It took the destruction of over 13,000 homes for folks to realize the importance of insurance. The year was 1666, and the Great Fire of London swept through the town, destroying all those homes and businesses. That is when the concept of insurance to cover losses took hold. Flash forward to 1897, and the automobile industry was just starting to gear up. Travelers Insurance offered the first car insurance for $7.50 for a $1,000 in liability coverage.
Today, the majority of states require car owners to carry insurance. According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance, you are required to carry the following insurance minimums:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 for all persons injured in one accident
- $25,000 for property damage in one accident
Additionally, you are required to carry the same minimums (25/50/25) for uninsured motorists. These insurance requirements are directly related to the South Carolina FR-10 form. Sometimes referred to as the “green form,” the FR-10 is unique to South Carolina and designed to verify that you have the required insurance. However, some very strict rules apply to this form and reporting car accidents.
South Carolina FR-10 Form Requirements
In the aftermath of a car accident, you could find yourself dealing with a lot of paperwork. In addition to any medical documents and car repair estimates, you also need to fill out and submit the FR-10 Form in any traffic accident in the state that results in the following:
- Any injury
- Death of any person
- Property damage of $1,000 or more
You need to fill out the FR-10 Form regardless of who is to blame for the accident. In other words, all parties involved must submit their completed form. If a police officer reports to the scene, they might be able to provide you with the form. You can also get the form from your insurance company or the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
You are required to submit this form within 15 days of the accident. You’ll need to provide the following information:
- Name, address, and contact details
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle information, including make, model, year, and VIN
- Insurance company’s name and policy number
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Names and information of other parties involved in the accident
Consequences of Not Filing an FR-10 Form
If you miss the filing deadline or don’t file at all, you could face a fine of $100 and face possible criminal charges for not reporting the accident. That can lead to license suspension. More importantly, it can also impact your ability to file a personal injury complaint if you weren’t at fault for the accident.
Why the FR-10 Matters
The FR-10 form is definitive proof that you were insured at the time of that accident. That is vital because of any potential disputes that might arise as a result of the accident. By having a copy of your FR-10, you and your car accident attorney can streamline the claims process and prevent any potential delays the insurance company might put up.
The Solomon Law Group, LLC is extremely familiar with the FR-10 Form compliance. We also understand what is needed to support a claim and establish who was at fault in an accident. It is one of the many reasons you should seek out the support of an attorney with experience processing claims and seeking fair compensation for losses from a car accident. The quickest way you’ll be able to move with your life is to find a fair resolution and put the accident behind you.
