How To Report An Uninsured Driver After A Crash

A car crash creates sudden stress, confusion, and worry about injuries and damage to your vehicle. That stress grows once you learn the other driver has no insurance. Many people in this situation ask how to report an uninsured driver and what steps protect their rights. Reporting builds an official record that supports your claim and helps you seek payment through your own insurance if needed. 

At Freeman Injury Law, we guide clients through this process from the first day so they can focus on recovery while we handle the legal details that follow a crash with an uninsured motorist.

A key part of reporting is building evidence that documents the crash, the damages, and the status of the at-fault driver. When the other driver lacks insurance, insurance companies may try to limit what they pay, so early documentation helps protect you from that problem. 

Many of our clients share that this process feels overwhelming at first, which is why we explain it in simple steps. We also make communication easy through phone, email, and our client text platform so you can get answers without delay. Speaking with a car accidents lawyer can also help you understand what steps to take first.

Why Reporting an Uninsured Driver Matters

Reporting an uninsured driver serves several important purposes. 

First, it creates a law enforcement record that shows the other driver broke Florida insurance rules. This record is needed when you file your claim with your insurer and ask for coverage under your Uninsured Motorist (UM) policy.

Second, reporting helps state agencies track uninsured drivers and apply penalties that can prevent repeat violations. Third, reporting gives you a stronger foundation in case a dispute arises later about fault, injuries, or damages. A strong paper trail makes it harder for an uninsured driver to deny what happened or shift blame.

Without proper reporting, you may face problems down the line when filing insurance claims. Adjusters sometimes question the facts if there is no police report or DMV report. When we help clients after a crash, we make sure reporting is done early so there are no gaps in the record that may harm their claim. 

For very severe injuries, the reporting and documentation steps are even more important, and the process shares some similarities with how a catastrophic injury lawyer in Florida prepares complex cases.

Step One: Call 911 at the Scene

Your first step is to call 911. Even if the crash seems minor, the presence of an uninsured driver makes law enforcement involvement very important. Police officers will arrive, document the crash, and create a police report. Tell the officer that the other driver has no insurance in case the driver admits it at the scene. The officer will ask both drivers for their insurance cards. If the at-fault driver cannot produce one, the lack of insurance will be noted in the report.

Calling 911 also helps with injuries. Many crash injuries do not show symptoms right away. If paramedics arrive, they can examine anyone who may be hurt. Medical records from this first contact can help link your injuries to the crash. Linking injuries to a crash is a major part of any insurance claim. Without early records, insurers may try to argue that the crash did not cause your injuries.

Step Two: Gather Information and Evidence

While waiting for the police, gather information if you can do so safely. Ask the driver for their name, address, phone number, driver license number, and license plate. Take pictures of the scene, the cars, skid marks, street signs, and your injuries. Photos help tell the story of the crash. If witnesses saw what happened, ask for their names and phone numbers. Witness statements often make a difference if the uninsured driver later tries to deny fault.

Documentation protects you. Uninsured drivers sometimes try to leave or refuse to give information. In these cases, photos and witness contact details can help fill in missing information. If the uninsured driver acts uncooperative, tell the police officer when they arrive so the officer can collect the details for the report.

Step Three: Obtain the Police Report Number

Before leaving the scene, ask the officer for the police report number and instructions on how to obtain a copy. You will need the police report when you notify your insurance company and when you report the crash to state agencies if needed. In most Florida counties, police reports become available within several days. We help clients obtain reports if they are unsure where to get them or if they face delays from law enforcement agencies.

Step Four: File a DMV or FLHSMV Report if Required

Florida requires certain crashes to be reported to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). You must file a crash report if there is an injury, a death, or significant property damage. The police officer will often tell you in case you need to file with FLHSMV. 

Filing creates a second record that confirms the uninsured status of the at-fault driver. This helps your UM claim because the insurer may ask for proof that the uninsured driver was at fault and lacked coverage. Filing online or by mail is possible, and the form is simple. We often help clients complete these forms to avoid mistakes that could slow down the claims process.

Step Five: Notify Your Insurance Company

Once you leave the scene, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Reporting quickly protects your ability to use Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits for medical costs and lost wages. When speaking to your insurer, share the police report number and tell them the other driver had no insurance. At this stage, your insurer will open a claim and may ask for more information.

You do not have to give a recorded statement right away. Recorded statements can be risky because you may not yet know the full extent of your injuries or damage. We often advise clients to speak with us before giving a recorded statement so they avoid saying something an adjuster may interpret the wrong way. Insurance adjusters sometimes try to save money for the company by downplaying injuries or shifting fault. Protecting your words during this early phase can make a difference later.

Step Six: Activate Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

If you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, reporting the uninsured driver triggers the UM claim process. UM coverage helps pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and other losses that PIP does not cover. UM coverage exists for this exact situation: the at-fault driver has no insurance, and you need a way to recover your losses. Your insurance company will request the police report to confirm that the at-fault driver was uninsured and may ask for other documents like medical records or repair estimates.

UM claims do not mean the insurer will pay automatically. Insurance companies may dispute the value of your injuries or argue about fault. This is one reason legal guidance can help during your UM claim. We help clients gather documents, speak with insurers, and fight for the full amount they are owed under their policy.

Step Seven: Track Medical Treatment and Bills

After reporting the uninsured driver, you must track your medical treatment. Keep copies of hospital bills, physical therapy bills, prescriptions, and any other costs related to the crash. Also keep track of missed work days and reduced hours. These records support your claim for lost income. If pain prevents you from doing daily tasks or hobbies, write down how your injuries affect your life. UM claims often look at total harm, not just medical bills.

What Happens to the Uninsured Driver

Once you report the uninsured driver, the state may take action. The driver may face fines or license suspension. The state may also require the driver to carry special high-risk insurance before they can drive again. These penalties help enforce Florida insurance rules and reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road. While these penalties do not pay your bills directly, they help promote safer driving by pressuring uninsured drivers to follow the law in the future.

Protecting Your Rights During the Reporting Process

Reporting an uninsured driver involves dealing with police, insurance companies, and state agencies. Each has its own paperwork, rules, and timelines. Delays or mistakes can slow down your claim or reduce your compensation. You have the right to speak with a lawyer at any point during this process. Legal support can help you avoid common traps, such as quick low settlements that do not cover future medical needs.

At Freeman Injury Law, we help clients gather reports, fill out forms, speak with adjusters, and build strong UM claims based on the facts of the crash. We focus on clear communication, fast responses, and guidance that makes this tough process easier to handle. We also focus on the client’s net recovery because we believe the most important outcome is the money that ends up in your pocket once the case is resolved.