How to Track Insurance Details Using License Plates After a Roadside Incident
Encountering unexpected roadway hazards can lead to frustrating situations, especially when your vehicle sustains damage. Recently, while driving on a California highway, I experienced such an incident firsthand. A traffic cone, dislodged from a truck ahead of me, flew back and struck my front bumper, causing noticeable damage.
Fortunately, I was able to record the incident with my dashcam, which captured the license plate number of the offending truck. I promptly shared this information with my insurance provider. However, at this stage, my insurer was unable to retrieve the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the license plate directly. To bridge this gap, I utilized online tools to find the VIN and provided it to my insurer.
This experience raises an important question: Can an insurance company or claims adjuster identify the other driver’s insurance details solely based on their license plate? My hope is that they can, as I prefer to file a claim through their insurance rather than absorbing the cost myself through my deductible.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, consider the following steps:
- Provide your insurer with any available evidence—including dashcam footage and license plate details.
- Use reputable online databases or services to look up vehicle registration information if necessary.
- Ask your insurance company about their process for obtaining the other party’s insurance information using the license plate.
- Ensure you document all communications and gather photographic evidence of the damage.
Has anyone else experienced a comparable incident and navigated the complexities of identifying the at-fault party through license plate information? Sharing your insights could help others in similar situations avoid unnecessary liabilities and streamline the claims process.
Remember, staying proactive and informed is key to resolving such roadside incidents effectively.
