Despite state law and regulation for all driver’s to carry adequate liability insurance, there are still those drivers on the road with no insurance coverage at all. Due to this negligence on the part of irresponsible drivers, many states now also require the additional purchase of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
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!
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.
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 Motorists.
Tags: auto insurance, car, car insurance, comprehensive auto insurance, finance, insurance, underinsured motorist insurance, uninsured driver insurance coverage, uninsured motorist insurance, vehicle, vehicle insurance