Someone Gave Me False Insurance Information After a Car Crash. What Do I Do?

Until you are in a car accident yourself, it can be difficult to understand how traumatizing this experience can be. In the immediate aftermath of being impacted, it is common to be disoriented and stressed, especially if you were injured. If the person responsible for your accident is dishonest, the situation is even worse. The other driver giving false information after a car accident is not as rare as we may think (or hope). This happened recently to one of our readers, who wondered what their options are:

• Reader question: The driver who hit me gave me false information. Can I do anything?
• Answer: Yes. You can call the police and notify either your insurance company or the DMV.

It is always wise to take immediate action when this situation happens to you. If the accident was not your fault, the other driver should pay to repair your vehicle and cover your medical bills. Taking these steps is crucial to protect your car accident case.

3 Different Ways to Get the Other Driver’s Insurance Information

Finding out that someone gave you false information after hitting your vehicle can certainly make you feel angry — but there are several actions you can take right away. First, you can contact the police. In most cases, the police will provide you with the other driver’s car insurance and general contact information, provided you know enough about the other driver, such as their license plate number. You can explain you originally got false information and they’ll be able to use the police report (if there was one) from the accident to fill you in.

IMPORTANT: You will need the other driver’s license plate number for this to work.

If you’d prefer not to start by contacting the police, you can request the other driver’s insurance information from the DMV. You can also request this info from your own insurance provider, whose job it is to help you. They’ll likely require an accident report in order to fulfill your request. Yes, it is possible the DMV won’t provide the information you are looking for, but it is unlikely.

Perhaps the easiest way forward is to contact and work with your own insurance agent. They have a database they can use to find information using just the other’s driver’s license plate number. Your insurance provider will help because they want the other driver’s insurer to pay for the damage. They are on your side and want to be sure you are not the victim of fraud.

It is also important to communicate accurately and timely with the insurance adjuster managing your car accident claim. Providing false information can lead to extended investigations and diminished credibility in the eyes of the adjuster.

If the other driver does not have insurance, you can file an uninsured motorist claim with your own provider. Make sure you have uninsured motorist coverage for this exact situation.

Related: Car Accident Checklist: What Steps to Take Next

How Insurance Claims Handle False Information From Drivers

Some states require all auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist claim coverage. This form of coverage compensates drivers should the other party involved in a crash not have insurance of their own. If the other driver provides false insurance information, an uninsured motorist claim will still cover the damages. Check your insurance policy to find out whether you have uninsured motorist coverage. If you live in any of the following states, that coverage is included automatically in your policy.

• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

If the other driver provides false information, you may also consider pursuing a personal injury lawsuit to obtain full compensation for your damages.

Regardless of whether the other party has lied when providing their insurance information, it’s recommended to still file a claim. You’ll either be able to uncover the other driver’s information through a police report or DMV investigation, or your insurance company may be able to provide options for reimbursement regardless of being able to find the other party.

What If I Suspect the False Information Involves Insurance Fraud?

If you are given false information by another driver after an accident, the other person may be guilty of insurance fraud. This is a criminal offense. Insurance fraud is defined by Allstate as “a deception committed against an insurance company for financial gain.” It can occur when someone exaggerates an accident or even stages one. Insurance fraud is illegal.

A police officer plays a crucial role in documenting the accident, and their report can significantly impact the investigation of insurance fraud.

If you suspect this is what may be going on, talk to your own provider about the circumstances of your accident. Your insurance company will then work to investigate whether this incident involves insurance claim fraud. (Again, you’ll need the other car’s license plate number and accident report, if one exists.)

Reach Out to an Auto Accident Attorney in Your State

If you’re hurt in an accident and it’s not your fault, you deserve compensation to pay your medical bills and unpaid work days off. To be sure the at-fault driver’s insurer pays, you may need the help of a lawyer.

Insurance companies work to settle accident claims for as little money as possible — even in cases where the driver who hit you broke the law. They’re less likely to give you a low settlement offer if a personal injury attorney negotiates your payment. Yes, you may ultimately end up filing a claim on your own insurance policy. But even in this situation, an auto accident lawyer can maximize your damages. Even with legal fees, you’ll still end up with a bigger settlement than you would without an auto accident lawyer.

There are lawyers in all 50 states who specialize in working on automobile accidents. If you’d like to speak to an expert for free about your claim, we can match you with a nearby lawyer right away. All auto accident attorneys work on contingency, so you’ll only pay your lawyer if you win a case. Click here to sign up for a free phone call to discuss your case with a local attorney today. Additionally, many offer a free consultation to help victims understand their legal options.