Illinois has a law that requires ALL drivers to have proof of insurance. You even need to provide proof of insurance to register your license plates (supposedly). However, what actually happens in real life is far from what you would expect. Uninsured drivers are given an additional citation and required to appear in court. Of course, they never do. Many of these uninsured motorists are not only driving illegally, but they are living here illegally as well. My theory...uninsured motorists who are involved in a traffic accident or receive a traffic citation for speeding, illegal lane usage, DUI, whatever...should be hauled to jail and have the key thrown away. Uninsured driver = illegal!!! Illegal resident = illegal!!!! No difference. What part about illegal doesn't our government seem to understand?
Very good advise. One last suggestion. If you need representation, look for the most onery, low down, SOB you can find (personal references help here) to take your side. Insurance companies are scam artist and will scr## you at the first and any opportunity. You will need someone who will kick a## and take names and has been around the block a time or two with insurance claims adjustors, et al.
Yeah, I was waiting for someone to suggest this. If you don't have a camera on your cellphone, BUY a camera and keep it in your car all the time. I keep one in one of those pouches that clip into the air conditioning vents on the dashboard. Runs on 2 AA batteries. Best to have one with video capability. Then the biggest challenge will be to remember to use it.
I misspoke; I do carry uninsured motorist coverage which is separate from collision insurance. My premium for my new Prius (State Farm) is $388 every 6 months.
I'll PM you the name of my insurance company. Probably wouldn't be a good idea to list the name on the forum after posting the details of what happened since I'm filing a lawsuit.