Expert: Bennie719 - 4/30/2008

Question
My friend was driving my car today and got rear-ended. There's very little damage to either car (scratches). My friend does not have a driver's license, therefore not covered by my insurance. I'm not planning on turning anything in to insurance, but if the other driver does, what can happen?

Answer
Hi Kristi,
The majority of states have a law that requires your insurance company to file a SR-1 proof of insurance form anytime that your vehicle is involved in an accident.

If the other party files a claim with their insurance, that company will file a SR-1 proof of insurance form.  On the left half of this form they will provide all the information about their insured and then sign the document as proof that insurance was in force.  On the right half of the document, they will list all the known information about you.  Registered owners name and address, license plate number etc.
Your state will then wait about two weeks for receipt of your SR-1.
When that doesn't arrive, they will send you a letter demanding that a SR-1 be filed or your license will be suspended.  At that point in time it will be necessary for you to report this accident to your insurance company.

Since you state that the other car was at fault and suffered minimal damage, it is doubtful that they will file an insurance report.

I hope that this information has been helpful.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area