Small problem, need advice...

salboski · 07-12-2007, 02:11 PM

So, I'm American and I live in South Korea. I bought a car about 6 months ago and bought insurance through some Korean company. I never had a drivers license, but they gave me insurance anyway. Yesterday, I had a car accident. I called the insurance people and they said since I don't have a license, they won't pay. So, we're talking at about $10,000 in damages, and they won't pay. Should I accept responsiblity and pay the money, or sue them for not paying? By the way, NEVER drive in a foreign country w/out that country's drivers license. They were debating deporting me and now I have a criminal record in this country.

Smashandgrab · 07-12-2007, 02:34 PM

Why didn't you have a licence? I would say that the onus was on them to ensure you were properly licenced prior to selling you insurance. As long as you didn't misrepresent yourself and you paid all your premiums you should have a solid case.

Theprospect26 · 07-12-2007, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smashandgrab

Why didn't you have a licence? I would say that the onus was on them to ensure you were properly licenced prior to selling you insurance. As long as you didn't misrepresent yourself and you paid all your premiums you should have a solid case.

I agree.....that was their responsiblity to check on you and make sure everything was on the up and up. Now they're saying that they charge you for insurance but won't cover anything since you don't have a license there? That's fishy and you definitely have a strong case. Why would they collect insurance payments from you at all then?

Jay Pan ROKK · 05:14 PM

I dont know in South Korea but usually insurance company dont have to pay anything if one that was driving the car at the accident does not have drivers license.

How about call them and say other person was driving the car ?

Three Gun Fish · 07-12-2007, 03:58 PM

Driving illegally is one sure-fire way that Insurance'll get out of paying for your damages.

My advice is talk to a lawyer, discussing the potential cost of going to trial versus eating the damages.

**Orsyn** · 07-12-2007, 04:46 PM

Although I only drove once in Korea and know how fucked up they drive there, I would seriously suggest talking to a lawyer. You need to talk to someone that knows the laws of S. korea. It has been several years since I have been there, so I wont be of much help.

salboski · 07-13-2007, 12:20 AM

Thanks. My boss is going to talk to his judge friend today. It's sooo fucked up how their laws and shit here work. Nothing like America at all. Every place I went, someone was looking for a bribe. Now this stupid bitch that I hit (fender bender) is acting all hurt in the hospital. She wants some money under the table just to leave the hospital. My boss said in this culture, it was expected that they do that to get your money and everyone just accepts it. Bullshit.

dracons · 07-13-2007, 12:41 AM

Shit that sucks bro. It's bs that they sold you insurance without checking for driver license. Sorry I really don't know SK laws.

aNEWmmaFAN · 07-13-2007, 03:39 AM

one thing to remember bro, here in the united states everything is more legit, thus laws will protect you. if you can get insurance without a driver's license in another country then i doubt you can do much about it trying to fight it out.