Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for advice about your specific situation.
Detailed Answer
When you’ve been in a Tennessee auto accident and need to find out which insurance company covered the at‐fault driver, follow these steps under Tennessee law.
1. Obtain the Tennessee Crash Report
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-402, each driver must provide proof of financial responsibility at the scene. The police report (crash report) will list the at-fault driver’s insurance information. You can request this report from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security:
Visit Tennessee Crash Report Requests for details on ordering.
2. Review the Insurance Declaration Page
If you obtained a copy of the at-fault driver’s insurance card or declaration page at the scene, it will identify the insurer and policy number. Tennessee law requires drivers to carry proof of insurance in the vehicle:
3. Contact Your Own Insurer
Your insurance company can help locate the at-fault party’s insurer through industry data exchanges or by subpoenaing records. If the at-fault driver left the scene or had no insurance card available, your insurer can investigate on your behalf and may pursue an uninsured motorist (UM) claim.
4. File an Uninsured Motorist Claim (If Applicable)
If the at-fault driver did not have liability insurance, you may invoke your UM coverage. Tennessee law requires UM coverage unless you sign a waiver. Review Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-7-1207 for details:
5. Check the Tennessee Insurance Verification Program
The Tennessee Department of Revenue administers an online Insurance Verification Program under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-108. While primarily used by law enforcement, your insurer can access this database to confirm whether the at-fault driver carried coverage at the time of the accident.
Helpful Hints
- Keep the crash report number and any claim numbers handy when talking with insurers.
- Obtain a copy of your own declaration page right after the accident.
- Document all communications in writing, including dates, times, and names of representatives you speak with.
- If you suspect the at-fault driver is uninsured, ask your insurer about your UM/UIM coverage limits.
- Consult a personal injury attorney if you face delays or disputes in verifying coverage.