| Uninsured Motorists On Our Highways |
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| Written by Dan Carter |
| Sunday, 04 July 2010 16:53 |
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Every state requires drivers to carry some kind of auto insurance, with the minimum required amount determined by each individual state. However, there are many drivers out there who carry no insurance at all. Many states recognize this and require drivers to buy uninsured motorist insurance as well.
Every state requires drivers to carry some kind of auto insurance, with the minimum required amount determined by each individual state. However, there are many drivers out there who carry no insurance at all. Many states recognize this and require drivers to buy uninsured motorist insurance as well. Uninsured motorists are ten times more likely to drink and drive and three times more likely to be convicted of negligent driving. About 15 percent of drivers do not carry insurance. So it's not surprising that, one in ten of all drivers have been involved in accidents with uninsured drivers. So what should you do if this happens to you and what can you do to protect yourself? When the accident happens, you will not know if that other driver has insurance or not, so you must react normally. Take notes on the other car's model, make, registration number, and license. Also, note the driver's name and address- even though he might not give you all the right details. Also note the damage to the other car and the accident scene. Remember to record road signs and markings, light and weather conditions and whether the other car had its lights on. The more detail you can record, the better. If you are fortunate enough to have an independent witness get their full contact details. And if you also happen to have a camera with you, take lots of pictures (try to get one with the other driver clearly in the picture). The police might have use for that one! If you carry comprehensive auto insurance, then your insurance company will pay for all of the repairs to your car. However, you may lose any discounts that you receive for not filing claims and may have to cover a deductible before the insurance company pays for anything. If you are hit by an uninsured motorist, then you will have to pay the deductible unless your policy specifically waives that requirement. Many drivers with auto insurance carry the smallest amount permitted by law, which may be insufficient to cover the damages caused by a major car wreck. If a driver at fault cannot pay for the out of pocket expenses resulting from an accident that he caused, you will need to carry Underinsured Motorist insurance. Otherwise, you could be saddled with the bills. The best advice is to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage with your auto policy and to be alert, drive defensively and wear a seatbelt. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. If the at-fault driver cannot pay for the damages that insurance doesn't cover, you will be left with the bill yourself unless you have Underinsured Motorist Insurance. Protect your finances with Uninsured Motorist Insurance. |