Seeking Advice After an Accident
I recently had a motor vehicle accident in which I collided with two other cars at an intersection. Since I live in an “at fault” state, both drivers informed the officer that I ran a red light. As a result, I received a citation for running the red light, which I plan to contest in court. Unfortunately, I handed the officer an expired proof of insurance card.
Here’s where things took a turn. The day after the incident, I reached out to State Farm and discovered that my insurance policy had been canceled over six months ago due to non-payment. I was devastated—I had previously canceled the credit card that funded the automatic payments. As expected, State Farm denied my claim.
On the bright side, I do have a Progressive policy for a secondary car that I hardly ever drive, which includes full liability coverage.
My questions are: Will Progressive cover the costs associated with the accident, even if the truck involved isn’t listed on that policy? Will other insurance companies pursue Progressive for reimbursement? And would Progressive prefer to handle the costs upfront rather than enter into litigation? Thank you for any insights you can provide!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds quite stressful. Here are some points to consider regarding your questions:
Coverage from Progressive: If your Progressive policy only covers your secondary car and explicitly states that it does not cover other vehicles you operate, then they likely will not cover the costs associated with the accident involving your truck. However, it’s crucial to read your policy documents or speak directly with a Progressive representative to clarify what coverage may apply in your specific case.
Liability Implications: Since you were cited for running a red light in an at-fault state, you may be held liable for damages to the other vehicles involved in the accident. If you do not have valid insurance on the truck, you could be personally responsible for paying those damages, which can be significant depending on the extent of the damage and injuries involved.
Other Insurance Companies: If Progressive determines that they cannot cover the claim, the other drivers’ insurance companies may pursue you for the damages. They may also look into whether there were any other applicable policies under your name or household.
Progressive’s Approach: Insurance companies generally prefer to avoid litigation whenever possible, as it is costly and time-consuming. If they find any way to assist, they might consider covering certain costs, but this usually hinges on policy specifics and whether they can find coverage overlap.
Legal Advice: Given the complexities of your situation, especially contesting the citation and the issues with your insurance, consulting with a legal professional experienced in traffic and insurance law might be your best next step. They can provide tailored advice and help navigate the situation effectively.
In summary, you’ll want to clarify your coverage with Progressive and consider seeking legal advice to understand your responsibilities and possible next steps. Good luck, and take care!