Other driver had foreign ID and no license — how does this actually work with insurance?

The license issue is actually more separate from the insurance coverage question than most people think. When an insurer writes a policy, they're insuring the vehicle and the named driver — the fact that the license wasn't valid in this country doesn't automatically void the policy. What matters is whether the policy was active and the premiums were paid. I'd verify that the insurance card is current before assuming you're covered by their policy. Call the carrier directly to confirm the policy is in force.

Do NOT just start chatting with their insurance company before you know what you're dealing with. Adjusters are friendly right up until they're not. They'll get you on a recorded statement, you'll say something like 'I'm feeling okay I guess' and that becomes their evidence that you weren't really hurt. Protect yourself first.

I went through something weirdly similar — the other driver had an out-of-country license that wasn't valid here. Their insurance did end up covering the damage to my car, but it took way longer than a normal claim because the adjuster kept asking for extra documentation. Just be patient but persistent. Keep every single piece of paper you get.

Please go get checked out if you haven't already. That neck stiffness you're feeling two days later? That's pretty classic for whiplash and it can get significantly worse before it gets better. Don't wait until you're in real pain to establish a medical record. The fact that you're documenting symptoms now matters a lot — both for your health and for any claim.

Get a certified copy of that police report as soon as it's available — usually 5-7 business days depending on your jurisdiction. It should note the license violation, and that documentation is important to have in hand before any claims conversation. Also, photograph the insurance card they gave you if you haven't already, and look up the carrier's name independently to make sure it's a real company.

Two things right now: go to urgent care or your doctor today, and do not give a recorded statement to anyone yet. Everything else can wait 48 hours. Those two things cannot.

This sounds so stressful, I'm sorry you're dealing with it. The fact that your car isn't drivable and you're already hurting physically — that's a lot to handle all at once. Please don't feel like you have to figure all the legal stuff out this week. Take care of yourself first.