When it comes to paying the bill for your car damages or to fight for you against the other insurance company, don't expect your insurance company to reinstate you expired policy and do that for you. No way will they do that. They may reinstate your policy for a hefty fee, but they won't pay for your accident or fight the other insurance company after the fact, no matter who was at fault...they are not liable....you are. If you were irresponsible enough to allow your car insurance to expire, then you have to accept the consequences now.

If you reinstate your insurance policy, you can ask them what you should expect to happen with the insurance company for the other driver. They will have the experience, in your state, to know what the usual outcome will be.

Whatever the outcome is you'll have to work your way through it. Chalk this situation up to be one of life's experiences, learn from it, and maybe you will be more "on top" of your responsibilities in the future....so you will feel more protected.