What to Do If You Discover the At-Fault Driver Gave You Fake Insurance Info

Imagine you're sitting on the side of the road in Tempe, exchanging information with another driver after a fender bender. Everything seems straightforward. They hand over an insurance card, you jot down the details, and both of you go on your way. But a few days later, you make a call—and the insurance company tells you they have no record of the driver or the policy.

Unfortunately, discovering the at-fault driver gave you fake or invalid insurance information is a reality some Tempe drivers face. And when it happens, it can throw your recovery process into complete chaos.

If you're unsure where to turn after getting scammed at the scene of a crash, this guide will walk you through the steps to take—and how a car accident lawyer resource can help you deal with the financial fallout.

First, Don’t Wait—Report the Fraud Immediately

If you suspect that the insurance details you were given are fake, act fast. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to track down the other driver, preserve evidence, or build a claim. Start by doing the following:

• Contact your own insurance provider right away. They need to know you’ve been in a crash and are dealing with a potentially uninsured driver.

• File a supplemental report with the Tempe Police Department, even if officers already took a report at the scene. If you handled the crash privately and didn’t call the police initially, this step becomes even more critical.

A paper trail will help show insurers and potentially the court that you acted in good faith—and that the other party did not.

Check Whether You Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If the other driver is unreachable or their policy turns out to be fake, your next move is to check your own policy for uninsured motorist coverage (UM or UMPD).

This type of coverage is designed specifically for situations like this. It can pay for:

• Medical expenses

• Vehicle repairs

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering in qualifying cases

If you carry UMPD, that will help with vehicle repair costs. If you also carry UMBI (Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury), that can assist with medical bills. This is especially important if you sustained a serious injury, such as spinal trauma or a TBI.

What If You Don't Have Uninsured Motorist Protection?

Unfortunately, uninsured motorist coverage is optional in Arizona, so not everyone carries it. If you don’t, you’re left with fewer options, but you’re not out of luck.

You may still be able to use:

• Collision coverage to repair your vehicle (you’ll pay a deductible upfront)

• MedPay to help with initial medical costs, regardless of fault

• A civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver, assuming they can be identified and located

If you were hit in a Tempe neighborhood like North Tempe or Holdeman where businesses or homes may have security cameras, recovering video footage could be key to tracking them down.

Request the Police Report

If officers responded to the crash, request a copy of the police report from the Tempe Police Department. The report may include:

• The driver’s license number

• Vehicle registration information

• Witness statements

• Notes about the insurance card they provided

Even if the card was fake, officers might have caught inconsistencies that now work in your favor. The report also becomes important if you eventually file a claim with your own insurance or try to take the other driver to court.

Can the Other Driver Be Criminally Charged?

Yes. Providing false insurance information after a crash can be considered insurance fraud, which is a criminal offense under Arizona law.

If you believe you were intentionally given fake documentation, ask law enforcement if they’re investigating the driver for fraud. The Arizona Department of Insurance Fraud Division may also open a case.

That said, criminal charges don’t automatically mean you’ll receive compensation. That’s why it’s essential to explore civil options simultaneously.

Don’t Rely on Verbal Promises at the Scene

Many Tempe drivers are caught off guard because the other driver "seemed nice" or said they would “pay out of pocket.” Verbal promises are unenforceable unless you get them in writing—ideally with a signed agreement, which few drivers have time or presence of mind to do on the side of the road.

Even if they gave you a phone number or license plate, follow up quickly. If calls go unanswered or texts bounce back, assume the worst and begin filing insurance paperwork right away.

When to Consider Legal Action

If your own insurance isn’t covering the full cost of your damages, and the at-fault driver is still unresponsive or unknown, a civil lawsuit may be the only remaining path.

This is more realistic if:

• You suffered significant financial losses

• You have enough identifying information to serve them

• You believe the driver has assets or income that could be collected

In some cases, your insurer may even pursue the driver through subrogation if they paid out your claim and want reimbursement.

You can learn more about your civil options and timelines by visiting our legal resources page.

How to Protect Yourself in Future Accidents

To avoid being fooled again, here’s what to do the next time you’re involved in a crash:

• Photograph everything—including their insurance card, driver’s license, license plate, and vehicle

• Call the police, even for minor accidents. It creates a formal record and prevents disputes later.

• Use a dashcam—footage may prove fault and verify details if the other party disappears.

• Verify insurance details at the scene if possible by calling the number listed or using your insurer’s mobile app to confirm coverage

If you’re in a high-risk area like South Tempe or near campus zones, take extra caution—hit-and-run and fraud claims are more common in high-traffic, student-heavy neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts

Getting hit by a driver who hands you fake insurance information is more than just frustrating—it’s a legal and financial problem that requires quick action. From leveraging your own policy to filing a police report and checking for video evidence, the steps you take immediately after discovering the fraud can protect your right to recover damages.

While Arizona law provides avenues for uninsured driver claims and civil lawsuits, the process can be time-sensitive and documentation-heavy. Don’t let a scam at the scene stop you from securing compensation.

For help understanding what to do next, visit our legal resources page to access guides on filing claims, working with insurers, and pursuing recovery when the odds seem stacked against you.