Car accidents can be scary and traumatic. Even when you’re not seriously injured, having to deal with the fallout from a wreck can be a lot for some people. From dealing with auto insurance companies to having to get your vehicle fixed, even minor fender-benders can be time-consuming.
But what’s even worse than navigating the financial and technical aspects of a car accident with your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company is what happens when you are in an accident with an uninsured driver.
TikToker @claims.corrie posted a video on Oct. 25, offering people advice on what they should do if they ever find themselves in a situation where they’re dealing with an uninsured driver. According to her, there are a few things you can say and do to protect yourself in this situation, possibly saving yourself a few literal and figurative headaches.
Her advice has even gone viral, with more than 15,900 people liking the video as of the time of publication, and some of the thousands of people who viewed the video are now sharing their own advice and experiences.
Woman Offers Advice for Dealing With Uninsured Drivers
@claims.corrie Someone promising to pay out of pocket after a crash isn’t the same as having a plan!Document everything, contact the police when appropriate, and check your own policy for uninsured motorist coverage. It could help depending on your coverage and state. #personalinjury #InsuranceTips #CarAccidentHelp #CarAccidentTips #carinsurance ♬ original sound – Corrie 💫
The TikToker says that when a driver reveals that they don’t have any insurance, the last thing people should do is take their phone number and agree to work it out privately. “They might be sorry, and they might promise to pay you, but a lot of the time, that number just stops working.”
Instead, she says that people should respond by saying that they understand, but that the police still need to be called so a report can be filed. “That’s it,” she continued, telling her followers that they should also take photos of the driver’s license, plate, and the vehicle.
Some Insurance Companies Have Coverage Options to Help In These Situations
While getting into an accident with an uninsured driver does add an additional layer of stress to the situation, the TikToker says it doesn’t mean that the insured driver isn’t without recourse.
“Here’s what a lot of people don’t know,” she continued to explain. “Your own insurance might still help if you have something called ‘uninsured motorist coverage.'”
She says anyone can easily verify if they have this kind of coverage by calling their insurance agent or checking their policy.
Some People Had Different Advice
People in the comments shared their thoughts about dealing with uninsured drivers. “Don’t tell them you’re gonna call the police, just call the police immediately,” one person wrote.
Another person added to the list of things the insured driver should photograph after the accident. “Don’t forget the VIN, by the way, on the windshield or in the driver’s door jamb,” they wrote.
A third person said that this is one of the reasons why vehicle cameras are so important these days, writing, “…and a dash cam.”
According to Forbes, that uninsured motorist coverage can cost as little as $136 a year. While it may seem like a hassle to take on another expense during a time when everything else seems to cost so much more, it may be a small price to pay for the peace of mind you get by knowing an uninsured driver isn’t going to leave you with a hefty bill if you get into an accident with them.