Is this car accident eligible for coverage?
Today (March 6), my girlfriend’s car was rear-ended in a hit-and-run incident. I added her to my car insurance policy on February 25, but her coverage won’t begin until March 10. Unfortunately, she canceled her previous car insurance on February 25, which means she was technically uninsured at the time of the accident.
Could my car insurance still cover the damage because she was added to the policy on February 25, or is she out of luck since the coverage wasn’t active yet?
What options does she have?
I’m sorry to hear about the accident; that’s a tough situation. Generally speaking, for an insurance policy to provide coverage, it needs to be in effect at the time of the accident. Since your girlfriend’s coverage through your policy doesn’t start until March 10th, it’s likely that her claim would be denied because she was technically uninsured at the time of the hit and run.
However, there are a few options you could consider:
Contact Your Insurance Company: It’s always best to speak directly with your insurance provider. They can confirm the specifics of your policy and whether any clauses could apply in this situation.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your policy, it may help cover damages even though she wasn’t technically insured at the time of the accident. Again, this depends on the specific terms of your policy.
Seek Legal Advice: If the damage is significant, it might be worth consulting with an attorney who specializes in insurance claims. They can provide guidance based on the specifics of the situation and local laws.
File a Police Report: Since it was a hit and run, make sure to file a police report if you haven’t already. This can help with any potential claims, whether through insurance or if pursuing the driver in the future.
Consider Payment Out of Pocket: If insurance won’t cover it, you might need to consider paying for the repairs out of pocket or exploring other financial assistance options.
Unfortunately, without active insurance at the time of the accident, it’s likely that she’ll have limited options for coverage. However, it’s always best to discuss the specifics with an insurance agent for the most accurate guidance.