The benefits of uninsured motorist coverage

Drivers across the nation need car insurance in order to legally drive. However, some people do not have the coverage that is legally required. What does that mean for a person who gets into an accident with them?

This is where uninsured motorist coverage comes in handy. Without it, a driver might be left high and dry if they get into an accident with someone who does not have insurance. The Department of Motorized Vehicles states that these policies can be used to pay for damages that a driver or their passenger may suffer in an accident, even if the other party has no insurance. Damages can include lost wages, medical bills, and any loss that came from the pain and suffering brought on by the accident itself. These policies can also cover hit-and-run accidents, in the case of a driver never being found.

The Insurance Information Institute has solid reason to back up uninsured motorist coverage as well, with data that shows nearly one in every seven drivers does not have coverage. It was reported that 12.6 percent of drivers did not have insurance in 2012, meaning someone who got into an accident with one of them would be left having to foot their own medical expenses instead of being able to pull from the insurance of the other person.

In essence, uninsured motorist coverage acts as a safety net. A driver cannot control every outside aspect of being on the road. A driver can’t force every other driver to have insurance. However, a driver can take measures to protect themselves if they ever do happen to get into a crash with someone who won’t be able to pay for the damages.