Problems With Uninsured Motorists
The Insurance Research Council estimates that one in six drivers in the United States is driving uninsured. This has big financial consequences for national and local economies, especially for drivers who are insured. Uninsured motorists present a number of problems that cause headaches for law-abiding motorists, insurers and law enforcement.
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Financial Burden
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Insured motorists must bear the financial burden of all costs uninsured motorists create. Because uninsured motorists are typically unable to pay for damage caused in accidents, insured motorists have to pay higher premiums and rates. They must also pay for injuries caused by drivers with no insurance.
Necessitates Extra Coverage
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Most insurance companies provide uninsured motorist coverage in case you are struck by an uninsured by driver, but that means adding extra costs to your insurance bill to protect yourself from an irresponsible person who is violating the law by not driving with insurance. Also, though you may be protected from the brunt of the costs of being struck by an uninsured driver, you may still have to pay a steep deductible in the case of an accident that is not your fault.
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Insured Drivers Must Foot the Bill
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If you don't have uninsured motorist coverage and you get hit by a driver without insurance, you may be stuck with the bill. You may be stuck trying to collect damages personally from the person who is at fault. While you may have the law on your side, this may be very difficult to do as many people who are uninsured often don't have the money to pay the heavy costs of vehicle damage and medical costs. And, even if they do have the funds, they may make life very difficult for you in trying to get them to pay up.
Law Enforcement Taxed
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Uninsured motorists tie up local law enforcement, which must divert time to enforcing laws that require insurance. Some cities have vehicles towed if the driver doesn't have insurance. This leads to lots of time spent calling wreckers, waiting for them to show up and then doing the paperwork.
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References
- Winzer: Interpersonal Conflict and Effective Communication
- Rockford Register Star: Our View: Towing Uninsured Drivers' Cars Creates More Problems
- Car Accident Attorneys: If I Am Hit by an Uninsured Driver Can I Get Compensation from My Own Insurance Company?
- Expert Law: Uninsured Drivers and Car Accidents
- Insurance Research Council: Economic Downturn May Push Percentage of Uninsured Motorists to All-Time High
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