Is this car accident covered by insurance?
Today (March 6), my girlfriend’s car was rear-ended in a hit-and-run incident. I added her to my car insurance on February 25, but the coverage doesn’t take effect until March 10. To complicate matters, she canceled her previous car insurance on February 25, which means she was technically uninsured at the time of the incident.
Is there any chance my car insurance will cover the damages since she was added to the policy on February 25, or is she out of luck because the coverage wasn’t effective yet?
What options does she have moving forward?
I’m sorry to hear about the accident; that sounds really stressful. Since your girlfriend’s car insurance was canceled on February 25 and the coverage on your policy isn’t effective until March 10, it seems like she would technically be considered uninsured at the time of the hit-and-run accident.
Here’s a breakdown of her options:
Check State Laws: Some states allow insurance coverage to extend to newly added drivers, regardless of the effective date. It’s worth reviewing your specific state’s insurance laws or consulting with an insurance expert in your state.
Contact Your Insurance Company: It’s advisable to reach out to your insurance company directly and explain the situation. They can provide clarity on whether your policy might cover her car despite the timing.
Consider Comprehensive or Collision Coverage: If your policy includes collision coverage, it may cover the damages, but it’s best to confirm this with your insurer. Note that you might have to pay a deductible.
File a Police Report: If you haven’t yet, filing a police report about the hit-and-run will create a record of the incident, which can be helpful when dealing with insurance claims.
Explore Third-Party Claims: Depending on the situation, there might be legal avenues to pursue against the hit-and-run driver if they can be identified, but this can be complex and may require a legal consultation.
Look for Alternative Coverage: If she can, she might want to look for another insurance policy or coverage that can start immediately to protect her against future incidents.
In light of all this, it might be beneficial for her to speak with an insurance agent or a legal professional to explore her options thoroughly. Good luck!