Insure Yourself Against Uninsured Motorists on Our Highways

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 Coverage 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?

At the time of the accident you probably won’t know that the other driver is uninsured so you’ll need to respond in the normal way. Take notes of the other car’s make, model, license and registration number. Also be sure to note the other driver’s name and address (although he may not give his correct 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 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.

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.

Because of the many uninsured and underinsured drivers on the road, many states require drivers to buy Auto Insurance for protection from Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage.

- Dan Carter


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