Car accidents are traumatic enough as they are, but the scenario becomes even more confusing when you have no idea if the other party involved has car insurance. If you’re attempting to file a claim due to a collision, requesting reimbursement for damages, or seeking to bring a case to court, having an idea if the other person has current auto insurance is imperative.
In this article, we’ll explore the legal and practical ways to find out if someone has car insurance, what steps to take after an accident, and what your options are if the other driver is uninsured or refuses to provide their information.
Why It’s Important to Confirm Insurance Status
Auto insurance isn’t just a financial tool—it’s a legal requirement in most states. Knowing whether the other driver is insured allows you to:
- File a claim with their insurance company
- Confirm they meet state minimum liability requirements
- Pursue compensation for injuries or property damage
- Determine if your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage needs to be used
Failing to confirm the other party’s insurance status can delay your claim, reduce compensation, or leave you footing the bill.
What to Do Immediately After an Accident
The first step in finding out whether the other driver has insurance starts at the scene of the accident.
1. Exchange Information
In almost all states, drivers involved in a car accident are legally required to exchange the following:
- Full name
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance provider and policy number
If the other party refuses to provide their insurance details, call the police.
2. Call the Police
A police report is crucial when there’s a dispute over fault, injuries, or insurance coverage. Police can help in the following ways:
- Documenting the crash scene
- Verifying the identities of those involved
- Recording insurance details
- Issuing citations (if applicable)
In many cases, the responding officer will include insurance information in the official accident report.
3. Take Photos and Gather Evidence
Capture pictures of the vehicles, license plates, driver’s license, and insurance card if possible. Also, document any injuries, damages, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs. These images can be crucial if the other party is dishonest about their coverage.
How to Find Out if a Person Has Insurance After an Accident
If you didn’t get the other party’s insurance information at the scene—or if it was inaccurate—here are several ways to determine their coverage status.
1. Check the Police Report
Most accident reports will contain the other driver’s insurance company name and policy number. Contact the law enforcement agency that responded to the scene to request a copy of the report. Keep in mind there may be a small fee and a short waiting period.
2. Contact Your Own Insurance Company
Your insurer can help track down the other party’s insurance through their internal claims process or inter-insurer networks. They may use databases that aren’t available to the public to verify coverage.
If the other driver turns out to be uninsured, your insurance provider may activate your uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it.
3. Work With a Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured and are pursuing compensation, an attorney can obtain the other driver’s insurance information through legal channels such as:
- Subpoenas
- Civil discovery
- Direct communication with the other party’s legal counsel
Lawyers also have access to databases and investigatory tools to determine coverage status.
4. File a Claim With the Suspected Insurer
If you believe you have the correct insurance provider and possibly a policy number (e.g., from partial data or a witness), you can contact that insurer directly. Provide the following:
- Date and location of the accident
- Names of involved parties
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
The insurer may verify whether the person had an active policy on the date of the incident.
5. Use DMV or State Insurance Databases (Where Available)
Some states allow limited access to insurance status via Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) databases or online portals. Access usually requires:
- Your personal details
- Accident date and location
- Vehicle license plate number or VIN
However, privacy laws vary, and in many states, this information is restricted to law enforcement, attorneys, or insurers.
6. File a Police Report After the Fact
If you didn’t involve law enforcement at the scene but later suspect the other driver lacks coverage, file a report at your local police station. This can create a paper trail, and officers may assist in tracking down the driver’s insurance.
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Unfortunately, not everyone complies with mandatory insurance laws. If you discover the other driver is uninsured, here are your options:
1. File a Claim Under Your Own UM/UIM Coverage
If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it can help pay for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (in some cases)
This type of coverage is optional in many states but required in others.
2. Use Collision Coverage
If you have collision insurance, it can help repair or replace your vehicle regardless of fault. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a deductible, and your premiums may increase.
3. Sue the Uninsured Driver Personally
You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver. However, many uninsured drivers are judgment-proof, meaning they have few assets or income to satisfy a judgment, making collection difficult.
4. State Compensation Funds
Some states offer compensation funds or victims’ funds to cover medical costs in accidents caused by uninsured drivers. These programs are limited and often require extensive documentation.
Legal and Privacy Considerations
While it’s important to verify whether a person has car insurance, you must also respect privacy laws. In most states, insurance information is not considered public record unless it’s part of a police report or civil litigation.
Attempting to access someone’s insurance status through unauthorized means or impersonation may be illegal. It’s always best to go through legitimate channels like law enforcement, your insurer, or legal counsel.
Tips for Preventing Future Issues
- Always call the police after an accident, regardless of damage level.
- Don’t accept cash or “handshake deals” at the scene—this can backfire if hidden injuries or damages appear later.
- Take photos and videos of documents and the crash site.
- Store your own insurance documents in your car and know how to access digital versions if needed.
- Consider adding UM/UIM coverage to your policy for added protection.
About the Author
Neil Bhartia
Neil Bhartia isn’t your typical, stuffy attorney that you see on TV. While some have their sights exclusively on money and treat their clients like a number, Neil takes a personal interest in every single client he has. As an empath, Neil understands that people that seek legal help are typically in an involuntary, and stressful situation, and he goes out of his way to diffuse the stress and educate clients on each every detail of the legal process.
