uninsured motorist totals our vehicle... (OP comments on page 4)

[sundance]

If she had no insurance, she probably has no assets either, If you replace the truck, PLEASE, at least have liability insurance.When we lived in Fla you had to show proof of insurance to get a tag. Moved to Tenn, and found out it not required to get a tag, but I've worked in insurance for years so I'm terrified to drive without it.You may ever again need it but if you do, you have it.That $42.00 I pay each month for 2 cars is worth every penny for my peace of mind.It's only liability, but its also knowing I am safe if in an accident. marrie

 

[Sallyschickens]

I really had no idea that some states dont require basic car insurance!!! In TX (where I'm from) they require it, so I just assumed all the other states did.

 

[beak]

I assume you actually have insurance. Just liability which covers the other persons car and medical expenses. Nothing wrong with that. You should have uninsured motorist if you don't have collision and comprehensive. It's usually pretty cheap.

As far as recouping your losses. Not a chance. If the other driver can't afford insurance that means they are broke and living week to week or day to day. Can't get blood out of a turnip.

Sorry. Hope your ok on your end. Sounds like the hospital will eat it on the other side.

 

[beak]

There are millions of people that don't have insurance in mandatory states. They buy month to month policies and pay the 1st month. The insurance company gives them a 6 month proof of insurance card. They then drop the policy. Cops can't tell if they have made their payments. So they get away with it, till they have an accident. Then they lose their license. Insurance companies don't do much about trying to get their money back. Why bother?

 

[Sallyschickens]

I had an uninsured motorist run a red light and she T-boned me. She had a "card", but later my insurance found out that it was not valid. My insurance dropped me 4 months later.

 

[rancher hicks]

I really hate to upset you folks, but is anyone here a lawyer? This is a legal matter that should not be trusted to what non-lawyers think is or is not the law.
Liability doesn't just go away because you have no insurance or money. It is not coverage for the damage to your car. It's for damage to the other people involved in a personal injury accident.
You can and will be sued for your assests. That includes but is not limited to your house, boat, camper, car or anything of value. Whole
life insurance policies, bonds, stocks, retirement savings, pensions.
If you hit me and you have no liability insurance you can bet your boots I'll take everything you own to pay my medical bills even if it puts you and your family on the street. Now that sounds hard but that's what the lawyer I hire is going to do.
I have a college degree and have studied business law and know what liability is.
Talk to a lawyer, if they have homeowners insurance perhaps you can go to them. I don't know but a lawyer can tell you. And buck up and pay for some liability insurance in case you hit me, unless of course you have a really nice house and live in a really nice place, like in the country in NC.

 

[beak]

Quote:
If someone has nothing you will get exactly nothing. Most people that don't have insurance on their car don't have anything. Yes it's a good idea to check. Some people are self insured. Odds are against it. As was previously mentioned most lawyers will not even take on a case like this unless you pay up front. Taking someone for everything they got will the all powerful lawyer is TV stuff. I'm an insurance appraiser. I do everything by the book, my decisions will hold up under scrutiny from the insurance commissioner. When people say "Give me give me or I'll call my lawyer"' My response is usually. "Please have him call me". Lawyers know the law and will not waste their time or mine posturing and making stupid demands. The OP should try to find out if the person that hit her has anything, but if she doesn't then a lawyer is a waste of good money.

 

[NancyDz]

Quote:
In California if you don't pay your insurance the insurance company electronically tells the DMV immediately when your policy drops and you get a notice/warning in the mail from the DMV and it can be seen by the cops when they look up your license if you get pulled over. Your license can get revoked or your vehicle towed if you don't have it. We also have to carry uninsured motorist coverage.

 

[redhen]

I thought all states had to have at least a "basic" ins. coverage.(which protects others..)..they do in MA....AND if you have a car loan you HAVE to have "full" coverage..which protects others AND your car..

 

[maplesky7]

that's the way it is here... have to have liability... not sayin people don't drive illegally though.

but then doesn't your insurance kick in if that's the case?