Debt Consolidation

All 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 Coverage.

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 an accident happens, it’s hard to know whether or not the other driver has insurance. You should respond the way you would to any accident. Write down as much information as you can about the other car, like make and model, and license and registration numbers. Get the other driver’s information as well, keeping in mind that he might not be telling the truth.

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 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.

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.

When you buy your auto insurance policy, the best thing you can do is purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. When you are driving, be alert, drive defensively, and always wear your seatbelt.

Despite state laws for for all 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..

- Dan Carter

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