Getting Protection from the Uninsured Motorists

According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), 14 percent of injuries to occupants of insured cars are the result of uninsured motorists. If an uninsured motorist is at fault in an accident, your own auto insurance will not cover your injuries or property damage, unless you have uninsured motorist coverage.

Liability Insurance and State Law

The IRC estimates that one in seven motorists nationwide do not have auto insurance. In many states, this places them in direct conflict with state laws requiring that motorists have sufficient auto and liability insurance coverage. Different states require different levels of auto insurance coverage.
 
An uninsured motorist may be subject to a number of penalties if caught driving without auto insurance. Possible penalties include civil lawsuits seeking compensation for injuries or damaged property, or criminal lawsuits that may result in severe fines or imprisonment.
 
Other common penalties for driving without liability insurance include revoked licenses, suspended licenses, and vehicle impoundment. In addition, auto insurance companies will be unwilling to insure a motorist who caused an accident while driving without liability insurance coverage.

Uninsured Motorist Rates by State

According to the IRC, Colorado recently had the highest rate of uninsured motorists, amounting to 32 percent of drivers. The lowest incidence of uninsured motorists occurred in Maine, with only four percent driving without liability insurance.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of liability insurance that protects you against accidents involving uninsured motorists or involving hit-and-run drivers. Unlike regular liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage protects you, rather than other people. Uninsured motorist coverage will pay for property damage caused by an uninsured motorist.
 
To be completely covered against the actions of an uninsured motorist, you should also have collision or comprehensive coverage. Additional medical coverage may be required to cover injuries, medical bills, or lost wages. The deductible for uninsured motorist insurance is generally lower than for liability insurance.
 
If this seems like you're paying for the irresponsible actions of the uninsured motorist, you're quite right. Both you and your auto insurance company have the option of seeking compensation from the uninsured motorist in the courts. Uninsured motorist coverage ensures that you will receive compensation for injuries or damages quickly, without having to wait for a decision in any related legal proceedings.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage is similar to uninsured motorist coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the other driver has insufficient liability insurance to pay for the costs of injuries or damage. While many states require drivers to buy insurance, the minimum amount required by law may be insufficient to cover the cost of a serious accident. If you have underinsured motorist insurance, your insurance company will cover the amount that is owed to you.