It is unfortunate that auto insurance is not cheap, particularly for those with poor driving records or young drivers in the family. This expense is to be expected since the at-risk drivers are more likely to get involved in an accident. Nevertheless, the cost also pushes many drivers not to renew their policy. The upshot is that according to the Insurance Research Council, one in eight drivers on the road in 2019 were uninsured.
This is, of course, against the law. Moreover, these uninsured drivers also force law-abiding drivers to pay 13 $billion in 2016 (or about $78 per vehicle) to carry protection against uninsured and underinsured drivers (UMI) for bodily injuries and property damage. With Mississippi having the highest number with 29.4% and New Jersey having the lowest number with 3.1%., California ranks 10th highest with 16.6%. The national average was 12.6%.
What can victims do?
Those involved in a crash with an under or uninsured driver have two options. They can file a UMI claim with their insurance carrier. The victim should do this as soon as possible after the crash because insurance companies have time limits for making a claim. The carrier’s claims adjuster will then investigate the incident to determine damages and who is at fault. They may then deny the claim. The other option is to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. In either case, it may not be a straightforward resolution. Nonetheless, the victims may still get compensation for damages if they take them to court.