Virtually all vehicles on the road have auto insurance protection for at least bodily injury or property damage suffered by others. Having a driver’s license is not mandatory for auto insurance because some people buy cars, insure them, and have someone else drive. But auto insurance for no driver’s license holders could be costly. That is because insurers like to know that you are not a high risk.
Am I required to have car insurance? Yes. Every state requires at least minimal insurance to protect others against the costs of bodily injuries or property damage. You also could purchase full coverage insurance that protects your vehicle against damage from collisions, theft, vandalism, and other commonly encountered perils.
Can I drive my car without insurance? Unfortunately, no. You may not legally drive your car without at least the state-mandated minimum amount of coverage required for road travel.
Can I get a ticket for not having insurance? Yes. You could get a ticket and be fined for driving without state-mandated auto insurance coverage. Some locales also might impound your uninsured vehicle. So it always pays to have an automotive insurance plan that protects you against financial liability for accidents.
While it is not a crime to drive without auto insurance, it is illegal and could cost drivers a lot more than actual auto insurance would have cost to avoid fines and possible vehicle impoundment. A good auto insurance agent can help drivers to find the best possible coverage for the most reasonable rates available for state-mandated liability coverages.
Liability insurance pays for any damages and injuries that might occur in an accident in which you are at fault. Many states also require auto insurers to automatically include uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage, but you can refuse it and get a more accurate insurance payment that fits your budget.
You could get full coverage for your vehicle to add to insurance policy protection for liability. Full coverage includes accidental damage car insurance protection for your vehicle. That is called collision coverage and usually is paired with comprehensive damage protection to provide you with full coverage protection.
Full coverage and other add on insurance can give you a variety of insurance protection, including road service, towing and even limited medical insurance that could pay for an ambulance ride and emergency room costs that your health insurance might not cover up to policy limits.
Being on the road driving exposes you to high risks of accidents. Regardless of your driving skills, an accident may occur. It is, therefore, necessary to get your car insured to avoid incurring high costs after an accident. In the internet age, receiving an insurance quote is as easy as inquiring about online platforms. Most insurance agents have invested in social media platforms.
Auto insurance offers liability insurance that protects you in case of an accident. The cost of insurance deflates over time. Auto insurance, therefore, prevents you from incurring high costs in the future. Failure to have insurance may lead to court processes.
Avoid wasting time in court after an accident by getting your vehicle insurance. To get an auto insurance agent near you, consider asking for recommendations from people you may know that have cars. Almost every car owner has insurance. Conduct prior research to understand the auto insurance package before engaging in it.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 211 million licensed drivers in the United States. Americans use their vehicles to get to and from work, to take well-earned vacations, and to have nights out with friends and family. Naturally, with all of this driving, car accidents are going to happen. The Census Bureau puts annual car accident totals at approximately 10.8 million.
Is It Legally Required for You to Have Auto Insurance?
With the staggering amount of auto accidents in the U.S. every year, most minor but many resulting in the need to hire an injury accident attorney, one of the most common questions asked through Google and of auto accident injury attorneys is whether you have to have auto insurance in the United States. The answer, however, is complicated. You’ll need some insurance, but the type you need, whether it’s bodily injury, uninsured motorist, or otherwise, varies depending on where you live.
In Missouri, for example, you need bodily injury and physical damage liability insurance or uninsured motorist coverage to legally operate a motor vehicle, according to cars.com. In some states, like New York, if you are found operating a motor vehicle without insurance, you will have your license immediately revoked for up to a year. Further, combined financial penalties for driving while uninsured are more than $2,250.
What Are the Benefits of Maintaining Auto Insurance?
Beyond the immediate legal and financial ramifications of operating a vehicle without insurance, there are some definite disadvantages to not having insurance. As any auto accident injury attorneys can tell you, operating without insurance can be a great way to ruin your life. Avoid that fate and other issues by getting insurance; you’ll gain the following benefits:
- Liability Coverage
As About.com writes, having liability insurance is absolutely essential, unless you plan on literally never driving again. Whether you’re driving your friend’s vehicle as a designated driver after a party or you need to race someone to the hospital, liability insurance can protect you in the event of an accident.
- Getting Insurance Now Means Lower Rates Later
Did you know that when you first get auto insurance, you’re assigned a “high risk” status? Over time, if you prove you’re a safe driver, the cost of insurance will deflate, even if you never drive. However, if you put off having insurance until you own your own vehicle, you’re going to have much higher premiums at a time when you might actually need insurance. Subsequently, it’s better to get auto insurance early.
- Avoid Court After Damage or Medical Injury
Not having bodily injury or physical damage insurance is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re going to need auto accident injury attorneys following an accident. As The Wall Street Journal points out, having PDI and BI may cover tens of thousands of dollars of medical and repair bills, for both yourself and the other party, in the event of an accident. If you don’t have insurance, chances are good you’re going to be heading to court and seeing a good chunk of your bank account disappear.
As you can see, not every state has the same mandates when it comes to auto insurance. However, keeping at least some insurance is the best thing you can do for your physical and financial health. If you don’t have auto insurance, why are you leaving your life to chance? References: St. louis personal injury lawyer
