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?
When the accident happens, you will not know if that other driver has insurance or not, so you must react normally. Take notes on the other car's model, make, registration number, and license. Also, note the driver's name and address- even though he might not give you all the right 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.
Drivers that have their cars insured may carry just the minimum legal limit and this may be less than what is necessary to cover any damages in an accident which is their responsibility. Unless you have underinsured motorist insurance, in incidents where the at-fault driver cannot cover the left over expenses out of pocket, these expenses could be left with you.
The most advantageous approach is to drive defensively, always wear a seatbelt, and to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage with your vehicle insurance policy.
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