What Happens if The Driver At Fault Does Not Have Auto Insurance?

Reader’s Question:

What if I get into a car accident here in North Dakota and the other driver has no insurance, will my car insurance cover me?

Charles

Bismarck, ND

Besides having strict traffic laws, North Dakota observes the no-fault act. This has been adopted to cut back on lawsuits to determine who was at fault in an accident and to provide immediate and necessary financial assistance to the individuals involved. The no-fault law does not mean that the driver at fault is considered off the hook. It simply means that to get benefits following an accident, an individual must first look to their car insurance coverage.

Additionally, this law strictly prohibits any motorist to operate a motor vehicle or permit someone to drive a motor vehicle without having sufficient car insurance coverage. All drivers in this state are obligated to have no-fault insurance policy. But despite North Dakota’s strict laws governing car insurance, an alarming 9% of its motorist population is uninsured. This is why uninsured motorist insurance is required for all motorists in this state. This car insurance coverage will provide you the right to recover benefits from your own insurance company in an event where a driver without car insurance injures you and/or damages your car in an accident.

Personal Injury Protection is another requirement and very important to obtain. This will cover for your medical care after an accident. If you have an extensive health insurance, then you can elect to obtain just the minimum PIP policy. Check your no-fault policy thoroughly. If it is stated in the declarations section that you have coordinated or excess medical coverage, then this means that you have to first claim from your health insurer for medical costs. Any amount remaining will then be covered by your auto insurance.