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Automobile Accidents & Lapsed Auto Insurance
It happens to the best
of us: a bill comes in the mail and it gets lost in the
shuffle, causing the payment to be late. Normally this
might result in a late charge or a negative credit report,
but what happens when your car insurance goes unpaid?
Worse yet, what happens when your car insurance premium
goes unpaid and you get into an automobile accident?
If you get into a car
accident without insurance in the Tampa Bay, Florida area,
there are several consequences you may face. The first
consequence is the risk of getting a ticket, since proof
of valid car insurance is required of all drivers in our
state. For Tampa automobile accidents with property damage
and injuries, a lack of insurance could also result in
you having to pay out-of-pocket for repairs and medical
bills. If you are at fault in the accident, you may also
be sued by others who suffered losses in the accident.
As is the case with other
accidents, it is wise to contact a Tampa
automobile accidents attorney to learn your rights.
Some issues to keep in mind regarding accidents with lapsed
auto insurance include the following:
- Many insurance companies
offer a grace period. If your insurance has lapsed,
contact your insurance company to find out if you have
a grace period. Most companies offer a grace period
of 30 days. By paying your late premium within that
window, your insurance will be intact for an auto accident
that occurred during the grace period. You may have
to pay late charges and your rates may increase, but
at least you will have insurance coverage for the accident.
- If you are not at
fault in the accident, you may be in luck. Either you
or your automobile accidents attorney can pursue insurance
benefits from the at-fault driver.
- Insurance companies
are required to notify you if your insurance is about
to lapse due to non-payment of premium. Make sure your
insurance company is sending notices to the proper address.
Your insurance company may also offer e-mail alerts
and other ways to tell you if your insurance is about
to lapse. Another way to avoid lapsed insurance is by
signing up for automatic payments to be taken out of
your bank account.
- This is a good reminder
to always carry uninsured and underinsured motorist
protection. Thousands of drivers on Tampa Bay, Florida
roads have not paid their insurance premiums, or have
insufficient insurance. Contact your insurance agent
now to make sure you will be covered if you are hit
by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
If you have been involved
in a Tampa Bay area car accident after an insurance policy
has lapsed, it is possible that all is not lost. Contact
Tampa automobile accidents attorney Dale Appell, P.A.
for a free assessment of your case. Our experienced staff
may be able to find other ways for you to receive compensation
for your injuries, whether your accident occurred here
in Tampa, Florida or in our neighboring communities of
Brandon, Carrollwood, Lutz, Clearwater, Sarasota, Dunedin,
Dade City, St Petersburg, Bradenton, Palm Harbor, and
beyond.
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