What happens if an uninsured motorist hits me

Insurers started offering coverage for cars around the turn of the 20th century. Liability in a crash was not a new issue; you can find horse and buggy policies from the s! The damages in car accidents were so great that there was no guarantee that an at-fault driver could cover the costs. There had to be a way to compensate for injuries. Today, 49 of the 50 states require car insurance for all drivers.

You need protection for yourself and others. But some people still choose to drive uninsured. It is against the law to drive without insurance in Virginia. Each state has unique minimums drivers must obey. Virginia minimums include:. Virginia drivers must also carry proof of insurance with them when they drive. After a collision, all involved drivers should exchange insurance information with each other. If you discover the other driver does not have insurance, call the police. Reporting the other driver could prevent him or her from returning to the road while uninsured.

Virginia is a traditional tort state when it comes to car accidents. The party at fault for the collision will owe money to the victim for damages. If that person has insurance coverage, their insurance pays.

If you have coverage for under-insured or uninsured motorists in your insurance policy, your insurance will pay for the damages. In states with no-fault laws, damages are split between the people involved regardless of who caused the accident.

That means you may still need to appear in court. The laws that apply to the accident can get confusing, especially when multiple states are involved. For example, it may be easier to sue in a no-fault state if you live in a tort state.

The auto body shop you choose to repair your car can also make a difference. Your insurance agent may make a basic assessment of the damage when making a claim, but the actual damage is determined by the assessors and technicians working at the shop. Your best bet is to work with a shop that has the training and experience to identify key repair issues and come up with an accurate estimate of repair time and cost to get your vehicle back on the road.

Your insurance policy may provide personal injury protection coverage, which should cover any injuries from the crash. Again, check the declarations page on your policy to see if you have this type of coverage. File a claim against the at - fault driver. Live Chat Start Now.