Uninsured Motorist Auto Insurance Provides Protection

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?

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).

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!

Comprehensive auto insurance will provide the protection of your insurer to pay for your car repair, minus the deductible. However, if your claim is as a result of damage caused by a uninsured or underinsured motorist, you might be able to have that repair deductible waived by your insurance company. Regardless of the scenario, however, you might lose your no claims discount.

Even drivers who have auto insurance sometimes only carry the minimum limits, which may not be enough to cover all of the damages in an accident for which they are responsible. If the at-fault driver cannot pay the out of pocket expenses for the damages that insurance doesn’t cover, you will be left with the bill yourself unless you have Underinsured Motorist insurance.

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.