<prompt> Human: Im here for advice on what to do and possibly a better idea of whats about to happen. I got into an accident on new years day on the highway. My car is totaled, the other guys car was damaged but he drove away. I wasnt drinking or anything, I just merged to the right with my blinker on, didnt see the guy and found myself spinning out and smashed into the median. At the time, I thought my insurance policy was within the period of time where it could be reinstated and retroactively cover me my policy had went through the 23rd of December and I had reinstated a week or two late before with no trouble. However when I called I found out that my policy had lapsed 2 months earlier, on October 22nd. My checks for October and November had been cashed the last in November and I had received no email notification about my lapsing policy or letter to my new place. My December check had been sent but it had not been cashed. When I went to check my policy statement online, I found that my email was somehow connected to my fathers account, and the email updates I had been receiving pertained to his insurance. I dont know how that happened. I had been living with my father of the same name as me over the summer but had recently moved and changed my address in early November and upon doing some digging with him, I came to realize that he had mistakenly cashed a reimbursement check easily achieved when you have the same name on the check that had come to his house with a letter stating that the policy had lapsed that he had apparently forgot to tell me about. I dont necessarily think it was malignant, but that hardly matters now.Im not here to make any excuses, I shouldve been more vigilant. If i had logged onto my online account in the last few months i wouldve noticed that something was wrong and fixed it to get proper updates. When I saw my recent checks had cashed and received no email or letter to my new place I thought everything was fine. I should have been more suspicious that my December check hadnt been cashed and I shouldve checked in with my dad, I know hes a bit wacky and I couldve easily just renewed my policy on the spot having found out what he had done. But now I find myself with no insurance and liable for an accident. What usually happens in this instance? What can I expect from here? What steps can i take to protect myself? Is this other guy totally screwed now too? I havent made much money the past few years but just got a decent job at a forest preserve and am just getting on my feet financially again and I feel like a real jackass right now. Im sure Im screwed, but I dont want this poor dude to be screwed also. If any one has any advice or knowledge on this, Id greatly appreciate it. Thanks reddit.  <response>: At the time, I thought my insurance policy was within the period of time where it could be reinstated and retroactively cover me my policy had went through the 23rd of December and I had reinstated a week or two late before with no trouble. Reinstatements are always contingent on you not having any claims during the lapse. This accident would have caused them to deny reinstating your policy. 