View Full Version : Auto accident with no insurance in Iowa
churst95
Dec 13, 2010, 08:07 AM
I had a slight accident - slide into a street sign - have auto insurance just not on this vehicle. I was charged with OWI, passenger in the car was taken to hospital - bump on the head - checked out fine. Will I be charged with no insurance since I already have an auto policy?
excon
Dec 13, 2010, 08:16 AM
Hello c:
If you have liability coverage, it SHOULD cover you in ANY car. Will you be charged?? I don't know. What did you tell the cop?? If you told him that you DON'T have insurance, then I'm SURE he WILL charge you... What?? You think cops are nice?
If he does, and you HAVE the aforementioned liability insurance, take your policy to court with you.
excon
churst95
Dec 13, 2010, 09:01 AM
He never asked - he just wanted to slap the handcuffs on me and kept saying that I was lying, when I questioned him about that he just kept say that? Thank you
ebaines
Dec 13, 2010, 09:15 AM
Why did the cop think you were lying about having insurance? You should have had your proof of insurance coverage with you in the car - if you ddn't, he had good reason to be suspicious.
Please be a more specific - did you, or did you not, have the minimum state-mandated liability insurance on the car in question? If not - is it because you never told your insurance company that you have this car?
churst95
Dec 15, 2010, 07:18 AM
After I bought the carI had the car in the shop for over three months and when I got it out I forgot to advise the insurance company for adding it... but I do have insurance on the other car I have.
excon
Dec 15, 2010, 07:25 AM
Hello again, c:
Here's the deal... Liability insurance insures YOU. That's why it doesn't matter what car you're driving... However, comprehensive (collision) insurance insures the CAR. That's why it DOES matter which car you drive.
Liability insurance is the issue here, and in my view, you're covered. Like I said earlier, if you're charged, take your insurance policy to court with you.
excon
ebaines
Dec 15, 2010, 07:42 AM
Liability insurance is the issue here, and in my view, you're covered. Like I said earlier, if you're charged, take your insurance policy to court with you.
Better check the wording in your policy. It may include a provision that allows liability to follow you when you are driving a car that is not yours - but only so long as the use of that other car is temporary (such as if you borrow a friend's car for a day or two). But if you use the car frequently the insurance company wants to know about it, or they will say you are not covered. My policy for example gives me 14 days to provide info if I get a new car. Otherwise what incentive would there be for policy holders to add cars to their policy? Here the OP seems to be way past the 14 day window, so indeed he may have a problem. But like I said - read the policy.
excon
Dec 15, 2010, 07:52 AM
But like I said - read the policy.Hello again, e:
You're a smart man. Of course, I agree with you...
If this controversy was between the OP and his insurance company, what you say is absolutely correct... However, it's between the OP and the state. Therefore, should he submit his current policy as evidence, I believe, the charges will be dismissed, whether he's technically covered or not.
excon
churst95
Dec 15, 2010, 08:04 AM
But as I stated before a passenger was taken to the hospital to be checked out, will I be liable for the medical bills since I didn't have car listed on policy?
excon
Dec 15, 2010, 08:09 AM
but as I stated before a passenger was taken to the hospital to be checked out, will I be liable for the medical bills since I didn't have car listed on policy?Hello again, c:
That, my friend, is another question... I'm sure there are restrictions like ebaines said. Read your policy. Better yet, let the injured person make their claim, and your provider will pay or not.
excon
churst95
Dec 15, 2010, 08:16 AM
Thank you all for your insight on this questions I have, I will get back to you all and let you know how this all turns out - my fingers crossed. Thank you for your time.
excon
Dec 15, 2010, 08:29 AM
- slide into a street sign - have auto insurance just not on this vehicle. I was charged with OWI, Hello again, c:
I'm going to change up... I re-read your OP.
IF OWI, is operating a vehicle while intoxicated, your insurance company ISN'T going to cover you. I'm SURE there are exceptions in your policy should you have an accident while driving drunk... Again, read your policy.
excon
churst95
Dec 16, 2010, 08:46 AM
One more question I don't have my policy handy, would the injured passenger uninsured coverage cover his medical expenses being in an uninsured vehicle?