You may think you’re slick, managing to ride under the radar being an uninsured driver – but it is a very, very bad idea.

You’re breaking the law and endangering yourself and those around you – but you’re likely aware of all that, and it hasn’t stopped you. So let me appeal to what obviously takes over common sense in your world: Cash.
News Flash: Whatever it is you think you’re saving by skipping insurance – is nothing compared to what you stand to lose.

Is Driving Uninsured Really Worth It?

What you will spend in a single fender-bender-gone-bad is greater than you’d likely pay for a lifetime of car insurance.

When caught you’ll not only face fines -- if it happens in the event of an accident – you’ll be drowning in legal fees, damages and repairs. There’s nothing more appealing to an ambulance-chasing lawyer than helping a client sue an uninsured driver for all they’re worth.

You CAN Afford It

There are so many ways to get cheap car insurance. Although a bare bones policy may still not protect your assets, having the state required minimum is better than no insurance at all.

Here’s How:

• Shop for quotes online:

Go to an unbiased site like InsuranceRates.com and get at least 3 quotes. Some sites will only shop your quote around to companies they’re in business with, but going to an unbiased site that dangles your business in front of all the big companies will ensure you get the best deal.

• Choose the highest deductible:

This is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket if you get in a wreck – getting a high one is the quickest way to lower your rate.

You weren’t even planning on having insurance – let alone file a claim – so getting a high deductible should be no big deal, yet it’ll save you big bucks!

According to National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), going from a $250 to a $1000 deductible can save you up to 40% on your policy.

• Skip optional coverage:

If you’re simply looking to protect yourself from the law and lawsuits – not so much insuring your property against damage – then there may be no need to get collision and comprehensive.

• Drive less, pay Less:

Not driving frequently may be one of the reasons you decided to be an uninsured driver. Good news! A lot of insurance companies will give a discount to drivers who have a lower annual mileage than the average. So be sure to specify that when getting quotes.

There’s a lot of em’ out There

If you are injured in an accident, chances are one in seven the person responsible doesn’t have car insurance to cover it – that’s according to a study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) – which also claims the rates of uninsured motorist are on the rise from the staggering statistics below.

Estimated Percentage of Uninsured Drivers by State in 2004

Mississippi 26%
Oklahoma 15%
Virginia 10%
Alabama 25%
Rhode Island 14%
West Virginia 10%
California 25%
Wisconsin 14%
Pennsylvania 10%
New Mexico 24%
Arkansas 14%
South Carolina 10%
Arizona 22%
Hawaii 13 %
Georgia 10%
Tennessee 21%
Kansas 13 %
New Jersey 9%
Dist. of Col. 21%
Montana 12 %
Utah 9%
Florida 19%
Iowa 12%
Idaho 9%
Washington 18%
Oregon 12 %
South Dakota 9%
Nevada 17%
Missouri 12%
New Hampshire 9%
Michigan 17%
Maryland 12%
North Dakota 9%
Texas 16 %
Connecticut 12%
North Carolina 8%
Illinois 16 %
Kentucky 12%
Nebraska 8%
Indiana 16%
Delaware 12%
New York 7%
Ohio 15 %
Wyoming 11%
Massachusetts 6%
Alaska 15%
Minnesota 10%
Vermont 6%
Colorado 15%
Louisiana 10 %
Maine 4%

Source: Insurance Research Council

Already Got It? CYA From Those who Don’t

Just because you have car insurance doesn’t mean you’ll be covered if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t.

That’s what uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is for.

Uninsured motorist coverage: will reimburse the policyholder, a member of the family or anyone you allow to drive the insured car if they’re hit by an uninsured driver or hit-and-run driver.

Underinsured motorist coverage: will protect you when an at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for your losses. This coverage will also protect you if you’re hit while a pedestrian.