If you haven’t bought car insurance before, you might think that the whole matter is a little overrated. What’s the worst that could happen if you’re not extra prepared, right? Well, a lot. While it might seem like a luxury, insurance is a necessity because driving without it poses a huge financial risk. Not to mention, regardless of how careful you are, anything can happen while driving because you simply can’t control other drivers. That said, if you’re still considering skipping insurance shopping, here are four points that might change your mind.
1. You’ll Be Risking A Fine
Not everyone is familiar with the fact that driving without insurance is illegal in all but two states. While the penalty differs from one state to another, you’re looking at a minimum fine of up to $750. In some states, like Wyoming and South Dakota, you could be risking jail time. In other states, you might have your license/registration suspended and your vehicle impounded. Even if you weren’t stopped by the cops, there’s a big chance you’ll get caught by the state’s verification system. You must be wondering why there are such serious consequences and heavy penalties for a seemingly harmless choice. Early on, the state recognized that automobiles result in many negative externalities, as an accident can cost society members their lives. To restore balance, insurance was made mandatory to ensure that every driver has the financial means to pay for the damages they might cause.
2. Keep It For Emergencies
What if you were driving a car that isn’t yours? Can you do that, to begin with? The answer is a little more complicated to be reduced to “yes” or “no”. On one hand, it’s not illegal to drive someone else’s car without insurance, but on the other hand, it is highly not recommended. If you drive another person’s car with their permission, you should be covered under their insurance policy. However, if the damages exceed a certain amount stated in the policy, their insurance company will only partially cover the damages. Another exception is people with whom you share a household, as it might signify that you’re a regular driver of the vehicle. Unless you’re included as a driver on their policy, the company can refuse to cover the damages. All in all, if you don’t have non-owner car insurance, it’s advised that you only drive other people’s cars if you must.
3. You Might Be At Fault
One thing that people rarely consider before rejecting insurance is that they might be the ones at fault. We mainly think about accidents from the victim’s point of view. The truth is, you’re just as likely to be at fault as you are to be a victim. Sometimes, it’s not even a matter of who was at fault, but of who has the better lawyer. By proving that you simply weren’t paying attention, thus weren’t as able to react, they might turn the tables on you. You could also mistakenly assume responsibility through no fault of your own if you incriminate yourself in the police report. Regardless of how it happens, prudence dictates that you consider yourself at risk of paying for any and all damage that might incur due to an accident. These damages could exceed the average $3000, and that’s without counting any physical damages to the driver’s person, not to mention, the passengers, too.
4. It’s Unsafe
Whether you’re at fault or not, why would you ever want to drive around with a metaphorical knife aimed at your heart? Driving without insurance is nothing short of unnecessary risk. Not just a financial one, but a physical one. If you were injured in an accident, who do you expect to pay the medical bills? Granted, minor injuries aren’t a problem, but what about major injuries? Surgeries, scans, medications, and hospital stays can quickly pile up, leaving you in a tough position with a lot of debt. Why force yourself to choose between your physical and financial well-being?
Despite the many warnings, this article isn’t meant to scare you, but to bring you the whole picture. Having insurance is similar to having a phone case/cover. While protected, a phone rarely falls, but have you ever removed your cover, then realized how many close calls you’d been avoiding just because your phone was protected? Insurance will cost you a little each month, but it won’t harm you. Meanwhile, driving uninsured is guaranteed to harm you. If not as a result of an accident, then as a result of you getting caught driving without insurance. Again, why take an unnecessary risk?
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