I was recently involved in an accident where my insurance had lapsed for 10 hours due to the fact that I had missed a payment. I had got a new debit card and completely let my car insurance bill slip under my radar.
I reinstated it the same day it fell out.
I went to go to Walmart to pick up some groceries and as I was leaving I rear ended another car as they were backing out. We didn’t discuss fault at the scene and no cops were called. She took all my information but I didn’t ask for hers as I have never been in a car accident before so I assumed she would just go through my insurance.
Of course I was not covered in the day of the accident so I can’t pay for damages but my insurance adjuster is still willing to negotiate with the other company for me.
My question is
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What happens if she says she stopped reversing and I kept reversing and hit her? Like I said I didn’t see her so I have no way of knowing and I just assumed we hit each other since both our cars were parked as if we were reversing. Both damages are on the rear bumpers
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If I’m found at fault what are my options? Can I discuss a payment plan with the insurance company? I have a two year old son with cancer and I cannot afford a 4k plus damage repair up front
Car accident one day insurance lapse
byu/Putrid-Ear6425 inInsurance
Posted by Putrid-Ear6425
4 Comments
So she has insurance to go back and forth on liability, you do not. I understand your adjuster stated he would help you, but I’ve never seen this actually done. It’s not an insurance issue. And especially since most people do not work for free.
Walmart should have video. You posted that the other vehicle is a Tesla and those are pricey, especially to pay out of pocket. If you don’t pay for their damage, they will be forced to pay their own deductible and have their insurance cover it ( assuming they have collision). They could take you to small claims or their insurance could go after you to pay them back. I would suggest having an attorney’s consultation.
This sucks dude. Of all days to have this happen. Sounds strange that your insurance is willing to negotiate when you weren’t insured. Always get their info no matter who’s at fault.
Your adjuster has to investigate the incident and coverage conditions but once it’s determined you didn’t have an active policy, you’ll be on your own. Once damages are and all bills are in from the other party, they’ll come to you for payment. You can usually set up a payment plan, if you don’t pay they’ll seek judgement & wage garnishment
This will probably be a he said/she said situation. Fault will be determined by her insurance carrier, since you had a lapse and didn’t have coverage at the time of the accident. Unless one of you have a dash cam, fault will be determined by the statements that you each provide to insurance. Also, I wouldn’t expect your insurance to do a lot for you here. You didn’t have coverage at the time of the accident, and the claim you have to make is a third party claim directly with the other carrier. Your insurance isn’t involved at that point.
It’s impossible for anybody on Reddit to give you an opinion on whether or not you are at fault. We’d need more details about exactly what happened in order to give any opinion. If you are found to be at fault, you should expect the other insurance carrier to come after you for reimbursement in subrogation. They may demand the money up front. They may work with you and allow a payment plan. If you cannot pay under those terms, they may opt to sue you, get a judgement, and garnish wages. Those are all options if you’re deemed responsible for the accident.