An accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist is unfortunate – for everyone involved.
In this instance let’s assume that you are the one holding up your end of the bargain, and the other motorist is the one without coverage.
Idaho operates under a fault-based insurance system, meaning that whoever is determined to be at fault in an accident is responsible for paying the damages.
In the case that you’re involved in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, or are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you need to be covered. So check your policy NOW. It’s an add-on that costs only a few bucks a month, but is worth every penny.
In the case of such an accident, be aware: most insurance companies allow you a fixed time window, which can be as short as 30 days, to file an uninsured motorist claim. So once you learn that the other driver lacks insurance, or if you are unable to identify the other driver, move quickly.
Notify your insurance company as soon as you can and see how your coverage applies. If you find out you’re dealing with an uninsured motorist, and have incurred significant costs, it could make sense to contact an attorney. But even then, the pursuit of a legal case could prove to be fruitless if the other motorist has no significant assets to collect. When no insurance companies are involved, money can be scarce.
The best practice is to maintain insurance coverage that will cover you no matter who is at fault.