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.
Do I Have To Tell My Car Insurance Company Of My Disability?
Reader’s Question:
Do I have to tell my car insurance company of a disability that impairs my driving ability? Is it illegal not to do so?
Patricia
Pocatello, ID
Typically, whether you are in the US or Canada need to tell your insurance provider if your driving ability is currently impaired due to any medical condition. If after you have received your auto insurance policy, something happens so that you become aware of a medical condition, of you or any drivers on your policy, which may affect their ability to operate vehicle, the insurance provider needs to be informed.
If the insurance provider is not notified of this information, depending on the terms of your insurance policy, they may be able to turn down auto insurance claims if they were caused by driving issues resulting from your medical condition.
In the US, most states including Idaho require you to tell the Department of Motor Vehicles of any medical issue that might affect your driving ability. You might need to bring medical information, take tests or letters from a doctor so that the agency that grants drivers licenses in your state permits you to keep your driving privileges.
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.
