Despite driving without insurance being illegal in many states, at least one in eight drivers was still uninsured in 2019. Not being insured means that if you cause an accident, you aren’t able to rely on an insurance company to cover accident-related costs. You must hope the victim has uninsured motorist insurance to cover their expenses. Serious repercussions may make you curious about why people actively choose to go without insurance. It’s often for some of these reasons:
They Think Other Motorists Will Have Enough Insurance
It can be a nerve-wracking process when you have to ask, ‘How much is my uninsured motorist claim worth?’ after an uninsured driver causes you to have an accident. Some people choose not to buy insurance when they think other motorists will have enough insurance to cover their own accident costs.
However, having uninsured motorist coverage doesn’t always mean a driver is fully protected. They often have to enlist the services of car accident attorneys to fight for their right to the compensation they deserve.
They Worry About the Cost
There’s no denying that insurance coverage costs money. You are typically required to pay a monthly premium as a ‘just in case measure’ for a possible accident. Some people also aren’t sure where they can receive affordable insurance policies. The costs associated with auto insurance are undoubtedly one of the most common reasons for not taking out a policy. As of 2023, the average annual car insurance policy was over $1,500.
Their Cars Are Low-Value
Some drivers may choose not to insure their vehicles when they view them as low-value. Given the average annual policy cost, it may make little sense to insure it. However, auto insurance isn’t just about protecting your own car. It’s about taking care of the people you hit in an accident. At a minimum, you should obtain liability insurance to ensure accident victims can receive the compensation they deserve.
They Don’t Think They’ll Crash
People rarely think they’ll be involved in a car accident. However, millions of drivers are involved in accidents every year. Motor vehicle accidents are also one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Despite these facts, some people won’t obtain auto insurance because they trust their driving abilities. They don’t think they’ll cause an accident or be involved in one. Therefore, they don’t need financial protection. Sadly, all it takes is one moment of inattention for an accident to happen.
They Don’t Use Their Vehicles Often
Insuring your car may make little financial sense if you’re not a regular driver. A few infrequent outings might make car ownership overly expensive. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect other drivers on the road. At a minimum, motorists should consider liability insurance. Alternatively, you might consider selling your car and borrowing one or using public transport if you don’t typically require a car to get around.
Auto insurance is crucial for protecting yourself and other motorists. It’s also a legal requirement in many states. If you haven’t yet purchased a policy, now might be the time to research your options. You may then enjoy fewer legal repercussions in the event of an accident.
