My wife was sitting still in her toyota echo yesterday when she was rear ended by an 04 gmc sierra. They guy had just bought the truck and has not (according to Geico) added it to his policy.

They're trying to deny liablility as the insured had not added the vehicle to his policy yet. Doesn't insurance typicly cover you for any car you're driving? He had full coverage insurance on another vehicle, so the accident should be covered under his policy, correct? Should we see a lawyer if this continues, or just call our insurance co and use the uninsured motorist coverage?

Thanks

 

I thought you couldnt take the car off the lot without some form of insurance on it.

 

I think it is different depending on the state you are in. Usually after buying you have so many days to notify the insurance company. If beyond that time the vehicle is not insured. If that is the case then you should be covered under your states uninsured motorist policy (if any). It may end up that your insurance will have to pay, in which case they may or may not go after the other driver.
I would see a lawyer, especially if there were injuries.

 

Talk you YOUR agent and YOUR laywer. It's hard to give advice as laws vary state-to-state (as mention above). Hope all goes well for 'ya.

 

Thanks for all the replies. The other driver says he had purchased coverage from a local geico agent a few days ago and thinks the policy isn't in the computers yet. He is faxing that stuff to geico and has offered to pay for damages out of pocket if geico denies coverage.

There were no injuries (my wife and a coworker were in the car - neither of them are sore or anything this morning) and the estimate I just got is under $500 - they're going to replace the rear bumber cover - estimate will go up if the stuff behind the bumper cover is damaged. My deductible for uninsured motorist is $500, so I think I'll wait and see if he's really going own up and pay for damages....if it looks like he's going to be dishonest, I'll call my insurance company & lawyer.

 

Typically, again it depends on your state laws and the insurance companies policies, but every insurance policy I have ever had gives you up to 2 weeks to notify them after you purchase a vehicle. So if he'd only had the truck a few days, even if he hadn't notified GEICO yet, he still should have been covered under his existing policy. Good luck.

 

just to update, Geico called today to let us know they'll be covering the damages. The guy faxed his papers in and they agreed that he was covered. Woohoo!!!

 

Score one for Geico... they wanted nearly triple to insure me, but hey, they are helpin' you out!

Good to hear!