Uninsured Motorist Levels Are on the Rise
There’s another unfortunate side of the economic downturn that impacts every driver on the road: The number of underinsured motorists is expected to rise.
According to a recent study from Insurance Research Council, about one in six drivers across the United States may be driving uninsured, Minnesota’s most recent studies show 11.5% uninsured drivers. This means responsible drivers who purchase insurance may end up paying for injuries caused by uninsured drivers.
Drivers who get apprehended for driving without valid car insurance can face various consequences. Unfortunately, none of the consequences are severe and none of the consequences are actually a benefit to the crash victim. For example, in Minnesota, an uninsured driver may lose their license or be required to pay fines and penalties. However, that does little to help the victim of the accident pay for their medicals bills or fix their vehicle. The accident victim does have the right to personally sue the uninsured motorist in court. However, we typically find the drivers who can’t afford to purchase insurance have limited financial resources and are not worth pursuing in court since they are not collectible defendants.
You have the power to purchase insurance coverage to ensure your family is financially protected in the event you or a loved one falls victim to an accident caused by an uninsured driver. This insurance coverage will effectively stand in the shoes of the uninsured at-fault driver and compensate you for injuries and damages that would otherwise be owed to you by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
If you haven’t reviewed your coverages in the last two years, now is a good time to revisit your auto coverage to ensure you avoid extra costs after an accident. We’re happy to help – and we can often increase your coverages without a significant increase in premium. Just call Kristin at (763) 497-0722 or e-mail kristin@infinityinsmn.com.