SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Today's Why Guy question from Karen Kitchen, who asks, "Why is it the law to have auto insurance? Why do we have to pay premiums for uninsured motorists?"
Karen, not all drivers have uninsured motorist coverage, it’s another expense on top of your mandated auto insurance. But what if somebody without any auto insurance plows into you? Wouldn't you want protection? You are not required by law to carry uninsured motorists coverage. But, according to Nancy Goldberg spokeswoman of the California Department of Insurance, it is in your best interest to consider the coverage to protect you, the people in your vehicle and your vehicle.
"Estimates on uninsured motorists vary, but some put it as high as 20 percent," Goldberg said.
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Wow. One in five California drivers are driving rogue? Another reason why getting uninsured motorist coverage protects you financially should a person in your vehicle get hurt in a mishap with an uninsured driver. Its recommended that your uninsured motorist coverage mirror your collision coverage.
"Some people buy only the minimum uninsured coverage and if they're involved in a collision with an uninsured motorist, may find they don't have enough coverage to repair or replace their vehicle or cover medical expenses," Goldberg said.
I checked my own policy and found my uninsured coverage does mirror my collision coverage, $100,000/$300,000. The uninsured motorist coverage costs me $190 a year for two vehicles with GEICO.
By the way, some good news. If you get struck by a hit and run driver, that is covered under your own collision policy.
Continue the conversation with Walt the Why Guy on his Facebook page.
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