I was in a multi-car accident in January 2024. I was the last car involved, but here’s the catch – my car had been removed from insurance about two weeks before. I had taken it off because it wasn’t drivable for months, but the dealership called a few days after and said the issue was under warranty and could be fixed for free. I started driving again after the fix but forgot to put it back on insurance. When the accident happened, I contacted my insurance, but my car wasn’t insured at that point. The officer checked and saw it was still on the insurance, so I didn’t get a citation. Now, I’ve received a letter saying I owe $20,000 to State Farm, but I thought uninsured driver insurance would cover this. Does anyone know if I should be responsible for this even though I wasn’t the one causing the accident? I’m confused and don’t have the money.
That sounds super stressful. So, your car wasn’t insured at the time, but the dealership said it was covered under warranty? I don’t think you’re off the hook since you weren’t insured. 
Remy said:
That sounds super stressful. So, your car wasn’t insured at the time, but the dealership said it was covered under warranty? I don’t think you’re off the hook since you weren’t insured.
Yeah, that’s the part I’m struggling with. I wasn’t the one who caused the accident though. I don’t get how I can be responsible when I didn’t cause the crash.
Remy said:
That sounds super stressful. So, your car wasn’t insured at the time, but the dealership said it was covered under warranty? I don’t think you’re off the hook since you weren’t insured.
Unfortunately, if the other driver had insurance, their policy might cover the damages, but they could still come after you for their deductible and anything not covered.
@Vic
Ugh, that makes sense, but I didn’t even think about the deductible part. Thanks for explaining that!
It’s tough, but I think since you were uninsured, the other party’s insurance can still go after you for any damages they paid for. Did they say anything about medical costs too? 
Meech said:
It’s tough, but I think since you were uninsured, the other party’s insurance can still go after you for any damages they paid for. Did they say anything about medical costs too?
They didn’t mention any medical costs yet, but the letter just said I owe $20,000. No details about injuries or anything. Kinda sketchy. 
Honestly, you might be able to challenge the letter if they haven’t properly contacted you yet. Did they even reach out before sending the demand? 
Eli said:
Honestly, you might be able to challenge the letter if they haven’t properly contacted you yet. Did they even reach out before sending the demand?
No, they didn’t contact me directly. I didn’t even know they’d filed a claim until I got the letter. Feels a bit weird. 
Uninsured motorist coverage typically protects you when the other driver is at fault and doesn’t have insurance. But since you weren’t covered, it might not apply here.
Bliss said:
Uninsured motorist coverage typically protects you when the other driver is at fault and doesn’t have insurance. But since you weren’t covered, it might not apply here.
That’s what I thought, but I didn’t know about the deductible and stuff. Just trying to figure out what’s next for me. 
You can always talk to an attorney about this. They might be able to help you figure out your next steps or even challenge the claim. Just make sure you get advice. 
Mackenzie said:
You can always talk to an attorney about this. They might be able to help you figure out your next steps or even challenge the claim. Just make sure you get advice.
Definitely considering it. I’m not sure how to handle this without someone guiding me. 