Uninsured Motorist Auto Insurance: Important Protection
June 26, 2010 by: Dan CarterAll states now require automobile insurance and it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle without the minimum insurance coverage set by each state. Still the reality is that there are many uninsured drivers on the road. So some states will require that you also purchase uninsured motorist insurance.
Uninsured drivers are ten times more likely to drink, then drive, and three times more likely to get a conviction for their negligent driving. Roughly 15% of drivers carry no insurance. So it is no surprise that one out of every ten drivers has been in an accident with a driver who is uninsured. So what must you do if this should happen to you, and how can you protect yourself in this event?
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.
Take notes about the scene of the accident, too, like where road signs were located, or what the lighting and weather were like. Write down what damage there was to the other car and whether that car had its lights on. More information is better than less. Get contact information from any witnesses present. If you have a camera handy, take pictures of the damage, and also try to get a picture of the other driver, since police might need it.
If you have a comprehensive auto insurance policy, your insurer will pay for your car to be repaired but you could lose your no claims discount. And then there’s the issue of your deductible (that’s the first part of the repair expense you have to pay for). You will pay that unless you have a policy that waives the deductible if you’re hit by an uninsured motorist.
Drivers that have their cars insured may carry just the minimum legal limit and this may be less than what is necessary to cover any damages in an accident which is their responsibility. Unless you have underinsured motorist insurance, in incidents where the at-fault driver cannot cover the left over expenses out of pocket, these expenses could be left with you.
The most advantageous approach is to drive defensively, always wear a seatbelt, and to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage with your vehicle insurance policy.
Despite state laws requiring driver’s to carry Auto Insurance, there are still drivers on the road with no insurance coverage at all. Because of these irresponsible drivers, many states now also require the additional purchase of protection from Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage.
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