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 2nd or 3rd
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.
