Auto and Car Insurance

Driver crashed into me has no car insurance, what are my rights?

A few weeks ago a young lad crashed into my wife's new car - not a lot of damage as luckily she managed to swerve out of the way for the most part - maybe £300-400 damage max - the police weren't involved (as no one was hurt) However, it transpires that he didn't have valid insurance - Tesco (our insurers) have said that basically they aren't prepared to pursue it as "it's not worth it" leaving my wife with the only option but to either pay for it herself or pay £150 excess and make a claim from her own insurance thereby losing all no claims bonus etc - either way, it stinks. I am working away at the moment, but I have asked her to go to the local police in the first instance to see if they are going to pursue it. I'm guessing they're probably not interested - either way, I don't see why we should pay just cos he couldn't be bothered to insure his car... Anyone know where we stand on this please? Many Thanks

Public Comments

1. Your Insurance company should be responsible for the damages cost based on the clause of "Uninsured Motorist".
2. Being in law enforcement, I see this all the time. Problem is your wife didn't make a report, huge mistake! No matter where it is, at least have an officer come to give you a form for self reporting. That way he can see the damage, he can run info from the other person too. (like name and ssn) If you have that (even name and address) you can take him to small claims court. Unfortunately, you are going to be putting money in for that also. Best thing I can say is to learn from this. ALWAYS have an officer come to the scene. I know in a lot of areas it's hard to get one there if there are no injuries, I hate to say this, but tell them you need checked out just to be sure by a medic. That way an officer has to come. If there is no way to get an officer there, make sure you write down name, license plate number, insurance info, and physical description of the person and vehicle, phone numbers and address of driver and or owner. If the owner is not the drive, get what you can on the owner also. Also, make sure you stop before leaving and write down what happened. This all win also come in handy if you go to small claims court. You will be prepared and they won't! If you have a camera phone, take pics. Also assume the worst, I know that sounds horrible, but too many times people say "here's all my info" and give you a piece of paper that has nothing, but lies on it.
3. You can try http://www.mobiuslink.com/insurance/car-insurance.html
4. Getting the cheapest policy is not always the best either. when i got my first policy i was just so anxious that I just used whatever my parents had. Compare the options and rates from several places. Getting quotes online is quick and easy and way better than sitting on the phone. Any way you look at it paying car insurance is not fun! . http://insurance.deal4-you.com Good luck.