What to Do After Being Rear-Ended by an Unlicensed and Uninsured Driver
Experiencing a car accident can be a distressing situation, especially when you are not at fault and involved parties may not have insurance. Recently, I encountered such a scenario where I was rear-ended by a driver who was unlicensed, uninsured, and unregistered. Although the damage to my vehicle was minimal—a scratched rear bumper panel—the circumstances have left me with several crucial questions regarding how to proceed, especially with the other driver wanting to settle privately.
The Incident
The accident happened on a Saturday, and despite the near-miss nature of the event, I managed to gather some important evidence. I recorded a video of the incident, which includes their license plate and the faces of both the driver and the passenger. Additionally, I took photos of the vehicle’s damage and noted the driver’s phone number, as well as a photo ID of the passenger. With body shops closed on the weekend, I am unable to obtain a repair quote until Monday.
Key Considerations
Here are some pressing questions on my mind as I navigate this situation:
-
Claim Submission Deadlines: Since I can only get a repair quote on Monday, I am curious if there are any deadlines for submitting claims. Is it possible to inform my insurance company, GEICO, about the accident today while expressing my interest in settling privately without triggering a claim?
-
Collision Deductible Waivers: Given that the other driver is uninsured, am I eligible for a collision deductible waiver? Understanding this could significantly affect my overall costs.
-
Impact on Insurance Premiums: Although I am not at fault—evidence strongly supports this—will this incident still have a lasting impact on my insurance premiums? I did not establish fault at the scene, but I believe the documentation I have will be beneficial.
Next Steps
While waiting for the body shops to open on Monday, it’s essential to remain proactive. Here are a few recommendations:
-
Contact Your Insurance Provider: Reach out to GEICO to report the accident. Clarifying your intention to explore a private settlement can help protect your interests without immediately filing a claim.
-
Collect Evidence: Ensure that you have all evidence well-organized, including the video footage, photographs, and contact information of individuals involved.
-
Consult a Professional: If you have concerns about the legal implications of settling privately, consider consulting with a
