Uninsured Motorists Penalties and Costs

Uninsured Motorists Take Big Risks

Why are there still so many uninsured motorists on U.S. streets and highways? Enforcement of driving financial responsibility laws has been stepped up in a huge way, but the problem still persists. Uninsured drivers can cost everybody money, but they are really mostly risking grave financial and legal trouble for themselves.

Drivers without minimum required liability insurance could face problems in three major areas. Few drivers without the money to get legally required coverage can afford to have any of these big problems either.

• ·         Breaking the law: Fines, jail time, etc.

• ·         Uninsured Drivers are still responsible for damages and injuries they cause

• ·         Loss of license, auto registration, and even vehicles

Meanwhile, recent surveys have demonstrated that one in seven U.S. drivers may be operating vehicles without required minimum liability insurance. See uninsured motorist penalties in each U.S. state here.

Legal Problems For Drivers Without Insurance

Each US state has different rules and penalties. These range from traffic tickets and fines to actual jail time. Most states tend to be milder on first offenses, but really escalate penalties after a 2^nd or 3^rd violation. It would be difficult to handle a fine for a person who says they cannot afford required coverage. It would be even more difficult to handle a jail sentence or the loss of a vehicle!

Lawsuits for Property Damages and Injuries 

The real threat is the one that uninsured motorists seldom consider. If a driver causes a car accident, he is still responsible for any property damage or injuries. . It is easy to see that even minor accidents can run up thousands of dollars in property damage. Major accidents could easily run up many thousands of dollars in property damages and medical bills. It is unlikely that a driver who does not have required minimum liability insurance will be able to pay these bills, but he can still be sued for claims!

If the at-fault motorist does not have coverage, his assets and even future income could be at risk without coverage. These claims will be piled on top of other legal problems for not having required coverage. It will not look good to a judge a jury if the defendant did not bother to insure his car even according to legal requirements. 

Uninsured Motorists Could Lose Their Driving Privileges, Vehicles, Etc.

Some locales will impound uninsured cars. In this case the vehicle owner will need to pay storage fees, tickets, and produce proof of insurance before he can get his car back! 

Is Auto Liability Insurance Expensive? 

Here’s the thing. When surveyed, most uninsured motorists said they lacked coverage because it was: 

• ·         Too expensive

• ·         Couldn’t afford it

But you have to assume that these same respondents really cannot afford to drive without coverage either. 

Can You Afford to Drive Without Insurance? 

Driving without required coverage is very risky. Uninsured drivers can face fines, jail time, loss of their driving privileges, and even large legal claims. Is liability insurance expensive? Actually liability insurance may be a bargain compared to driving without it!

It is fairly easy to find out how much coverage will cost you. Simply pick up the phone and call a local agent or use an online quote form to get competitive quotes.

Who Needs Auto Policies?

You Need An Auto Policy!

When you add up all of your expenses, it may be very tempting to cut out some intangibles like auto insurance. However, you may find yourself in a lot of trouble if you are tempted to cut out an auto policy. In fact, you may not even do so well if you reduce your coverage - even though you are still conforming with the law and other agreements you have!

In most US states you must have some coverage to be a legal driver.

In an effort to insure US drivers, many of these states are getting a lot tougher on uninsured motorists today.


Do you still have a vehicle loan?

If so, your lender probably requires you to carry full coverage because they want to protect their investment too.

Many people really owe more on their autos than they actually "own" their autos. You can understand the lender's point of view. If you do wreck your car, you could find yourself in hot water if that loan balance is not paid off promptly!

You may also need proof of an auto policy to:

• Renew your license or auto registration
• Get your car inspected
• Buy another new or used vehicle
  

Is The Premium The Problem?

Why not just use internet car insurance quotes? You can use a form that pulls information from a handful of insurers at the same time. This is a great way to do all of your shopping from your own computer. Then you can find a high qualify company with a good price for you!

We even provide you with 2 ways to compare car insurance on the Internet.

Safe Cars For Young Drivers

We found a great post on the safest cars for young drivers.

Why should you care about putting your teenage driver in a young car. Well, the right kind of ride can safe your young driver's life for one thing. Even if a car accident will not be that drastic, you will still save money on car insurance for teenage drivers with a safe car. Car insurance companies do car what type of car a young driver operates!

In general, insurance companies advise you to look for cars with moderate horsepower which do not encourage a young or impulsive driver to speed or accelerate quickly. Also, opt for a more stable car, not an SUV or pickup. And last, seat belts save lives! Make sure your teenage driver knows to buckle up!

Car Insurance For Young Drivers

Discount Car Insurance -- The True Cost

The true cost of discount car insurance may not be in the premiums. I just had a minor car accident, and I'm so happy that I did not succumb to the temptation to switch to a cheaper plan a few weeks ago! I have not had an accident for a long time, but I had been judged at fault in this one. Nobody was hurt, but my car had about $1500 of damage, plus the truck I backed into had some minor damage.

I kept my comprehensive coverage, despite the fact that my car is a few years old and paid for. (Yeah for paid off cars!). I also made sure my insurance covered a rental car for the time my own vehicle spent in the body shop. I did raise my deductible to $500 - but I knew that while the expense would annoy me, it was an amount I could afford.

Anyway, I got my car fixed with very little inconvenience. The adjuster even worked with me on the car rental situation because I planned to be on vacation for a few days after my car was scheduled to be fixed.

Now I could have saved $20 a month by switching to Brand X, but if I had given up my collision insurance and only kept liability that decision would have cost me $1000! In addition, I would not have had rental car coverage, so I would have been without wheels or spent another $400 on a rental myself.

I would have to pay premiums for several months to save $1400! Think about your situation before you cut out benefits to save a few dollars every month!

If you are unhappy with your current car insurance, or if you want to find a high quality insurance plan for less, get free online car insurance quotes!