What are my rights as an uninsured motorist?

loving30

hello there.

i work in insurance claims in australia.

i'm unsure if there is requirements of a particular number of quotes, but i DO know that if the matter ended up in court, she would need to be able to show the court that she got the damages repaired in the most cost effective manner. the easiest way to do this is to get more than one quote and go with the cheapest.

trying to get their insurer involved is a good idea. this means that the repair quote will likely be less (assessors will usually adjust quotes down to insurance co. rates) and the assessor will also check to make sure that the amount of labour etc is fair and reasonable for the type of repairs.

what you need to realise though, is that bumper repairs can involve all sorts of dismantling of light assemblies etc and this can take time.

the benefit to her if she uses her insurance is:

1) she can get her car fixed straight away, as her insurer will pay all costs and then pursue you afterwards
2) her insurer can step in if something goes wrong in the repair process and
3) the insurer will likely have a lifetime guarantee of some sort on those repairs.

she won't have this kind of protection if the work is done privately.

the benefit to you if she uses her insurer is that you can pay her insurance company back by instalments. most insurers allow this where the at fault person is uninsured.

i would advise her of the above AS WELL as letting her know that you can't afford to pay up front - so if she insists on getting the work done privately, then she is going to have to wait.

you can't force her to use her insurance company, but i would point out the above and go from there.

siu07crd

what country are you from?

the answers going to differ hugely depending on that.

in most countries its compulsory to have car insurance to drive.

edit: in which case i have no idea what your rights are, but this thread does show how people jump to conclusions :)

edit: i guess you'll probably have to conform to her time scale as she has the damaged car, quote the conversation with the police to her and see if you can arrange a time and garage to get the quote done.

stingray41042

Not sure in Australia, but in the states you only need to get one. If you get more than one then you usually have to go with the less expensive estimate. $1300 is not much at all these days to repair a dent and twenty hours seems about right depending on what all needs to done. It would depend on the parts they have to take off/replace, put back on, paint, etc

Just ask for a copy of her estimate and take to another repair shop to see if it seems reasonable amount for this work. They don't necessarily need to see the car

doug a

You have a right to be locked up as for $1300 your getting off lightly. If you don't pay it your going to be in worse do do than you already are the police will then see your uninsured.

I am afraid with a post like that you won't get that much sympathy.

You basically have no rights what so ever.

don m

Why were you driving without insurance? Why did you drive away? Also you sound accusatory about the cost of repairs - yet YOU have no insurance...

artgrantz

You are a selfish individual. You break the law by not having unsurance and want help to weasel out of paying for damage you did to somone else. I had a car totaled by a worthless creep like you with no insurance, so I know how she feels.
She has the right to go through any body shop she chooses. If she goes through her insurance company then they can sue you for whatever it costs to repair the car, and I hope they do!

Shonsay

You have no rights. You were driving with no insurance and deserve to have to pay fully for the damage caused. Sorry to be so harsh but it's people like you who make insurance prices cost a fortune for the rest of us. What makes it ok for you not to have insurance like the rest of us?

I wouldn't be surprised if you get some kind of charge or ban on driving from the Police too. Very silly and costly mistake.

JeffyB

You are a totally irresponsible person. You have the right to a nice warm jail cell.

sandra k

you have no rights. you should have had insurance. since you did the damage to the other vehicle... you have to use the company they choose. You do not have any rights as to who deals with the insurance company. YOU were at fault... YOU should pay.
My advice... get insurance or stay off the road. you know you were in the wrong. To late to decide now.
GET YOUR VEHICLE INSURED FOR THE NEXT ACCIDENT .

55yrsnholdin

In most places it is not legal to drive without insurance. She is being kind having you work with her repairers; you could be in court.

Bear

uninsured motorist has no rights you are bound by law to have insurances at all times if you drive a car!

Edit : in this case i would seek out my own quote sense the
police said it ok but sense it was not your car i would speaking to the owner of the car you was driving as well .
you can take photos of her car and show the car shop sense she can not be there until after 8 pm .

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: