This type of insurance coverage is in place for just this type of scenario. What happens is that the driver who suffered damages or injuries due to an uninsured motorist will make a claim on their own insurance policy.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are sure to subject an uninsured motorist claim to a high level of scrutiny. In fact, they may deny the claim. From there, the driver has two options: First, the driver can engage the insurance company in negotiations in an attempt to get the claim paid; alternatively, the driver can file a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured motorist who caused the accident. In some cases, both options may be possible.
Source: FindLaw, “Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage and Claims,” accessed on May 20, 2017
