Hit by Uninsured Driver in Idaho Am I Covered?
Reader’s Question:
I am from Idaho and was hit by an uninsured driver, and my car sustained considerable damage although I was unharmed. The other driver is claiming that she did not do it. What do I need to do to reimburse the expenses for repairs done to my car?
Sharon
Pocatello, ID
Getting involved in an accident can prove to be a big headache especially if the other driver does not have any car insurance at all. Although the State of Idaho mandates that its motorists be covered at least with the minimum liability insurance requirements, some motorists simply ignore this financial responsibility act.
The only way a driver will be assisted by his or her own car insurance company for repairs cost following an accident where an uninsured driver is at fault is if the Collision and Comprehensive Insurance coverage is in place at the time of the accident. This assists the policyholder for repairs to the car sustained from being hit by an uninsured driver. Personal Injury Protection insurance pays for treatment of bodily injuries sustained after being hit by a driver with no insurance coverage. This means that the policyholder will need to file a claim against his or her car insurance provider initially for medical care and rehabilitation.
If both PIP and Collision coverage are not included in your policy when the accident happened, then you will need to seek legal assistance to file a lawsuit against the other driver to collect for any damages. Your advantage in this case would be that the other driver was already breaking the law by driving around uninsured.
Driving Without Insurance Idaho – Will I Go To Jail?
Reader’s Question:
My 15 years old son who does not have a license yet, without my permission took my vehicle, drove it and got involved in an accident with another vehicle due improper left turn. No injuries on both cars but both vehicles have damages. The other vehicle is insured, my car is not. This occurred in Boise, Idaho. My question is , what legal consequences he might have or what should we be expecting from all this?
Jerry
Boise, ID
If the household member that took the vehicle is found to be at-fault in a crash there is the possibility that you could be held responsible since you are the owner of the car. The driver is liable as well and the other party will go after for the damages and may file it with their insurance provider.
As for your son’s case; the state maintains driving histories even for those without a drivers license, and requires all motorists under seventeen to comply with the requirements of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program before they can get a drivers license.
If there was a police report filed, then he could have a lot of violations filed against him including driving without owner’s permission and driving without a license. These infractions could affect his eligibility to obtain his license, and as well as his insurance rates in Boise Idaho once he gets his license.
Will a Speeding Ticket Cause My Car Insurance in Idaho To Increase?
Reader’s Question:
I received a speeding ticket in Nampa Idaho. I have Drivers License in Idaho. How will this affect my insurance rate premium? Will my insurance increase because of this ticket?
George
Nampa, ID
A speeding ticket in Nampa, ID usually comes with 3 to 4 DMV points put on your driving record as well as the speeding infraction itself being put on your driving record. This will depend upon the rating system of your Idaho insurance company whether this speeding ticket for 10 mph over the limit will affect your car insurance rates or not when your insurance company next pulls your motor vehicle record (MVR).
If this is your first traffic offense on your driving record then some insurance providers may take away a safe driver discount if you have one but not raise your car insurance rates. With other insurers their rating system may call for an increase in your car insurance rate if you are convicted of even just one speeding ticket.
According to the ID Department of Insurance most insurance providers apply a surcharge to motorists who have been involved in an accident or convicted of multiple moving infractions. additionally, the more claims you have made, the higher your auto insurance rates are likely to be.
Adding Additional Driver To Auto Insurance Policy in Idaho
Reader’s Question:
I am roommate with my sister and a friend in Idaho. I am over the age of 25 but, my sister is not. She has a valid driver’s license, but she does not drive my vehicle and she currently does not own a car. Am I required to add her to my insurance?
Karen
Pocatello, ID
Insurance carrier guidelines vary but typically an insurance company will require you to list all licensed motorists in your household. If neither your sister nor the other roommate drives your car then you may be able to exclude them from your insurance policy.
Whoever you exclude from the policy would then not be covered by any part of your car insurance if they ever did drive your vehicle. To know more about insurance laws in Idaho or get consumer help with car insurance questions you can contact the Idaho regulatory body for insurance companies in ID.
