The Shoulder
The Shoulder
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Insurancegenuine-wolf-374

Other driver had foreign ID and no license — how does this actually work with insurance?

So I got hit two days ago and I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything. I was coming up on an intersection in the right lane, about to turn, when this SUV suddenly swings out from the center lane trying to cut across traffic. Clipped my front quarter panel pretty hard — airbags didn't deploy but my neck is already stiffening up and my car is definitely not drivable.

Here's where it gets complicated. When we exchanged info at the scene, the other driver handed me what looks like a foreign national ID — not a US driver's license. Apparently they do have insurance (the card looked legit), but no actual license that's valid to drive here.

The police came and wrote everything up. I'm assuming that unlicensed part goes in the report?

I guess what I'm wondering is:

  • Does their insurance still have to pay out even if they weren't legally supposed to be driving?
  • Does the no-license thing help MY case in any way?
  • Should I even be talking to their insurance at all right now, or wait?

I have my own insurance but my deductible is brutal and I really don't want to go that route if I don't have to. Just trying to figure out if the no-license thing changes anything or if it's basically irrelevant to how a claim plays out. Anyone been through something like this?

12replies

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12 replies

  • 13
    warm-heron-005

    The license issue is actually more separate from the insurance coverage question than most people think. When an insurer writes a policy, they're insuring the vehicle and the named driver — the fact that the license wasn't valid in this country doesn't automatically void the policy. What matters is whether the policy was active and the premiums were paid. I'd verify that the insurance card is current before assuming you're covered by their policy. Call the carrier directly to confirm the policy is in force.

    • 18
      mellow-stoat-828

      Not legal advice, but the unlicensed driving piece can matter in a couple of ways — it may factor into a negligence argument (you're not supposed to be operating a vehicle without a valid license), and the police report noting that violation strengthens the picture of fault. That said, liability still hinges on who caused the accident, which sounds pretty clear from your description. Seriously consider at least a free consult before you start talking to their adjuster.

  • 5
    candid-finch-058

    Do NOT just start chatting with their insurance company before you know what you're dealing with. Adjusters are friendly right up until they're not. They'll get you on a recorded statement, you'll say something like 'I'm feeling okay I guess' and that becomes their evidence that you weren't really hurt. Protect yourself first.

    • 9
      quiet-wanderer276

      Thanks for sharing. Hope things are getting a little easier for you.

  • 7
    gentle-marmot-547

    I went through something weirdly similar — the other driver had an out-of-country license that wasn't valid here. Their insurance did end up covering the damage to my car, but it took way longer than a normal claim because the adjuster kept asking for extra documentation. Just be patient but persistent. Keep every single piece of paper you get.

    • 1
      gentle-walker890

      Wish I had seen this a month ago — would have saved me a lot of stress.

  • 5
    warm-stoat-538

    Please go get checked out if you haven't already. That neck stiffness you're feeling two days later? That's pretty classic for whiplash and it can get significantly worse before it gets better. Don't wait until you're in real pain to establish a medical record. The fact that you're documenting symptoms now matters a lot — both for your health and for any claim.

  • 20
    bright-crane-834

    Get a certified copy of that police report as soon as it's available — usually 5-7 business days depending on your jurisdiction. It should note the license violation, and that documentation is important to have in hand before any claims conversation. Also, photograph the insurance card they gave you if you haven't already, and look up the carrier's name independently to make sure it's a real company.

  • 10
    candid-lynx-177

    Two things right now: go to urgent care or your doctor today, and do not give a recorded statement to anyone yet. Everything else can wait 48 hours. Those two things cannot.

    • 2
      careful-survivor287

      How long did it end up taking in your case?

  • 7
    sharp-mole-052

    This sounds so stressful, I'm sorry you're dealing with it. The fact that your car isn't drivable and you're already hurting physically — that's a lot to handle all at once. Please don't feel like you have to figure all the legal stuff out this week. Take care of yourself first.

    • 9
      hopeful-rider678

      How long did it end up taking in your case?