Handling Vehicle Damage from Roadside Hazards: Tracking Insurance Using License Plates
Experiencing unexpected damage while driving can be frustrating, especially when it involves unidentified drivers. Recently, I encountered such a situation on a California highway when a traffic cone, displaced from a truck ahead, struck my vehicle’s front bumper, causing noticeable damage.
Fortunately, I had my dashcam recording at the time, which captured the license plate of the truck responsible. I promptly shared this information with my insurance provider. However, they initially couldn’t retrieve the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the license plate alone, so I resorted to online tools to obtain and provide the VIN for more accurate processing.
This experience raises an important question: Can insurance companies or claims adjusters determine a driver’s insurance details solely from their license plate number? Ideally, I hope so, as my goal is to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance rather than covering the repair costs out of pocket.
For those who have faced similar incidents, what steps did you take to protect yourself and ensure your liability is minimized? Are there additional measures I should consider to safeguard my interests and facilitate the claims process? Your insights and experiences are greatly appreciated.
