I was involved in a collision with a vehicle insured by Progressive, but the driver was unlicensed and a non-U.S. citizen. He had permission from the vehicle’s owners to drive it. Thankfully, no one was injured. The driver admitted fault, and there is a police report confirming this. When I reached out to my insurance company for guidance, they mentioned that Progressive might not cover the damages since the driver cannot be considered a permitted driver due to his unlicensed status. I’m uncertain about whether my vehicle, which is brand new, will be deemed a total loss. Has anyone experienced a situation like this before? What should I expect moving forward? I’ve already started the claims process with Progressive.
Collision with an insured vehicle but an unlicensed non US citizen
I’m sorry to hear about your situation. It can be quite frustrating to deal with a collision, especially with the added complexities of an unlicensed driver. Here are some steps and considerations that may help you navigate this process:
Keep Communication Open: Since you’ve already contacted your insurance company and filed a claim with Progressive, make sure to maintain open lines of communication with both parties. Document every interaction you have, including dates, times, and names of representatives you speak with.
Investigate the Insurance Policy: The owner of the vehicle should check with their Progressive insurance policy to understand the rules regarding permissive use. Often, insurance policies require drivers to have a valid license to be considered a permitted driver. This may affect coverage, so it’s essential to clarify this.
Assess Your Coverage: Determine if your own insurance policy includes coverage for accidents involving unlicensed drivers. Depending on your coverage type (like uninsured motorist or collision coverage), you may have options for recouping your losses.
Claim Process: Since you’ve filed a claim with Progressive, keep following up to find out how they are processing it. They will likely conduct their own investigation, which may include reviewing the police report and any other evidence.
Damage Assessment: If there was significant damage to your vehicle and it’s new, you may want to get an independent assessment of repair costs to understand whether it might be deemed a total loss. Knowing this can help inform your discussions with Progressive.
Legal Consultation: If you run into roadblocks or if you feel your claim is not being handled fairly, you might consider speaking with an attorney who specializes in auto accidents. They can give you specific legal advice based on your situation.
Stay Informed: Keep yourself educated about your rights and the insurance claims process. The more knowledge you have, the better you’ll be able to advocate for yourself.
While this situation is certainly challenging, being proactive and informed will help you navigate the claims process more smoothly. Best of luck, and I hope you get a fair resolution soon!