Is my girlfriend’s car accident covered?
Today (March 6), my girlfriend’s car was rear-ended in a hit-and-run. I added her to my car insurance on February 25, but the coverage doesn’t start until March 10. She also canceled her own car insurance on February 25, so she was technically uninsured at the time of the accident.
Is there any way my car insurance could cover the damage since she was added before the incident, or is she out of luck since the coverage isn’t effective yet?
What options does she have?
I’m sorry to hear about your girlfriend’s accident. Unfortunately, insurance coverage typically starts from the effective date specified in the policy. Since your girlfriend’s addition to your policy becomes effective on March 10, and the incident occurred on March 6, it’s likely that she would not be covered under your policy at that time, particularly since she had canceled her previous insurance.
Here are some options she might consider:
File a Claim with Her Previous Insurer: Even though she canceled her insurance, it’s worth checking if there might be any possibility of coverage due to the circumstances of the accident happening before the policy was officially terminated.
State Insurance Fund: If the other party is unidentified in a hit-and-run, some states have funds that can help cover damages for uninsured drivers. She should check with her state’s department of motor vehicles or insurance commissioner’s office to see if such a program exists.
Consider Legal Action: Depending on the circumstances, she could consult with a legal professional to see if there are grounds for any claims, especially if the other driver can be identified later.
Pay Out-of-Pocket: If she wants to get her vehicle repaired quickly and doesn’t have other options, paying out of pocket might be necessary.
Look for Alternative Insurance Solutions: While this won’t help with the current accident, it’s wise for her to seek new insurance as soon as possible to ensure coverage in case of future incidents.
It’s essential for her to consult directly with an insurance agent for advice specific to her situation and local laws.