More Uninsured Motorists As Economy Weakens

There have always been uninsured motorists, and when they cause a collision you are on your own...unless you have uninsured motorist coverage.  Uninsured motorist coverage is required in policies issued in states like Tennessee, and if you have the misfortune to be in a wreck with someone who is uninsured, your insurance company steps in and acts as if they are the insurance company for the other driver, including hiring them an attorney if necessary.  In the end, you get paid for your medical expenses, lost income, and any other damages you are entitled to receive. That's a good thing.

The percentage of uninsured drivers nationwide is generally around 10%, but it can be as high as 25% or higher in states like Alabama, Mississippi, and California. Unfortunately the economy is affecting the number of uninsured drivers everywhere, with estimates running as high as 40%.  Times may be tough, but if you are in a wreck with an uninsured driver and you have no uninsured motorist coverage, the effect on you and your family could be catastrophic. If you have insurance, keeping it in tough economic times is important, and if you don't have uninsured motorist coverage, consider adding it.