Expert: Anne - 9/25/2010

Question
A few days ago I was rear ended on my way to work.  I called the police and file a report for the accident, also I notified my insurance because of neck and back pain.  My insurance company, Geico, will be covering the medical costs.  Once I obtained the police report I contacted the other drivers insurance company to start a claim for damages to my vehicle.  His insurance company, State Farm, told me he had dropped his auto insurance and was no longer covered by their company.  They suggested I contact the police officer and ask him to run a plate check and see if he has insurance with another company.  I have been unable to reach the police officer and the uninsured motorist only left his address, no telephone #.  I am not sure what to do in this case.  My vehicle is almost un-drivable.  There is significant damage to my rear bumper and support bar, also the accident caused a severe exhaust leak which prevents me from driving safely.  I am in Philadelphia, and am not sure where to go from here.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  

Answer
Hello Jessica,

I am very sorry to hear about this situation. You want to do as State Farm adviced. Try to continue making contact with the officer. If you cannot get any help there, contact Geico and tell them what is going on. They can help you figure out if there is insurance on that vehicle.

If you have Uninsured Motorist Coverage, this coverage should kick in, please see: http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/Uninsured-Motorist-Property-Damage-co...

Your medical bills and pain and suffering will be covered if you carry uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage, please see: http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/Uninsured-Motorist-Bodily-Injury.html

If you don't have these coverages, your collision coverage can help you with getting the car on the road, you will be subject to your deductible (actually, you will be subject to your policy deductibles regardless of which coverage is applied).

Unfortunately, you will not have coverage for your pain and suffering and the only way to recover your damages may be a formal lawsuit.

I hope this helps,

Good Luck
Anne
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