After a car accident, it is critical to have the correct auto insurance information of the driver(s) involved. There are several ways to get ahold of this information.
Ask the Driver
If you and the other driver are not injured so severely that one or both of you must immediately be taken to the hospital, you will likely have time at the scene of the crash to exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. Ask the driver for their:
- Name: If you are uncertain of the spelling, you can ask for them to spell it or if you can see their driver’s license.
- Driver’s license number, license plate number, or the vehicle’s VIN number.
- Contact information: Phone number and email.
- The name of their insurer and the policy number.
Try to remain calm when doing so, and do not discuss fault for the collision. Anything you say can unintentionally hurt your claim and be used against you later by their insurance company to reduce your compensation.
The Police
When law enforcement is called to the scene of a crash, they will create an accident report. Their report will include the contact and insurance information of all parties and vehicles involved. To get a copy of the report, you will have to wait three to 10 business days from the date of the crash. If the accident occurred in San Diego, you can then:
- Submit an online request for a small fee.
- Call 866-215-2771 (M-F, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST)
- Mail your request and include a self-addressed and stamped envelope and a $12 check or money order payable to the City Treasurer. The address is:
SDPD Records MS#726
P.O. Box 121431
San Diego, CA 92112
- Visit SDPD Records Division in person at 1401 Broadway, 92101, M-Th, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In situations involving a hit-and-run driver, call the police to the scene. They will investigate and try to locate the driver. You will be asked for a description of the driver, vehicle, and whether you remember any part of their license plate number.
The DMV
You can ask your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a person’s auto insurance information, but it may be protected under privacy laws. Therefore, you will need to give a verifiable reason for the request, or the DMV will deny it. However, if you have the license plate number, police report, or other documentation proving there was an accident, it should be reason enough for the DMV to relay this information.
Your Insurance Company
If an at-fault driver disappears and you cannot contact them, reach out to your insurance company. They can advise you on your options and if they can help.
Speak to an Attorney
If you are injured in a car accident, trying to find out an at-fault driver’s insurance information can be a daunting task. A San Diego Car Accident Lawyer can handle every aspect of your case for you, including helping you get ahold of another driver’s insurance information, whether that means requesting the police report, assisting the police in their search for the at-fault driver, or filing suit.
