In addition to your auto insurance coverage for property damage and personal liability, you may need to obtain coverage for uninsured motorists. Some states now require this type of coverage, and in general it might be wise to carry it anyway. Consider the scenario where you are involved in an automobile accident in which the motorist at fault carries no automobile insurance. It is probably the case that this driver is indigent and does not have the funds to personally compensate you for any damage to your automobile, much less medical expenses and loss time at work. It may be worth the extra cost to be prepared for that scenario, since so many people (14%) on the road today do not carry insurance.

Coverage

Automobile insurance coverage for the uninsured motorist covers things like hospitalization, pain and suffering, and emotional distress, but does not cover damage to your car. Property damage will be covered by your standard auto insurance policy. Neither would the uninsured motorist policy compensate for awards for civil wrongdoing. By paying the extra premium, you will be covered regardless of whether or not the other motorist has insurance: a small price to pay for those dependent on the head of the household and breadwinner. Uninsured motorist insurance also covers you in the event of a hit-and-run accident.

Duplicate Coverage

Many people ask why they need uninsured motorist coverage if they already have coverage for damage to their vehicle and coverage for injury. The answer involves the fact that most people choose to carry a $500 to $1000 deductible on their policies and also enroll in health plans which require co-payments. For a serious accident, the sum of these charges can be prohibitive. With uninsured motorist coverage being relatively inexpensive, your worries about deductibles and co-payments are neutralized.

The Uninsured And The Law

All states now require that motorists carry automobile insurance. It is a crime to operate a motor vehicle without the minimum automobile insurance set by each state. A few states now require that you also purchase uninsured motorist insurance. While this may seem comforting to the uninformed, research into the process of recovery in cases involving uninsured motorists reveals that receiving compensation can sometimes require legal assistance and patience. Remain vigilant of companies claiming you are "in good hands" or auto insurance companies with a gecko and other cuddly mascots. The best advice regarding the purchase of uninsured motorist coverage is to drive defensively, wear a seatbelt, and don't tailgate.