All states now require automobile insurance and it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle without the minimum insurance coverage set by each state. Still the reality is that there are many uninsured drivers on the road. So some states will require that you also purchase Uninsured Motorist Coverage.
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!
If you carry comprehensive auto insurance, then your insurance company will pay for all of the repairs to your car. However, you may lose any discounts that you receive for not filing claims and may have to cover a deductible before the insurance company pays for anything. If you are hit by an uninsured motorist, then you will have to pay the deductible unless your policy specifically waives that requirement.
Even drivers who have auto insurance sometimes only carry the minimum limits, which may not be enough to cover all of the damages in an accident for which they are responsible. If the at-fault driver cannot pay the out of pocket expenses for the damages that insurance doesn't cover, you will be left with the bill yourself unless you have Underinsured Motorist insurance.
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.
