Uninsured drivers present financial risks

Accidents happen on Illinois roads, and some are the result of a driver’s negligence. Collisions leave people with injuries and damage, both costly outcomes. Often, an insurance claim covers the losses, although negotiations may be complicated. Things worsen when the liable party does not carry auto insurance, a common problem in the United States.

Drivers not carrying insurance

The Insurance Research Council released surprising figures about drivers who don’t carry auto insurance. Even with mandatory auto insurance laws in place, 12.6% of all drivers in the nation did not carry a policy in 2019. The average includes states with both high and low percentages of uninsured drivers.

Under Illinois law, drivers must carry an auto insurance policy with a specific minimum coverage. Still, many drivers don’t carry insurance, and state-mandated minimums might not cover the losses caused by a collision.

Options to deal with uninsured drivers

Anyone seeking to file a claim with an uninsured motorist could turn to his or her policy’s uninsured/underinsured coverage. Of course, the victim must carry an auto insurance policy and carry an appropriate amount. Perhaps now is the time to review the policy limits on uninsured/underinsured coverage to see if it is enough.

Suing uninsured drivers after a motor vehicle accident might be possible. However, uninsured drivers may have few assets. So, uninsured/underinsured claims seem more workable.

Whether filing a liability or uninsured motorist claim, the victim might have some troubles with the insurance company. Not all insurance providers negotiate in good faith, and some may try to settle for an unreasonably low amount. Having someone best capable of negotiating a proper settlement could be wise.