How to Track a Driver’s Insurance Using a License Plate After a Roadside Incident
Experiencing unexpected road hazards can be stressful, especially when they result in vehicle damage. Recently, I encountered a situation on California’s highways where a traffic cone was dislodged from a truck behind me and struck my vehicle’s front bumper, causing noticeable damage.
Thanks to my dashcam, I was able to capture the license plate of the offending truck. I promptly shared this information with my insurance provider. However, they initially struggled to retrieve the vehicle identification number (VIN) using only the license plate, which required me to utilize online tools to provide additional details.
This situation raises an important question: can your insurance company or an adjuster determine the other driver’s insurance provider solely from a license plate number? Ideally, they should be able to, as license plates are linked to vehicle registration details held by state authorities. Having this information can be crucial in pursuing a claim through the responsible party’s insurance rather than paying out-of-pocket.
If you find yourself in a similar scenario, consider ensuring that you have as much supporting evidence as possible—such as dashcam footage and detailed descriptions. Additionally, verify whether your insurance provider can access the necessary information through your state’s vehicle registration database.
Have you ever experienced a similar incident? Sharing your insights can help others navigate the complexities of handling roadside damages and insurance claims effectively.
