What If the Police Wrote Down the Wrong Insurance Information for the Other Driver?
Finding out that the police wrote down the wrong insurance information after a car accident can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of your claim. Mistakes like this are more common than people realize—especially at busy accident scenes where officers are collecting information quickly. However, in Texas, which is an at-fault state, getting the right insurance information is critical. You can only recover money for your damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance, so if the information is wrong, your claim may be delayed or denied. That’s why it’s crucial to take immediate action to fix the issue, confirm the correct insurer, and protect your right to compensation.
Step 1: Review the Police Report Immediately
After every accident, it’s important to get a copy of the official crash report from the law enforcement agency that responded. Once you receive it, review it line by line for accuracy—especially the driver’s name, insurance company, and policy number. If you notice any mistakes or missing information, contact the reporting officer or department as soon as possible.
Sometimes officers can issue a supplemental report to correct the insurance information, especially if you have proof that it was entered incorrectly. This could include a photograph of the other driver’s insurance card, a statement from your insurance company, or even text messages exchanged with the other driver. While the police may not always amend the report, the faster you act and the more documentation you provide, the better your chances.
Step 2: Contact the Other Driver Directly (If It’s Safe and Appropriate)
If you have the other driver’s contact information, you can try to reach out directly to ask for the correct insurance details. Keep your message polite and factual—this isn’t the time for confrontation. Ask for the updated insurance card, confirm the policy number, and verify that it was active on the date of the crash.
In many cases, these situations are honest mistakes. Drivers may hand officers an outdated insurance card, give the wrong policy number, or even forget that their insurance company recently changed. If they respond and provide the right information, give it to your attorney or insurance company right away so your claim can move forward.
If the driver ignores you, refuses to cooperate, or disappears, this may be a red flag that they never had valid insurance in the first place. That’s when it’s time to escalate things.
Step 3: Have an Attorney Track Down the Correct Information
If the other driver is uncooperative or unreachable, an experienced personal injury attorney can step in to locate their insurance coverage. Lawyers have access to databases, subpoenas, and investigative tools that the average person does not. They can often identify the driver’s insurer through the vehicle identification number (VIN), driver’s license, or prior claims history.
Hiring an attorney also shows insurance companies that you are serious about recovering damages, which often leads to faster and fairer settlements.
Step 4: Check Your Own Insurance Coverage
Even if the other driver’s insurance information can’t be confirmed, you may still be protected through your own policy. In Texas, drivers can purchase uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and personal injury protection (PIP).
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies if the at-fault driver didn’t have valid insurance or fled the scene.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) can cover your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault.
If you’re unable to identify the correct insurer for the other driver, your UM coverage can step in as a safety net. However, to qualify, you’ll need to prove that the other driver was at fault and that you made a reasonable effort to locate their insurance before relying on your own. This is another area where having an attorney makes a huge difference—they know exactly what evidence is needed to meet your insurer’s requirements.
Step 5: Move Quickly—Time Is Not on Your Side
One of the biggest mistakes people make after discovering the insurance information is wrong is waiting too long to fix it. Every day that passes makes it harder to track down accurate information and build a strong case.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most car accident claims is two years, but waiting even a few months can create serious problems—witnesses forget details, records disappear, and the at-fault driver could move or change insurers. Acting immediately by contacting the police, reaching out to the driver, or consulting an attorney gives you the best chance of recovering compensation before it’s too late.
